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ECAR
Fact Sheet for North Carolina
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 Battery components are toxic and corrosive. Lead and sulfuric acid can contaminate the air, soil and water. Direct contact with sulfuric acid can burn the skin and eyes. Because exposure to lead in the environment can pose a serious health hazard, used lead-acid batteries are hazardous and they have to be handled according to special rules. However, since they are very common items, and because they can be handled as self-contained units, they have been given a special designation, called "universal wastes. " By properly recycling your used lead-acid batteries, you can get something of a break from the otherwise very demanding rules that apply to most hazardous wastes. This fact sheet will tell you:
Some hazardous wastes are so common, they're practically universal. They're what state and federal environmental rules call "universal waste." The good news is that most of these wastes are easily recycled. And by managing an otherwise hazardous waste as a universal waste, businesses can streamline their hazardous waste reporting and manifesting requirements. The State of North Carolina has adopted the federal "universal waste" rules, which are applicable to auto recycling companies who receive and store batteries for recycling, but are not applicable to companies that reclaim batteries (covered under separate rules). Auto recyclers who receive, store, and send batteries off-site for recycle are "universal waste handlers." There are two groups of handlers, based on the amount of universal waste accumulated on-site at any one time:
Once you trigger the LQHUW status you remain a LQHUW for the rest of the calendar year. However, you re-evaluate your classification at the start of each calendar year. Battery Storage. Always store lead-acid batteries in a secured, covered location, that is designed to contain leaks and temperature extremes. Keep batteries away from open flames or other ignitable sources. Do not stack lead-acid batteries since they may crack and leak acid and other hazardous components, thereby incurring a potential expensive cleanup. Keep batteries off the ground to prevent them from coming in contact with water, which may result in contaminated runoff into creeks and streams. Do not store batteries around inside floor drains or outside stormdrains. Remember: universal waste is still hazardous waste and may not be disposed of in the garbage. Labeling and Marking. Waste batteries (i.e., each battery), or a container or tank in which the batteries are contained, must be labeled or marked clearly with any one of the following phrases: "Universal Waste -- Battery(ies)," or "Waste Battery(ies)," or "Used Battery(ies)." 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. Transportation. A transporter of universal waste is not required to get an identification number or required to obtain a hazardous waste transporter permit. A waste manifest is not required either, but a transporter must comply with all applicable US Department of Transportation (US DOT) regulations, including having the shipment properly packaged, labeled, marked, placarded, and transported with the proper shipping papers. Contact US DOT at (517) 377-1866 for more information. A transporter of universal waste is required to deliver the shipment to a universal waste handler, destination facility, or foreign destination. Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to battery management. North Carolina Standards for Universal Waste Handling 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 273- RCRA Standards for Universal Waste Management Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste Part 262 - 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 battery storage 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.
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