Battery Disposal
Many types of batteries are considered hazardous or universal waste and must be recycled or disposed of in compliance with U.S. environmental regulations.
Typical alkaline batteries can be placed in the trash, but most other types cannot. Occupants of labs, classrooms and offices on Purdue campuses use rechargeable batteries in countless devices – cordless power tools, laptop computers, cellular and cordless telephones, digital cameras, laboratory equipment and many other handheld devices.
Batteries to Submit to Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
Submit the following types of batteries to EHS:
- Nickel cadmium (Ni-Cad)
- Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH)
- Lithium ion
- Sealed lead acid
- Mercury
The Battery Quick Reference Guide (pdf) provides help identifying batteries that must be submitted as universal waste.
To dispose of batteries, submit a pickup request through EHS. If any batteries are swollen, damaged or leaking, note this in the comment section of the request or contact 765-494-0121.
More Information About Rechargeable Batteries
- Used rechargeable batteries may be classified as hazardous waste due to their heavy metal content and are thus regulated under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Those regulations provide for management of hazardous wastes. When broken, these batteries can release heavy metals that damage the environment.
Contact
Questions about battery disposal, or any immediate concerns, should be directed to the Hazardous Materials Management team at 765-494-0121.