Battery Storage and Packaging

To guard against possible short circuiting, the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (established by battery manufacturers) recommends you do at least one of the following to prepare batteries for recycling:

  • Discharge Cells: This should be done only by a knowledgeable engineer or technician. Consult your battery supplier for instructions on how to discharge cells completely and properly.
  • Terminal Protection: If you cannot assure that the cells have been completely discharged, then cover the terminals of each battery with non-conductive tape.
  • Place in a Plastic Bag: Batteries may be placed separately in plastic bags so the terminals will not come in contact with other batteries or metal during storage or transport.
  • Package batteries so that terminals will not short-circuit during storage or transport.

Battery Collection Container

EHS provides containers for batttery collection.

It is important to note that this program is intended only for batteries generated from University operations. Individuals should continue to use curbside recycling, household hazardous waste days, and purchase/exchange programs for the disposal of personal batteries.

 

Staff

Stanley Howell
Sr. Program Manager - Chemical Safety
609-258-2711

Stephen Elwood
Director for Research Safety
609-258-6271