BATTERY HANDLING & TRANSPORT MANUAL
VERSION 1.01
Inside ______________________________Page
General Information_____________________2
Identifying Battery Types_________________2
Lithium Primary and Lithium Ion___________ 3
Lead Acid (Pb)_________________________4
Nickel Metal Cadmium (Ni-Cd)____________ 5
Alkaline(single use) AA, AAA, C, D_________5
Nickel Metal Hydride(Ni-Mh)______________ 6
Leaking or Damaged Batteries____________ 6
Fire Fighting Options
Devices with batteries inside______________7
Storage &Transport Regulations___________7
Throughout this manual we use notes to make you aware of safety considerations:
IMPORTANT
Page 1
MYBRS™ 95 Union St. Brooklyn NY, 11231
Local: (718)858.3600 Fax: (718)360.4899
Visit our Site: www.mybrs.com Email Us: info@mybrs.com
Toll Free: 800.764.7458
GENERAL INFORMATION: M
The result of following a few simple steps during the battery collection process will ensure
the safe handling during storage and transport. The “New York State Rechargeable
Battery Recycling Act” prohibits the disposal of rechargeable batteries with regular trash
because most rechargeable batteries contain toxic metals that can be released into the
environment when improperly disposed. The simplest way to properly store batteries is
to TAPE the terminals of all rechargeable batteries even if the battery is believed to be
fully spent. Batteries must be packaged in a way to avoid short circuits and taped (both
terminals) or individually bagged. Alkaline(single use) batteries that are fully spent do
not pose the same risks as rechargeable or lithium-primary batteries but should have
their terminals taped if collected with other battery types.
The Customer’s failure to comply with Federal, State or Local laws and regulations relating
to the packaging, labeling, manifesting and transportation of the batteries to MYBRS
facility can result in an explosion and a fire, either in transportation or at the receiving
facility. Used batteries that are fully spent are considered “Universal Waste.” Any battery
that is damaged, leaking, or appears puffy shall be isolated, individually bagged and
made note of.
IDENTIFYING BATTERY TYPES:
There are many kinds of batteries and some pose greater risks than others when
improperly stored. Please see list below of each battery type and it’s cautions. The
most common battery is the household Alkaline(single use) battery which comes in
many familiar sizes such AA, AAA, C, D, etc… but be aware that other battery types
such as Lithium Primary come in these sizes as well so it’s important to read the label.
Rechargeable batteries have markings that will include either Lithium Ion(LiPo), Nickel
Metal Hydride(Ni-Mh), Nickel Cadmium(Ni-Cd) or Lead Acid(Pb). All of these battery
types must have their terminals taped. Any unknown or unmarked batteries are likely
imitation oversea brands that should be taped and isolated if damaged or appear puffy.
Lithium Primary(single use) batteries are not the same as Lithium-Ion(Rechargeable)
batteries and come in familiar sizes such as AA, AAA, 9V, etc… Lithium Primary
batteries pose a fire risk and have caused fires so it is IMPORTANT that they are
identified and taped. Any battery that is damaged, hot, or appears puffy should be
isolated and the consumer should avoid directly touching
any leaking batteries.
IMPORTANT
Page 2
MYBRS™ 95 Union St. Brooklyn NY, 11231
Local: (718)858.3600 Fax: (718)360.4899
Visit our Site: www.mybrs.com Email Us: info@mybrs.com
Toll Free: 800.764.7458
Lithium-Primary and Lithium-Ion Batteries:
Please pay attention to the markings on Lithium batteries to identify between Lithium
Primary or Lithium Ion Polymer(LiPo). They come in rechargeable and non-rechargeable
power sources that come in battery cells and battery power-packs common in laptops,
cell phones, portable power tools and other small electronic devices. These batteries
can release dangerous amounts of heat and may ignite if crushed, dropped or short
circuited.
Special regulations apply to shipping these batteries (49 CFR 178). To ship lithium
batteries by surface (rail, truck, sea vessel, etc..) within, to and from the United States,
the shipments must meet the criteria shown below.
 Batteries must be packaged in a way to avoid short circuits and taped or separated so that
electrically active terminals cannot come into contact with each other. Terminals (both terminal
ends) may be taped, bagged.
