Most used batteries, such as small non-alkaline dry cell batteries and small sealed lead-acid batteries, contain hazardous components and must be managed as universal waste. These batteries can be recycled through the USPS® National Universal Waste Management Service contractor, Cleanlites Recycling, Inc. (Cleanlites). Both direct pickup and mailback recycling services are available from Cleanlites in eBuy+.
Examples of dry cell and small sealed lead-acid batteries are shown in the table.
Nickel-Cadmium
(Ni-Cd) and Nickel Metal Hydride
|
Cell phones, cameras, power tools, emergency lighting, and other types of portable electronic equipment.
|
Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
|
Cell phones, laptops, cameras, Intelligent Mail Data Acquisition System, Mobile Delivery Device, SVmobile and Ring scanners, and Transportation SweepSide Assignment printers.
|
Lithium (Li)
|
Small flashlights, cameras, watches, calculators, remote car locks, and other portable electronic devices.
|
Silver/Mercury Oxide
|
Small electronics, such as watches and hearing aids.
|
Small Sealed Lead-Acid
|
Backups for emergency lighting, alarm systems, and other powered systems and equipment.
|
Use the following steps to recycle eligible batteries through Cleanlites:
n Cover battery terminals with tape to prevent short-circuiting. Store batteries in a closable, impermeable container designed to contain releases (e.g., a 5-gallon plastic container or other non-reactive container). Keep container closed.
n Store batteries that show any evidence of leakage or damage separately in impermeable containers or wrapped in plastic to prevent further releases. Do not mix incompatible batteries in the same container. Keep small sealed lead-acid batteries in separate containers. Keep Li and Li-Ion batteries in separate containers from other battery types when stored for on-site pickup.
n Label all containers as “UNIVERSAL WASTE: Batteries,” “Waste Batteries,” or “Used Batteries,” and include the accumulation start date, which indicates when the first battery was placed in the container.
n Store containers in a secure designated universal waste accumulation area that is clearly labeled “Universal Waste Accumulation Storage Area.” Conduct regular monthly inspections of accumulation storage areas.
n Arrange for waste battery pickup or use mailback recycling service through eBuy+ within one year (365 days) of accumulation start date. Keep all shipment and disposal records.
Important: 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. The internal battery mail-back programs were canceled due to USPS mailing restrictions and safety concerns.
For more Information, review the following guidance information or consult your designated environmental contact (blue.usps.gov/sustainability/contact.htm):
n Environmental compliance bulletin for used battery management at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/waste/ecb-used-batteries.pdf.
n The Office of Sustainability battery recycling website at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/battery-recycling.htm.
— Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability,
Corporate Affairs, 9-9-21
