ECAR
Fact Sheet for Utah
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 may not
place, discard, or otherwise dispose of a lead-acid battery in any
solid waste treatment, storage, or disposal facility operated
by a municipality, county, other political subdivision, or other
entity. All lead-acid batteries shall be disposed of by delivery
to a:
- Lead-acid
battery retailer as provided in Section 19-6-603;
- Lead-acid
battery wholesaler;
- Collection
or recycling facility; or
- Secondary
lead smelter that meets state and federal permit requirements.
Lead acid batteries shall be removed
from vehicles prior to crushing or shredding.
The removed lead acid batteries shall
be disposed of in accordance with this part.
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.
Utah’s
Lead-Acid Battery Act (Title 19, Chapter 6)
Utah’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.
- 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 Utah Department
of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Division of Solid and Hazardous
Waste at 801-538-6170.
- To report a spill or leak, call the DEQ spill
hotline at 801-536-4123, or access the DEQ Spill Report Website
for more detailed reporting information.
- To report an environmental incident or complaint,
contact the DEQ Offices.
Related
ECAR Fact Sheets
- Hazardous Waste
Other
Relevant Resources
None.
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