 The shippable container must meet D.O.T. requirements
 Lithium-Primary Batteries require a
UNIVERSAL WASTE label.
D.O.T. Shipping Description:
Lithium Metal Battery, Class 9, UN 3090, PG II
(Required on the Container)
 Lithium-Ion Batteries require a
D.O.T. Shipping Description:
(Required on the Container)
Lithium Ion Polymer
LiPo
NON-REGULATED WASTE label.
Lithium-Ion Battery, Class 9, UN 3480, PG II
Lithium Primary
Sizes: AA, AAA,
9V
Page 3
MYBRS™ 95 Union St. Brooklyn NY, 11231
Local: (718)858.3600 Fax: (718)360.4899
Visit our Site: www.mybrs.com Email Us: info@mybrs.com
Toll Free: 800.764.7458
Lead-Acid Batteries (Pb, SLAB and UPS):
All Lead-Acid Batteries shall be kept on separate pallet and may be placed side by side
to allow stacking(4 high). All terminals must be securely capped/taped and after first
layer complete, place cardboard covering entire first layer so the 2nd layer can begin.
Stretch wrap or banding is mandatory. No steel strapping. Common in cars, lead-acid
batteries also power electric wheelchairs, computer UPS units, continuous back-up
power supply systems, and other emergency power supply applications. These batteries
contain a highly corrosive acid (sulfuric) and are capable of causing fires from short
circuits. Store lead acid batteries in cool, dry and properly ventilated area.
NONSPILLABLE,
SLAB(SEALED LEAD ACID BATTERY)
UPS(Uninterrupted Power Supply)
Battery Back Up
Lead Acid Auto Battery
Note: To ship lead-acid batteries by surface (rail, truck, sea vessel, etc…) within, to and from the United States,
the shipments must meet the criteria shown below.
 Tested, proven Non-Spillable batteries are allowed to be shipped as non-hazardous within the
U.S. Batteries and packaging must be marked "NONSPILLABLE" or "NONSPILLABLE
BATTERY.
 The shippable container must meet D.O.T. Packaging Group III requirements.
 D.O.T. Shipping Description:
Battery, Wet, Non-Spillable, Class 8, UN 2800, PG III
(Required on the Container)
(Lead-Acid Battery Dry Cells, SSLA)
 Lead Acid batteries require a UNIVERSAL WASTE label.
 The shippable container must be marked with a Class 8 Label, Corrosive, as shown below. The
label must be a background of contrasting color and must be at least 6 mm in height.
Page 4
MYBRS™ 95 Union St. Brooklyn NY, 11231
Local: (718)858.3600 Fax: (718)360.4899
Visit our Site: www.mybrs.com Email Us: info@mybrs.com
Toll Free: 800.764.7458
Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Sealed Cells and Power-Packs:
Generally are recognized as batteries used in portable power tools, laptop computers,
emergency back-up power supplies, and other portable devices. The battery and powerpack must be packaged in a manner that prevents the generation of a dangerous
quantity of heat and short-circuit.
Special regulations apply to shipping these batteries (49 CFR 178). To ship nickelcadmium batteries and power-packs by surface (rail, truck, sea vessel, etc.) within, to
and from the United States, the shipments must meet the criteria shown below.
Ni-Cd
Nickel-Cadmium
Different Size Ni-Cd
 Batteries must be packaged in a way to avoid short circuits and taped (both terminal ends) or
separated so that electrically active terminals cannot come into contact with each other.
Terminals may be taped (both terminal ends) or bagged.
 The shippable container must meet D.O.T. Packaging Group III requirements
 D.O.T. Shipping Description:
(Required on the Container)
Battery, Dry, Containing Potassium Hydroxide Solid
Class 8, UN 3028, PG III
(Alkaline and Nickel-Cadmium Batteries)
 All Nickel-Cadmium Batteries require a UNIVERSAL WASTE label.
Alkaline (Single Use Household Batteries):
The alkaline battery(single use) is not regulated as a hazardous material
but the terminals should be taped when being collected with other battery
types. If separated from other battery types, then the taping of the
battery’s terminals is not required during collection efforts or for transport.
D.O.T. Shipping Description: No labeling or packaging required.
