Universal Waste - Batteries

What we do

A variety of used batteries can contain hazardous materials, such as the toxic metals cadmium, lead and mercury, or are water-reactive, and must be managed as a regulated waste. Included in this category are Lithium, Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad), Lead-Acid, and others. Used batteries are a category of Universal Waste.

Environmental Health and Safety coordinates with the Facilities Recycling/Surplus/Solid Waste division to collect and recycle used batteries. Depending upon the quantities that you generate in a given period of time, EHS will provide various sizes of plastic drums to collect the used batteries. Once the container is full, the generator submits a Chemical Waste Collection Request or EHS picks up the drums automatically on a six-month schedule.

How you can help

Collect used batteries in a manner that avoids releasing any constituents to the environment. Place the batteries in the provided poly drum or use a container that can be closed when not adding batteries. If you are using your own container, mark it "Universal Waste — Batteries" and mark the date you put the first battery in the container. Keep separate and know how to handle leaking batteries.

Note: Alkaline batteries are not a regulated waste and can be disposed in the municipal trash.

For more information

Mark Borth
Hazardous Materials Specialist
208-885-6279
borth@uidaho.edu

Vacant
Hazardous Materials Technician
208-885-6524
safety@uidaho.edu