Batteries That Are Categorized as Universal Waste

Batteries are devices that consist of one or more electrically connected electrochemical cells. The cells of batteries are designed to receive, store, and deliver electrical energy. Spent batteries are considered to be hazardous waste when they contain nickel, cadmium, mercury, or lead.

Because of their widespread use, batteries are one of the categories regulated by the Universal Waste Rule. Under this rule, the following types of batteries are managed as universal waste:

• Nickel and cadmium batteries (known as NiCad batteries)
• Mercury batteries (for example, mercury oxide or silver oxide batteries, that is, most rechargeable batteries)

Keep in mind that batteries are subject to the Universal Waste Rule only when they become waste batteries. Batteries must meet one of the following conditions to be considered a waste battery:

• A used battery becomes hazardous waste on the date it is discarded or sent for reclamation.
• An unused battery becomes hazardous waste on the date the handler decides to discard it.

• Procedures for rejecting shipments of universal waste
• Documentation of the receipt of universal waste

To learn more about RCRA safety standards visit our RCRA Refresher Online Training web page.