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Handling Batteries

Type of Battery

Alkaline

Are NOT considered hazardous waste and may be disposed of as household/commercial waste or taken to a recycling center. However, it is encouraged to handle them the same as Universal Waste batteries.

Dry-Cell Zin-Carbon

Are NOT considered hazardous waste and may be disposed of as household/commercial waste or taken to a recycling center. However, it is encouraged to handle them the same as Universal Waste batteries.

Button

ARE considered Universal Waste and require special disposal.

 

 

Lithium/Lithium Ion

ARE considered Universal Waste and require special disposal.

Rechargeable Ni-Cd

ARE considered Universal Waste and require special disposal.

Ni-metal Hydride

ARE considered Universal Waste and require special disposal.

Sealed Lead-Acid

ARE considered Universal Waste and require special disposal.

Silver Oxide

ARE considered Universal Waste and require special disposal.

Mercury Oxide

ARE considered Universal Waste and require special disposal.

Universal Waste

It is important that ALL employees handling Universal Waste are trained and the training should be documented. Please contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer if you need help arranging training.

Universal Wastes are hazardous wastes determined to pose a lower immediate risk to people and the environment compared to other hazardous waste.

 

How to handle Universal Waste batteries

So, how do we handle batteries designated as Universal Waste?

  • Tape ends of batteries and place them in non-metal, leak-proof containers.
  • All containers storing disposed batteries must be labeled “Universal Waste - Batteries”, “Waste Batteries”, or “Used Batteries”.
  • Containers or individual items must be labeled with the date when the first battery was placed in the container or the date when the user decided the battery is waste.
  • Batteries must be removed from the facility for recycling within one year of the date listed on the container. (Walla Walla University has hazardous waste collected twice a year, currently in September and March.)

If you have any batteries that need to be handled as Universal Waste, contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer to arrange pick up.