This updated standard operating procedure (SOP) revises the guidance issued in the May 17, 2012, Postal Bulletin (PB 22337, page 76) that addresses the recycling of larger volt dry-cell batteries.
The purpose of this SOP is to establish processes for handling and recycling dry-cell rechargeable and nonrechargeable batteries through the Mail Recovery Center (MRC) in Atlanta, in accordance with Postal Service™ policies and universal waste-management regulations. Federal environmental regulations require that all universal waste be recycled. This SOP establishes methods for recycling small dry-cell batteries at all Postal Service operations and requires all employees to follow approved disposal and recycling procedures for used batteries.
Universal waste is a subcategory of hazardous waste that is subject to less restrictive environmental regulations, as long as it is recycled.
Certain types of batteries are considered hazardous because they contain heavy metals or corrosive electrolyte solutions. These include (but are not limited to) nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium (Li) or lithium ion (Li-ion), lithium polymer (Li-poly), silver oxide, and other small dry-cell batteries. When these batteries die, they must be handled as universal waste.
Exception: Lead-acid automotive batteries and sealed lead-acid emergency batteries are designated as universal waste but are not authorized for recycling under this instruction (see article on page 43).
The pictures here show common types of batteries:
n Ni-Cd and NiMH batteries (see Exhibits A and B on page 40) are used in cell phones, pagers, cameras, and power tools.
n Li-ion batteries (see Exhibit C, on page 40) are used in some cell phones, laptops, and cameras and in all Intelligent Mail Data Acquisition System (IMDAS) scanners.
n Lithium batteries are used in cameras and other electronic devices that don’t require rechargeable batteries.
n Silver oxide batteries (see Exhibit D on page 40) are used in watches, laptops, and other devices that require button-cell batteries.
Exhibit A, Power Tool Batteries (Ni-Cd and NiMH)
Exhibit B, Ni-Cd Batteries in a Sealed Package
Exhibit C, IMDAS Lithium Ion Batteries
Exhibit D, Silver Oxide Button Batteries
Exhibit E, Alkaline/Dry Cell Batteries
Exhibit F, Emergency Lighting — Small, Sealed Lead Acid Battery
Exhibit G, Sealed Acid Batteries
Approximately 70 percent of the batteries used by the Postal Service are rechargeable, and a majority of these are Ni-Cd, Li-ion (secondary lithium), and sealed lead acid.
When an inoperable battery is removed from a piece of equipment, determine what type it is and follow the management guidelines for disposing of it. There are three primary types of batteries, each with specific handling requirements:
n Alkaline batteries (see Exhibit E on page 40) — considered nonhazardous.
n Sealed lead-acid batteries (see Exhibits F and G on pages 40–41) — not covered in this document and not authorized to be recycled under this instruction.
n All other dry-cell batteries — handle as universal waste.
Except for Li-ion IMDAS batteries, which have specific mailing requirements, alkaline batteries, and other universal-waste, small dry-cell batteries should be recycled according to the following shipping procedures. (See Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) for Li-ion-battery shipping instructions, including the requirement that no more than three Li-ion rechargeable batteries be mailed together.)
Batteries greater than 9 volts (e.g.,12-volt, 14-volt, 16-volt, 18-volt, and 24-volt) or with different chemistries must not be combined with mixed batteries of less than or equal to 9-volt batteries. Voltage batteries larger than 9-volts of the same type must be packaged and shipped separately from smaller mixed batteries. Follow the mailing procedures outlined below when sending 9-voltage or greater batteries to the MRC.
1. Select a small, sturdy cardboard box or ReadyPost® box if a used box is not available. (ReadyPost boxes can be obtained from the Post Office’s retail area.) If opting for a used box, remove or cover all barcodes.
2. Place up to 15 pounds of dry-cell batteries into the box, and pack them securely with paper. To prevent short circuits, tape all battery terminals so that they don’t have contact with one another.
3. Tape the box shut.
4. Print the following address on a G-10 label:
USPS MAIL RECOVERY CENTER
BATTERY RECYCLING PROGRAM
5345 FULTON INDUSTRIAL BLVD SW
ATLANTA GA 30378-2400
5. Place the G-10 label on the box.
6. Place Label 127, Surface Transportation Only, on the box.
7. Write “PP” on all surfaces to indicate the box is being shipped by Parcel Post®.
8. Put your return address on the box and ship it.
Do not use Priority Tape or Priority Mail® Boxes.
Never ship damaged batteries! Batteries that are leaking, burned, cracked, melted, or otherwise damaged must be recycled locally.
Keep records of the batteries you send to the MRC. A sample recordkeeping table is shown below:
Contact the Office of Sustainability with any questions about onsite, universal waste-management procedures. You can find guidance on proper battery storage and labeling on the Office of Sustainability website at http://blue.usps.gov/sustainability/.
— Sustainability Office, Deputy Postmaster General and
Customer Asset Fulfillment, Supply Management, 9-6-12