Note: (When shipped with other battery types, then the shipping and packaging
requirements of the most stringent battery type will apply)
 Alkaline Batteries require a NON-REGULATED WASTE label.
Page 5
MYBRS™ 95 Union St. Brooklyn NY, 11231
Local: (718)858.3600 Fax: (718)360.4899
Visit our Site: www.mybrs.com Email Us: info@mybrs.com
Toll Free: 800.764.7458
Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-Mh):
Ni-Mh batteries are not the same as Ni-Cd but are found in many of the same
applications with similar sizes so make sure to read the label to properly identify. They
are not regulated as hazardous materials, however, the DOT packaging requirements
must be met because batteries can cause fires from short circuits if the battery terminals
are not protected.
 Batteries must be packaged in a way to avoid short circuits and taped (both terminals) or separated so that
electrically active terminals cannot come into contact with each other. Terminals may be taped (both terminal ends)
or bagged.
 D.O.T. Shipping Description:
Battery, Dry, Non-Spillable , UN 2800, PG III
 Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries require a NON-REGULATED or UNIVERSAL Waste label.
LEAKING OR DAMAGED BATTERIES:
Stop leak at source. Ventilate the area. Remove combustible material and all sources
of ignition. Wear protective clothing, acid resistant boots and gloves, face shield and
goggles. Segregate the spill and neutralize with baking soda, soda ash, lime or use an
appropriate acid absorbent. Collect residue in an approved container. Do not release to
streams, lakes, sewer, etc...
Cracked or leaking batteries being recycled must be stored and shipped in a container
that is sturdy, acid resistant, leak proof and kept closed.
**Fire Fighting Measures**
Unusual Fire and
Explosion Hazards:
Suitable fire extinguishing
agents:
Unsuitable fire
extinguishing agents:
Hydrogen and Oxygen gases are produced in cells during normal battery
operation and expel into air through vent caps.
CO2 or dry powder extinguishing agents
Water, if the battery voltage is above 120 V
Page 6
MYBRS™ 95 Union St. Brooklyn NY, 11231
Local: (718)858.3600 Fax: (718)360.4899
Visit our Site: www.mybrs.com Email Us: info@mybrs.com
Toll Free: 800.764.7458
Devices with Batteries:
Any device with batteries must not turn on (operate) while in transit. Before shipping,
remove the batteries and protect the terminals. Even very simple devices like flashlights
or portable-power tools can generate a dangerous quantity of heat if accidentally
activated. You can place devices without batteries into the Electronic Waste Recycling
Box provided.
Storage & Transport Regulations:
Storage: Store batteries in a cool, dry area. Store batteries in a covered area that
protects against adverse weather conditions. Protect batteries from coming into contact
with conductive materials to prevent fire or battery failures. Don’t store or charge
batteries in temperatures under -40 F (-20 C). Keep away from fire, sparks and heat
sources. Protect from damage to prevent possible leaks or spills. It is imperative that
these instructions be followed if the batteries are being stored.
Transport: All shipping containers shall be labeled either UNIVERSAL WASTE or NONREGULATED; in order to indicate the hazardous nature of the contents, where
applicable, as well as the waste code or waste type, and dated.
There are many kinds of batteries available today and several are regulated as
hazardous materials in transportation that may only be shipped by certified hazmat
carriers. Shipments requiring Hazardous-Materials Handling are to be contracted by
Haz-Mat shippers only. Always use GROUND services to ship batteries. Never use air
services to ship batteries accumulated for recycling for safety reasons, as such
shipments are prohibited by regulation (see e.g., IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations,
Special Provision A154).
If you have additional questions concerning packaging requirements or proper DOT
descriptions, please feel free to contact My Battery Recyclers at 800-764-7458.
Attn: Compliance Dept.
The information given above is provided in good faith based on existing knowledge and
does not constitute an assurance of safety under all conditions. It is the user’s
responsibility to observe all laws and regulations applicable for storage, use,
maintenance or disposal of the product. If there are any queries, the supplier should be
consulted.
Page 7
MYBRS™ 95 Union St. Brooklyn NY, 11231
Local: (718)858.3600 Fax: (718)360.4899
Visit our Site: www.mybrs.com Email Us: info@mybrs.com
Toll Free: 800.764.7458