ECAR Fact Sheet for New Hampshire
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

An estimated 400,000 used motor vehicle batteries are discarded in New Hampshire each year. These include lead-acid batteries used in cars, trucks, motorcycles and recreational vehicles.  An average motor vehicle battery contains sulfuric acid and 18 to 20 pounds of lead.

Landfilling and incineration of these batteries could pose a serious threat to the health and the environment because of the lead they contain. Lead, a toxic heavy metal, may leach from batteries disposed of in unlined landfills and contaminate ground water and surface water.  If incinerated in a municipal solid waste incinerator, volatilized lead from batteries may be released via flue gases and also remain in the resultant bottom ash. 

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, however, 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.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage lead-acid batteries. Much of the information found in the guidance document is included in the fact sheet below. You can access the DES Management of Used Motor Vehicle Batteries manual at http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/factsheets/sw/documents/sw-4.pdf

Regulations

Since January 1, 1991, New Hampshire law has prohibited the disposal of lead-acid batteries in solid waste landfills or incinerators in the State. The law encourages the recycling of lead-acid batteries.

You may choose to manage your spent lead-acid batteries under the "Universal Waste" rule, which is a special EPA designation. EPA developed universal waste regulations to encourage recycling of certain specific wastes. These rules are less demanding than the hazardous waste rules.

If the battery is cracked or leaking, the acid must be collected and managed as a hazardous waste. Batteries that are to be disposed of. rather than reused or recycled, are fully regulated as hazardous waste.

Lead-acid motor vehicle batteries may be managed under Env-Hw 809 of the Hazardous Waste Rules or under the Universal Waste Rule. For in depth information, please refer to the DES fact sheet "Universal Waste" Batteries: Management Requirements for Handlers and Transporters. http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/factsheets/hw/documents/hw-18.pdf

Self-Audit Checklist

"Self-Audits" can and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties. Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits (see Audit Policy Page). Following are questions typical of a self-audit for used battery management.
Has the facility ensured that batteries are:

1. Removed from end-of-life vehicles for recycling?
2. Stored in an upright position?
3. Stored under cover to keep them dry?
4. Stored over an impervious spill containment surface and are never stored over bare ground?
5. Stacked no more than five high?
6. Separated by cardboard or another non-conductive spacer to provide stability and prevent the terminal poles from puncturing the battery above when stacked in layers?
7. Placed in a closed,leak proof, acid proof container—for example, a covered five gallon plastic bucket—with a neutralizing agent, such as baking soda, in the bottom if they are discovered to be cracked or leaking?
8. Sent to a reputable recycling facility on a regular basis?

For more information on audit procedures, see the Motor Vehicle Salvage Yard Compliance Manual and Self-Audit Checklist. http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/publications/wmd/documents/wmd-07-1.pdf

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Starting in 2007, state law (RSA 236:111- 129) requires all motor vehicle recyclers to certify in their application for a town-issued auto recyclers license that their salvage yard complies with the following best management practices (BMPs) established by the N.H. Department of Environmental Services (DES).

• Remove batteries from vehicles soon after they arrive at the facility.
• Test batteries to determine whether they can be recharged and reused, or must be sent to a scrap processor for recycling.
• If the battery is to be scrapped, leave the lead cable ends attached. If it will be recharged and reused, remove the lead cable ends and place cable ends in a container for recycling.
• Store batteries in either a closed, leak-proof, acid-proof container or over a coated concrete, asphalt, or other non-reactive impervious surface.
• Store batteries indoors if possible. If stored outdoors, cover the area to keep rainwater from collecting or running off.
• Stack batteries no more than five high. Place heavy cardboard or wood between each layer of batteries to provide stability and to prevent terminal posts from puncturing the battery above.
• Store batteries in an upright position to prevent leaks from vent holes. Make sure the cell plugs are in place and locate batteries so that side post terminals do not touch each other.
• Do not overfill storage containers. Batteries on the bottom may be crushed and the storage containers may become difficult to move.
• Spread neutralizers, such as lime or baking soda, in the bottom of battery storage bins to help neutralize any spilled battery acid.
• Place cracked or leaking batteries in a closed, leak proof, acid proof storage container, with a neutralizer in the bottom. Five-gallon buckets work well.
• Wear gloves and goggles when handling batteries. If you get battery acid on yourself, wash or flush the area with water immediately and seek medical attention. Put baking soda on clothes where battery acid has splashed.
  
• Clearly label or mark each battery or container of waste batteries with any one of the following phrases: "Universal Waste – Battery (ies)," "Waste Battery (ies), " or "Used Battery (ies)."
• Never stand near an uncapped battery while a motor vehicle is running and keep all sources of fire, including cigarettes and other smoking materials, away from batteries. Batteries produce explosive gases that are easily ignited.
• Inspect batteries and storage areas at least weekly for leaks and cracks.
• Manage all spilled materials and absorbents as hazardous waste.
• Do not drain batteries onto the ground or into a storm drain or surface water. Do not flush battery acid down the toilet or work sink.
• Keep batteries in one area of the facility. Storing and charging batteries in one place decreases the chance of spills and leaks throughout the yard and helps you control inventory.
• Do not accumulate batteries for a long period of time. Dispose of them regularly.

For more information on best management practices see the Motor Vehicle Salvage Yard manual at
http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/publications/wmd/documents/wmd-07-1.pdf

Contacts

1. For more information, contact the New Hampshire DES Waste Management Division at
   603-271-2900.
2. To report a spill or leak during business hours, call the DES at 603-271-3899. If after hours or the weekend, call the New Hampshire State Police Hazardous Material Response at 800-346-4009 (in-state), or 603-271-3636 (out-of-state).
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office or link to the DES Public Information Center.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Waste

Other Relevant Resources

1. Auto Salvage Yards – NH Green Yards Program
   http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/waste/swmb/tsei/greenyards/index.htm
2. Environmental Concerns at Auto Salvage Yards
   http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/factsheets/sw/documents/sw-35.pdf
3. New Hampshire Green Yards Program: An Overview
   http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/waste/swmb/tsei/greenyards/documents/overview.pdf

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