Used batteries are a common waste stream for the Postal Service™, and employees must use proper recycling procedures when discarding used batteries. Most depleted batteries, including lithium-ion batteries used in Mobile Delivery Devices and other types of scanners, contain hazardous components and must not be thrown in the trash. Instead, used batteries must be managed as universal waste and recycled through Cleanlites Recycling, Inc. (Cleanlites), the USPS® universal waste management service supplier.
Cleanlites offers both mailback recycling containers and direct pick-up services in eBuy Plus:
1) Mailback Services: Waste batteries must only be shipped via FedEx, using the appropriate Cleanlites “LampMaster” recycling kits.
2) Direct Pick-Up Services: Sites with large quantities of universal waste batteries can schedule a direct pick-up.
Important Safety Reminder: Do not send waste batteries through the mail to the Atlanta Mail Recovery Center, Ybor City Processing and Distribution Center (Tampa Logistics and Distribution Center), or the Topeka Material Distribution Center (MDC)*. The internal battery mailback programs were canceled due to USPS mailing restrictions and safety concerns. See the latest Material Logistics Bulletin: blue.usps.gov/supplymanagement/_pdf/am_nmcs_mlb18-003.pdf.
For more information about proper battery disposal and universal waste management, visit blue.usps.gov/sustainability/battery-recycling.htm.
