ECAR Fact Sheet for Missouri
Batteries

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

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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

Because batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid, lead-acid battery disposal is fully regulated as a hazardous waste management activity. When intact lead-acid batteries are recycled, the handling requirements are relaxed, but the batteries are still subject to limited hazardous waste regulations. This fact sheet will tell you:

• How to determine whether spent batteries should be considered a hazardous waste.
• What you need to do to handle batteries in compliance with the rules that apply to you.

Regulations

In the state of Missouri, it is illegal to knowingly place a used lead-acid battery in a solid waste disposal area, discard or otherwise dispose of a lead-acid battery. Lead-acid batteries must be sent to a permitted recycling or resource recovery facility or to the agent of a battery wholesaler or manufacturer for delivery to a permitted secondary lead smelter. However, if you dispose of them, then you must follow the hazardous waste regulations.

Storage Requirements.  If you store batteries, it must be in a way that protects human health and the environment. It is important to store batteries so that cracking and leaking is prevented.

• Store batteries indoors or under cover to keep them dry and prevent damage to the casings.
• Never store batteries near combustibles such as gasoline because of the risk of sparks caused by electrical discharge of batteries.
• Store batteries so that any leaking liquid will be caught and won't go onto the ground. The liquid inside batteries is sulfuric acid and it may contain dissolved lead and cadmium.
• Be sure you have procedures for handling spills and leaking batteries.

Improper storage practices can result in potential violations to the Federal Clean Water Act, as well as violations of state and local water quality laws.

Retailers of lead-acid batteries. If you sell lead-acid batteries at retail or offer lead-acid batteries for retail sale, you shall:

• Accept, at the point of transfer, in a quantity at least equal to the number of new lead-acid batteries purchased, used lead-acid batteries from customers, if offered by customers.
• Post written notice which must be at least four inches by six inches in size and must contain the universal recycling symbol and the following language:
  1. It is illegal to discard a motor vehicle battery or other lead- acid battery;
  2. Recycle your used batteries; and
  3. State law requires us to accept used motor vehicle batteries, or other lead-acid batteries for recycling, in exchange for new batteries purchased; and

• Manage used lead-acid batteries in a manner consistent with the requirements of the state hazardous waste law.

Wholesalers of lead-acid batteries.  If you sell new lead-acid batteries at wholesale, you shall accept, at the point of transfer, in a quantity at least equal to the number of new lead-acid batteries purchased, used lead-acid batteries from customers, if offered by customers. A person accepting lead-acid batteries in transfer from an automotive battery retailer shall be allowed a period not to exceed 90 days to remove lead-acid batteries from the retail point of collection.

Lead-acid battery retailers and wholesalers shall not hold used lead-acid batteries for more than 90 days without the approval of the department and shall store used lead-acid batteries in a manner which will protect human health and the environment.

Response to Releases. Should your batteries leak onto the ground, you must immediately contain all releases and determine whether any material resulting from the release is hazardous waste. If so, you must manage the hazardous waste in compliance with all applicable laws.

Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to battery management.

Missouri Lead-Acid Battery Regulations (260.260-260.266)

Missouri Hazardous Waste Requirements

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 battery storage 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. Batteries must be stored in a way that protects human health and the environment.  Store batteries indoors and under cover. Do not store by combustible materials. If acid leaks out of the batteries, treat the spilled acid as a hazardous waste.

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.

• Store batteries indoors or under cover to keep them dry and prevent damage to the casings.
• Never store batteries near combustibles such as gasoline because of the risk of sparks caused by electrical discharge of batteries.
• Store batteries so that any leaking liquid will be caught and won't go onto the ground. The liquid inside batteries is sulfuric acid and it may contain dissolved lead and cadmium.
• It is preferable that you store the batteries inside a well-ventilated area, on pallets and in an organized manner.
• Neutralize small spills with common baking soda, lime or cement. Wear eye protection and gloves. Contain the spill and manage it as hazardous waste.
• Use a wooden frame lined with heavy polypropylene or a small plastic swimming pool to store batteries. Check frequently for cracks or tears.
• If batteries are stored over asphalt or concrete, coat these surfaces with acid-resistant epoxy, fiberglass, plastic coating, or a polypropylene liner.
• Store leaking or cracked batteries in sealed, five-gallon plastic pails.
• Store batteries in an upright position to prevent leakage from vent holes.
• Do not stack batteries more than five high.
• When transporting lead-acid batteries, they should loaded to prevent them from short-circuiting, becoming damaged or leaking acid.
• Accumulate as few lead-acid batteries as possible.
• Ensure that you send your lead-acid batteries to permitted recyclers, wholesalers, brokers or other allowable facilities.
• Before you start collecting lead-acid batteries, arrange and know where they will be ultimately sent.
• Make sure you are in compliance will all local and fire department laws, as they may have restrictions on battery storage.
• Never drain the acid from the battery.
• Ensure that your employees are trained how to handle lead-acid batteries, specifically leaking batteries.
• Always use eye protection and gloves when handling lead-acid batteries.
• Always wash your hands after handling lead-acid batteries.

Contacts

1. For more information, contact the Missouri Hazardous Waste Program at 573-751-3176.
2. To report a spill or leak, call the 573-634-2436.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Waste

Other Relevant Resources

1. Missouri Vehicle Salvage Guidance Document

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