Battery Recycling

Proper management of waste batteries is required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulation for “universal waste,” which includes lead-acid, lithium-metal, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium (as well as other metal halide) and rechargeable batteries. Universal Waste is managed as part of the University’s Chemical Waste Program. While Alkaline Batteries are not defined as Universal Waste, recycling is recommended as a green best practice. Recycling is intended for waste batteries generated on campus, or from university-related activities, and helps with environmental sustainability by diverting recyclable materials from the landfill.

Universal-waste batteries should also follow the requirements of the EHS Chemical Waste Management program, including taping the battery terminals to ensure safe transit. The terminals, or exposed metal parts, of certain batteries can rub together creating a spark. It only takes one to start a fire. Store batteries that have become waste in a universal-waste area in your lab, department or building and label the container with the words “Universal-Waste Battery”. Labels are available from EHS and should be placed on the front of containers. Waste pickups occur biweekly on Tuesdays at the point of collection or generation. Please refer to the EHS website for the Waste Pickup schedule. Alkaline batteries should be managed through the recycling kiosks located in common areas on campus. Your department may request a kiosk from the Carnegie Mellon Green Practices Committee. If you have any questions regarding the Battery Recycling Program, contact safety@andrew.cmu.edu.