Environmental Management

Used Battery Disposal Requirements

Most used batteries contain hazardous components and cannot be disposed of in the trash. These batteries are typically regulated as Universal Waste and are subject to strict management requirements. Examples of regulated Universal Waste include spent or inoperable batteries from mobile scanners, phones, laptops, and other electronic equipment.

USPS® sites must recycle Universal Waste batteries using the following services provided by Cleanlites Recycling, Inc. (on eBuy+):

n Mailback services. Waste batteries must only be shipped via FedEx, using the appropriate Cleanlites “LampMaster” recycling kits.

n Direct or on-site pickup services. Sites with large quantities of Universal Waste batteries can schedule a direct pickup.

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.

Additionally, USPS employees must follow the appropriate handling, storage, and disposal procedures for each used battery type (see table).

 

Used Battery Type

Waste Classification

Recycling Method

Alkaline batteries

Non-hazardous Waste

Recycle through a local recycling center or through Cleanlites’ recycling service on eBuy+. When recycling is impractical, alkaline batteries can be disposed of in the trash.

Small non-alkaline dry cell batteries and small sealed lead-acid batteries

Universal Waste

Recycle through Cleanlites’ recycling service on eBuy+.

Large lead-acid batteries

Not classified as Universal Waste (or Hazardous Waste) if they are reclaimed/recycled.

Arrange pickup of vehicular lead-acid batteries through the facility’s vehicle battery supplier and pickup of industrial lead-acid batteries through EnerSys® Inc.

For more information about used battery disposal and recycling:

n Send questions to your designated environmental contact at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/contact.htm.

n Review the guidance from Environmental Compliance Bulletin: Used Batteries at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/waste/ecb-used-batteries.pdf.

n Visit the Environmental Affairs battery recycling site at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/battery-recycling.htm.