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ECAR
Fact Sheet for Minnesota
Regulations BACK to VIRTUAL TOUR The following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check on the status of the review process here. Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried to present a summary of the essential information on this topic, you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations, may apply to you. What You Need to Know Used lead-acid batteries, which contain lead and corrosive chemicals, pose very real pollution risks and special handling problems at salvage yards. Improperly managed and stored batteries are not only a safety hazard, but can pollute the environment if they crack and leak, particularly when stored outdoors and when subjected to freezing temperatures. If managed improperly, spent lead-acid batteries (SLABs) may leak or spill and cause lead and/or acid contamination of the soil and ground water. Persons who generate, collect or accumulate spent lead-acid batteries are responsible for proper storage and containment of leaks or spills. Storage. Spent lead-acid batteries (SLABs) may be store either indoors or outdoors. Indoors means in a building having a roof and at least three walls which are permanently attached to an impermeable floor which lies directly on the ground. Semitrailors and sheds without floors do not qualify as indoors. Indoor Storage. Store SLABs on a non-reactive, curbed and impermeable surface. If your storage area has a floor drain, place the batteries in a plastic tub or other container that will provide adequate containment of a spill or leak. Outdoor Storage. In addition to storing SLABs on a non-reactive, curbed and impermeable surface, construct the outdoor storage area in a way that will prevent rain, snow, and draining water from entering. Inspecting Batteries. Inspect batteries regularly for crack or leaks. SLABs stored outdoors have a greater possibility of cracking and leaking due to freezing and thawing, and should be inspected more often. Place cracked or leaking batteries in an acid-resistant, leakproof, closed container. Small spills and leaks may be neutralized with lime, cement or another caustic. Contain the spill material and manage it as a hazardous waste. Recycling and Record Keeping. Recycle spent batteries by sending them to a reclaimer. Batteries going to a reclaimer may be picked up by a battery hauler, a battery supplier or transported by the generator. When transporting spent lead-acid batteries, you do not need to use a hazardous waste manifest. Persons who transport or reclaim spent lead-acid are subject to additional requirements. At least 75 percent of the batteries you accumulate each year must be sent to a reclaimer. If you do not recycle at least 75 percent of your batteries, you will be subject to additional storage requirements. Keep records to demonstrate that you are recycling. See the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) fact sheet on spent lead-acid batteries for a sample log. In Greater Minnesota, recycled SLABs do not need to be reported on hazardous waste license applications. If batteries are your only hazardous waste, you do not need a hazardous waste generator license. However, many metropolitan areas require that SLABs be reported also require a hazardous waste generator license. Check with your county office. Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to battery management. Minnesota Hazardous Waste Rules Federal EPA Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things he or she checks to see if you are in compliance with environmental regulations. It makes good sense for you to perform a "self-audit" and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties. Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits (see Audit Policy Page). Use the following list to audit your used battery storage areas and management procedures.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) Most regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but they don’t explain how to do it. That’s where "best management practices" come into play. BMPs are proven methods that help you to get into compliance and stay there. The following BMPs are recommended for battery storage areas and management procedures.
For more information, contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Regional Office closest to you:
*Report petroleum and fuel spills of five or more gallons, and any other chemical spill (including lead-acid batteries) which may cause pollution, to the State Duty Officer at 651-649-5451 or 1-800-422-0798.
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