The purpose of this standard operating procedure (SOP) is to establish processes for handling and recycling lithium-ion batteries used in the Intelligent Mail Data Acquisition System (IMDAS) through the Battery Recycling Program in Tampa, Florida, in accordance with Postal Service™ policies and universal waste-management regulations. This SOP establishes methods for recycling IMDAS lithium-ion batteries throughout the Postal Service. All employees are required 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. Federal environmental regulations require that all universal waste be recycled.
Certain types of batteries are considered hazardous because they contain heavy metals or corrosive electrolyte solutions. These include (but are not limited to) lithium (Li) or lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium polymer (Li-poly). When these batteries die, they must be handled as universal waste.
Exception: Lead-acid automotive batteries, industrial vehicle batteries, and sealed lead-acid emergency batteries are designated as universal waste, but are not covered by this SOP. In addition, dry cell batteries, which are not considered universal waste, are not authorized for recycling under this SOP. For guidance on recycling dry-cell batteries, see the article “Standard Operating Procedure: Recycling Small Dry-Cell Batteries” on pages 39–41. For guidance on recycling vehicular lead-acid batteries, see the article “Standard Operating Procedure: Recycling Vehicular Lead-Acid Batteries” on pages 43–45.
When an inoperable IMDAS battery is removed from a piece of equipment, make sure that the battery is Out of Warranty, which is 17 months past the printed date or expiration date. Put a slash across the battery to identify it as “Inoperable,” and place tape over the terminals.
IMDAS lithium-ion batteries have specific mailing requirements, including the requirement that no more than three Li-ion rechargeable batteries can be mailed together.
Mailing requirements for IMDAS lithium-ion batteries are described in Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), 601.10.20.8, Lithium Battery Mailability, at http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm#xd_601_10_20_8.
Note: The DMM also calls them “Primary Lithium Batteries.”
1. Select a small, sturdy used cardboard box (or a ReadyPost® box if a used box is not available). ReadyPost boxes can be obtained from the retail area of a Post Office™. If opting for a used box, remove or cover all barcodes.
2. Place no more than three IMDAS lithium-ion batteries into the box and pack them securely with paper. To prevent short circuits, tape all battery terminals so that they do not have contact with one another.
3. Tape the box shut. Do not use Priority Mail® tape or boxes.
4. Print the following address on a G-10 label:
Tampa L&DC
Battery Recycling Program
1801 Grant St., Ste. 100
Tampa, FL 33605-6010
5. Print the information below on the bottom of the G-10 label; then highlight it.
PACKAGE CONTAINS LITHIUM-ION
BATTERIES (NO LITHIUM METALS)
6. Place the G-10 label on the box.
7. Place a Label 127 on the box (Surface Transportation Only).
8. Write “PP” on all surfaces to indicate the box is being shipped by Parcel Post®.
9. Put your facility return address on the box and ship it. Do not use Priority Mail tape or boxes.
Never ship damaged batteries! Batteries that are leaking, burned, cracked, melted, or otherwise damaged must be recycled locally using a hazardous waste company under contract with the Postal Service.
Keep records of the batteries you send. A sample recordkeeping table is shown below.
Contact the Office of Sustainability with any questions about on-site, universal waste-management procedures. See the Office of Sustainability website at http://blue.usps.gov/sustainability/ for guidance on proper battery storage and labeling.
— Sustainability,
Deputy Postmaster General, 9-6-12
