SOURCE: Risk Management Department
        109 S. Prospect St.
 
CONTACT: Milly Archer, 656-1373
         RMGTRBS @ UVMADMIN
 
LAST UPDATE: 2/19/92
 
Battery Diposal: An Environmental Challenge
 
We have been receiving numerous questions concerning the proper
disposal of batteries on campus. The State of Vermont is
currently developing a used battery management plan which will
develop the means to eliminate the disposal of environmentally
harmful batteries in landfills. This will be done through retail
collection and manufacturer mail-back programs which will divert
the batteries to recycling programs.
 
In the meantime, the proper disposal methods for the various
types of batteries found on campus are:
 
Alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries, the most common
non-rechargeable types, may contain small quantities of mercury,
but are not considered to be hazardous wastes because the
concentrations of Hg expected to leach from the batteries is low.
Even so, alkalines should not be incinerated. Since UVM[s solid
waste stream is landfilled, alkaline batteries can be disposed
with the regular solid waste.
 
Nickel Cadmium batteries, the most common rechargeable batteries,
are toxic due to the cadmium and also pose an environmental
threat in landfills and incinerators. They must be disposed of as
hazardous waste.
 
Lead Acid batteries, both car battery types and smaller dry cell
types, have toxic levels of lead and can pose a significant
threat to the environment. Both large lead acid and small sealed
lead acid batteries are banned from landfill disposal and must be
handled as hazardous wastes.
 
Mercuric Oxide (mercury), Lithium and Silver Oxide batteries, are
commonly found in calculators, pagers and watches and are
hazardous due to their metal content. Although the EPA may be
delisting silver as a toxic constituent of concern, all of these
types of batteries should be handled as hazardous wastes.
 
Zinc Air, Carbon Zinc, and Nickel Hydride batteries do not have
enough mercury, cadmium or lead to be considered hazardous
wastes.
 
Remember that many electrical devices have batteries in them
which must be removed before the device is disposed of. If you
are unsure as to what kind of battery you have or how to dispose
of it, contact us for help.
 
- Milly Archer