ECAR
Fact Sheet for South Dakota
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
Dakota’s Hazardous Waste Management Act
South
Dakota’s Hazardous Waste Management Rules
Federal
EPA Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste
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.
- 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 three high.
- When
transporting lead-acid batteries, they should be 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,
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
- For
more information, contact the South Dakota Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR), Waste Management Program at 605-773-3153.
- To
report a spill or leak, call the DENR at 605-773-3296. To report
the release after hours, on weekends or holidays, call State Radio
Communications at 605-773-3231. DENR recommends that spills also
be reported to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802. You
can get more information from the DENR
Spill Response Website.
- To
report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest
regional office.
Related
ECAR Fact Sheets
- Hazardous Waste
Other
Relevant Resources
- South Dakota
Battery Recyclers
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