ECAR
Fact Sheet for Wisconsin
Batteries
 
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
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
In
the state of Wisconsin, lead-acid batteries are not regulated as
hazardous waste as long as they are sent to a recycler and are not
leaking. They are considered a “salvageable material,” which
is considered useful as a reprocessing material or from which replacement
or spare parts can be utilized.
Automotive
recyclers (generators) can accept, accumulate and ship out lead-acid
batteries for recycling without having to report them to the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) or to manifest the shipments.
However, if you dispose of them, then you must follow the hazardous
waste regulations.
Storage Requirements.
- Store lead-acid batteries on a pallet over a non-reactive,
curbed, and sealed surface such as coated concrete or asphalt.
A non-reactive, impermeable surface will help insure that acid
and lead will not corrode or pass through the pallet and leak
into the soil or groundwater. Curbing will prevent leaks and spills
from running off the edge.
- Store batteries in an area with no floor drain.
- Inspect batteries weekly for cracks and leaks. Keep
a log of your inspection (if batteries have been exposed to freezing
temperatures, inspect them more often).
- Place cracked or leaking batteries in an acid-resistant,
leak-proof, closed container, separate from non-leaking batteries.
Contain and neutralize spilled acid.
- If constructing outdoor storage, design so rain, snow
and draining water cannot enter.
Transporters
who store lead-acid batteries must follow the same storage requirements
as generators.
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.
Transporting Requirements. You
may self-transport non-leaking waste lead-acid batteries, or hire
a licensed solid or hazardous waste transporter. Transporters are
exempt from hazardous waste licensing requirements if the lead-acid
batteries are ultimately destined for recycling, transported in
good condition (no cracks or leaks), and not transported with any
other hazardous waste. If they are not destined for recycling, you
must use a hazardous waste transporter. In addition, if you transport
non-leaking lead-acid batteries to a permitted recycler, you do
not require a solid waste transportation license.
Lead-acid battery transporters must
have motor carrier authorization. The batteries must be transported
in compliance with all state and federal Department of Transportation
requirements.
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.
Links
to the Regulations. Use
the following links to view the regulations pertaining to battery
management.
Wisconsin Hazardous
Waste Regulations (NR 590.01-690.81)
Wisconsin
Recycling Regulations - Waste lead–acid batteries destined for recycling
(NR 625.12)
Self-Audit
Checklist
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.
- 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 over a non-reactive, curbed and sealed surface where
there is no floor drain. 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 five high.
- When
transporting lead-acid batteries, they should 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 Wisconsin’s DNR Auto Salvage Sector
Resource Specialist at 715-831-3263, or contact the WDNR
Regional Office in your area. For northern Wisconsin, call
715-635-2101 or 715-365-8900; West Central Wisconsin,
call 715-839-3700; Northeast Wisconsin, call 920-492-5800; Southeast
Wisconsin, call 414-263-8500; and, for South Central Wisconsin,
call 608-275-3266.
- All
spills should be immediately reported using Wisconsin’s 24-hour
toll free hotline at 800-943-0003. If you discover a discharge
through analysis of soil or water, use the Hazardous
Substance Release Fax Notification Form.
Related
ECAR Fact Sheets
- Hazardous Waste
Other
Relevant Resources
- Wisconsin’s
Auto and Scrap Recycling Website
- Wisconsin
- Battery Reclaiming Facilities
|
