ECAR Fact Sheet for Minnesota
Batteries

Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources

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.

Regulations

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

Self-Audit Checklist

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.

1. All battery handlers are required to manage the batteries and other solid waste generated from battery activities according to specific parameters and procedures. Verify that batteries are managed in a way that prevents releases of any batteries or battery components to the environment. Verify that batteries that show evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable condition are stored in a container. Verify that containers are closed, structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the battery, and lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage.
2. Are at least 75 percent batteries being recycled? If you do not recycle at least 75 percent of your batteries, you will be subject to additional storage requirements.

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.

• Use an authorized recycler.
• Indoor storage is recommended for lead-acid batteries.
• Store batteries on an acid resistant rack or tub.
• Batteries stored outside should be stored on impermeable surfaces such as concrete and should have secondary containment. Also, it is recommended that batteries be covered to prevent acid run off.
• Keep a neutralizing agent, such as baking soda, nearby in case of leaks or spills. If a spill does occur, the waste must be treated as a hazardous waste.
• When stacking batteries, make sure they are stored so that any fluid from leaking batteries will not be released into the environment.
• Electrolyte fluid in spent batteries contains enough lead to qualify it as a hazardous waste. This fluid, if discharged onto the ground, will likely make the soil which absorbs it a hazardous waste. Remove batteries before crushing any vehicles.
• Test batteries to determine usability or resale quality.
• If lead-acid batteries are recharged for resale, remove lead cable ends from batteries, store lead parts in a covered container that is strong enough to hold the weight of the lead and recycle the lead with a reputable recycler.
• If spent lead-acid batteries are going to be recycled as scrap batteries, leave lead battery cable ends attached to the scrap batteries.
• Check batteries for leaks, cracks, etc. prior to storing.
• Place cracked or leaking batteries in a closed, watertight, acid resistant storage container.

Contacts

For more information, contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Regional Office closest to you:

1. Northeast Region (Duluth) 218-723-4660.
2. North Central Region (Brainerd) 218-828-2492.
3. Northwest Region (Detroit Lakes) 218-847-1519
4. Southwest Region (Marshall) 507-537-7146.
5. Southeast Region (Rochester) 507-285-7343.

*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.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Waste

Other Relevant Resources

1. Lead-Acid Batteries Audit Checklist
2. Lead-acid Batteries, Requirements for Generators [#4.06] (rev. 6/03)
3. Battery Sign

BACK to VIRTUAL TOUR