As a leading distributor of batteries, MCS is mindful of environmental responsibilities that accompany their use, handling, and disposal. We’re proud to be doing our part by providing the trained personnel, facilities, and documentation to ensure proper recycling worldwide.

End-users of batteries must also accept certain obligations. Among the most vital of these is recognizing that for all the good batteries do, they can potentially harm our environment if they are mishandled or improperly disposed of. Working together, we must do everything we can to make sure batteries are disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. It’s an obligation to the planet that we share as an industry.

USED BATTERY DISPOSAL

What can you do with a used battery, legally? It depends on the type of battery. Most car, truck, motorcycle, and boat batteries are lead-acid batteries, which means they are considered hazardous waste because of, you guessed it, lead and acid. Many smaller home batteries, especially old ones, contain mercury. Rechargeable batteries usually contain nickel and cadmium. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s universal waste regulations address batteries as hazardous waste.

A transporter of spent lead-acid batteries must ensure that the batteries are loaded and braced properly so as to prevent any damage, leakage of lead dust or battery fluid, or short circuits. A bill of lading or Hazardous Waste Manifest is to accompany the shipment and must be retained for three years to document shipment.

Damaged batteries can be transported along with intact batteries when they are properly contained. Battery reclaimers have recommended that damaged batteries be stored and transported in double, six-millimeter polyethylene bags. If a spent battery is missing a cap, it should be replaced before transport. For further information regarding the recycling and transport of spent lead-acid batteries, contact MCS.