Used Batteries
Auto Body Shops
Pollution Prevention Guide
|
 |
There are two types of batteries commonly found in auto body shops: wet cell
and dry cell. Wet-cell (commonly referred to as lead acid)
batteries, used in automobile engines, are primarily composed of sulfuric acid
and lead. Dry-cell (alkaline, mercuric-oxide, zinc-air) batteries
are used to power radios, watches, and cellular phones.
To manage used batteries in a sound and environmental manner:
- Store them in such a way as to prevent leaks and spills
- Reuse or recycle them when possible
- Dispose of them appropriately
Special Note:
Dry cell batteries that are destined for recycling and not disposal are
called a universal waste (refer to Fact Sheet
3 - Defining a Waste). If you have questions contact your state
regulatory agency. |
Battery Storage
- Store wet-cell batteries upright in a secured, covered location
designed to contain leaks and temperature extremes.
- Do not stack wet-cell batteries -- they may crack.
- Reduce your liability by getting wet-cell batteries off your site
as soon as possible.
- Store dry cell batteries in containers designed to contain
leaks.
Battery Reuse And Recycling
If the used wet-cell battery casing is intact, the best management option
is to recondition it for reuse. Reconditioning used batteries generally involves
the replacement of both the electrolyte solution and water.
The next best option is to recycle your used wet-cell batteries. Used wet-cell
batteries can be recycled by taking them back to your battery dealer/distributor
(if they accept them), a licensed/permitted secondary lead smelter, or your
local recycling center
Certain dry cell batteries, such as those from cellular phones and hearing
aids, may be recycled through your local distributor.
Disposal Options
Used wet cell batteries that will not be recycled must be disposed of as a
hazardous waste. Refer to Fact Sheet 3 - Defining A Waste
for more information on hazardous waste disposal.
Used dry cell batteries that are destined for disposal and are not considered
a hazardous waste can typically be disposed of in a licensed municipal solid
waste management landfill with the permission of your local solid waste authority.
The following series of questions will help you develop ways of preventing
pollution in used battery management:
|
Used Batteries
|
YES
|
NO
|
| 1) Do you use rechargeable dry-cell batteries? Using
rechargeable dry cell batteries is more desirable than using disposable
batteries. You can reduce the amount and cost of waste to be landfilled
or taken to a hazardous waste disposal facility by purchasing rechargeable
batteries or solar powered devices. |
. |
. |
| 2) Do you reuse or recycle used wet-cell batteries? Municipal
solid waste landfills are starting to refuse wet cell batteries due to more
stringent regulations. Therefore, it is more economical and feasible to
reuse or recycle the batteries through your local recycler or battery dealer.
|
. |
. |
| 3) Do you store used batteries on-site? If you store
used batteries on-site, do so with care. Store used wet cell batteries upright
in a secure, covered location designed to contain spills or leaks. Keep
them away from temperature extremes that could crack their casings.
|
. |
. |
Fact sheet 13 of 18
Montana State University Extension
Service
Pollution Prevention Program Taylor Hall Bozeman, Montana 59717
|
