The Retrofit Companies
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
ENV Battery Header (1)
BATTERIES

BATTERY RECYCLING: PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT

From remote controls to smartphones, batteries are the silent champions of modern life—fueling everything from your morning coffee routine to your daily commute. But when these powerhouses outlive their usefulness, tossing them carelessly can turn essential energy into an environmental hazard, releasing toxic heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium into our soil and water. 

COMMON TYPES OF BATTERIES

  • Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D) – Found in household electronics.

  • Lithium-ion – Used in phones, laptops, and power tools.

  • Lead-acid – Common in cars and backup power systems.

  • Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) & Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) – Found in older electronics and rechargeable devices.

Batteries_AdobeStock_546121929

RecyclePak

 

WHY RECYCLE BATTERIES?

  • Environmental Protection: Prevent toxic substances from polluting ecosystems.

  • Resource Recovery: Valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel can be reused.

  • Safety: Improper disposal can cause fires or chemical hazards.

And, it's good practice - many states have legal requirements and it's a critical step toward a sustainable future.

DOWNLOAD OUR BATTERY RECYCLING RESOURCES

Steve Jacobs, Environmental Safety Director, shares how to properly package batteries for shipment.

 

TRC Battery Recycling Guide rev 2025

 

Battery FAQ Guide

 

DAMAGED, DEFECTIVE, AND RECALLED (DDR) LITHIUM BATTERIES

When you ship lithium batteries, you as shipping a hazardous material as regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

All lithium batteries can pose a fire risk. Damaged, defective, or recalled (DDR) lithium batteries, including those misused and abused, pose an even greater risk than non-DDR lithium batteries in transportation. They are more likely to catch fire in a process known as “thermal runaway.” Unfortunately, misused, abused, and other kinds of DDR lithium batteries can be difficult to identify. Without the proper information and awareness, many shippers and carriers may  continue to ship DDR lithium batteries in the same manner as non DDR ones, creating additional risks for their communities.

DETERMINING DDR

Lithium cells and batteries that have the potential of producing a dangerous evolution of heat, fire, or short circuit can be identified as damaged or defective if they:

  • Have sustained physical or mechanical damage.

  • Have been identified previously as being defective for safety reasons.

  • Have leaked or vented (or are currently leaking or venting).

  • Are suspected to be damaged or defective but cannot be diagnosed prior to transport.

  • Do not conform to the type tested according to the applicable provisions of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria

  • Part 3 sub-section 38.3.

HAS YOUR BATTERY BEEN RECALLED?

https://www.recalls.gov/

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls

 

SOME VISUALLY-IDENTIFIABLE SIGNS OF A DDR BATTERY

  • Acute hazard, such as gas, fire, or noticeable leaking electrolyte.

  • Lithium batteries showing signs of physical or mechanical damage, such as:

    • Swelling, relative to the same battery in its original state.

    • Discoloration of the battery casing.

    • Smell or corrosion.

    • Loose or damaged wires.

    • Known conditions of use or misuse. 

WHY ARE DDR LITHIUMS DANGEROUS?

  • Thermal Runaway Risk: DDR batteries are more likely to overheat and ignite, causing fires or explosions.

  • Toxic Gas Release: Fires produce hazardous gases like HF, CO, and flammable vapors.

  • Persistent Energy: Even after damage or fire, batteries can retain charge, posing shock or reignition risks.

PROPER PACKAGING FOR SHIPMENT

  • Place the cell or battery in individual, non-metallic inner packaging that completely encloses the cell or battery

  • Surround the inner packaging with cushioning material that is non-combustible, electrically non-conductive, and absorbent

  • Package the inner packaging in Packing Group I performance level packaging. Note that only one inner packaging may be placed in an outer packaging (i.e., only one cell or battery per package)

  • Mark the outer packaging with an indication that the package contains a damaged/defective battery, in addition to any other required marks and labels on the package

FAQs FROM THE US EPA

Lithium Ion FAQs

 

sources: phmsa.dot.gov; www.workplacepub.com