ECAR
Fact Sheet for South Carolina
Batteries
 
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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
Automotive
recyclers who generate, collect, transport, store, or regenerate
lead-acid batteries for reclamation purposes may be exempt from
certain hazardous waste management requirements. The basic rule
of thumb is that the batteries must be either reclaimed either through
regeneration or another means. If the batteries are not reclaimed,
you must follow the hazardous waste regulations.
Battery Storage.
Indoor
storage is preferable to outdoor storage to avoid contact with water
and to avoid extreme temperatures that can cause cracking. Rain,
snow, and draining water should not enter the storage area.
- Store used batteries on a non-reactive, impermeable
and curbed surface. A non-reactive and impermeable surface will
help insure that lead-contaminated sulfuric acid will not corrode
the floor and leak through into the soil and ground water. Curbing
(high edges) will prevent leaks or spills from running off the
edge.
- Coat asphalt or concrete storage surfaces with
an acid-resistant epoxy, fiberglass or plastic coating.
- A wooden frame lined with heavy polyethylene
(20 to 40 mil thick) may also be used to store batteries. Check
it regularly for cracks or tears. Another option is to use large
polyethylene fish totes without drains to store the batteries.
- To avoid releases of lead contaminated acid,
make sure that there are no floor drains which lead outdoors or
which connect to sewer systems, storm drains, or septic tanks.
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.
Stacking and Packaging Batteries.
Package
lead-acid batteries in accordance with federal DOT regulations and/or
get assistance from a battery specialist who is shipping spent batteries
out of state for recycling.
- Stack batteries pole side out to increase stack
stability.
- Stack batteries in layers no more than five high.
- Place same-size batteries on pallets and separate
layers with a shock-absorbing material.
- Shrink-wrap, band and properly label.
- Generally, batteries are packaged three layers
high.
- Leaking batteries must be shipped in leak-proof
containers, separately from intact batteries.
Disposal.
You cannot dispose of lead-acid batteries in landfills, nor incinerate
them. You may only send lead-acid batteries to a lead-acid battery
retailer or wholesaler, a permitted secondary lead smelter, or a
collection or recycling facility authorized by the federal Environmental
Protection Agency or the state.
You should transport spent batteries
to battery retailers on a monthly basis. Battery handlers should
arrange for shipping at least once every six months, depending on
the volume accumulated.
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. Here are some tips to prevent releases:
- Avoid stockpiling spent lead-acid batteries.
- Store batteries upright to protect against acid
leaks through vent holes.
- Inspect batteries weekly for cracks or leaks.
Keep a log of your inspections. If batteries have been exposed
to freezing temperatures, inspect them more often.
- Place cracked or leaking batteries in an acid-resistant,
leak-proof container such as a sturdy plastic tote.
Links
to the Regulations. Use
the following links to view the regulations pertaining to battery
management.
South Carolina’s
Hazardous Waste Management Requirements
Self-Audit
Checklist
All battery handlers are required to manage the
batteries and other solid waste generated from battery activities
according to specific parameters and procedures. If so, ensure that batteries
are stored
on a non-reactive, impermeable and curbed surface. Coat asphalt
or concrete storage surfaces with an acid-resistant epoxy, fiberglass
or plastic coating. To avoid releases of lead contaminated acid,
make sure that there are no floor drains which lead outdoors or
which connect to sewer systems, storm drains, or septic tanks. Keep a log of your weekly inspections
when you check for leaks or cracks. Keep cracked or leaking batteries
in closed containers that are acid-resistant and leak proof, away
from non-leaking batteries. Contain and neutralize all spills. Ensure
outdoor battery storage is designed so no weather elements can get
in.
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 South Carolina
Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Bureau
of Land and Waste Management, at 803-896-4000.
- To report a spill or leak, immediately call DHEC’s
24-hour hotline at 888-481-0125. In Columbia, call 253-6488. For more detailed spill reporting requirements,
access the DHEC’s Spill Reporting Website.
- To report an environmental incident or complaint,
contact the nearest regional office.
Related
ECAR Fact Sheets
- Hazardous Waste
Other
Relevant Resources
None.
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