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 eBuyPlus (see USA Lamp & Ballast Recycling, Inc. catalog):

n Mailback services. Waste batteries must only be shipped 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 to the Atlanta Mail Recovery Center, Ybor City Processing and Distribution Center (Tampa Logistics and Distribution Center), or the Topeka Material Distribution Center.

USPS employees must determine the battery type and follow the appropriate handling, storage, and disposal procedures (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 eBuyPlus. When recycling is impractical, alkaline batteries can be disposed of in the trash. Note: alkaline batteries in California must be managed as a Universal Waste and recycled through Cleanlites’ recycling services on eBuyPlus.
Small non-alkaline dry cell batteries and small sealed lead-acid batteries	Universal Waste	Recycle through Cleanlites’ recycling service on eBuyPlus.
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 battery disposal and recycling:

n Consult your designated Environmental Specialist at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/regional-environmental-compliance-all.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 website at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/battery-recycling.htm.

— Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability,
Corporate Affairs, 9-19-24