Information on Recycling 
Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are mainly used as rechargeable batteries in computers, camcorders, laptops and cameras. Lithium ignites when in contact with water.

Note: A Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) battery is an alternative also found in many of the above items. Read the battery label to determine what kind of battery you are dealing with.

Massachusetts Laws and Regulations:

Because lithium ignites when in contact with water, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts classifies lithium batteries as Hazardous Waste under the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Regulations MA DEP 310 CMR 30.600 - 310 CMR 30.699.

There are many regulations pertaining to the storage, transportation and proper disposal of hazardous waste.  Refer to the Massachusetts DEP Hazardous Waste Regulations page for more information: www.state.ma.us/dep/bwp/dhm/files/regs/600.htm

or call the DEP InfoLine at 617-338-2255.

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Benefits of Recycling Lithium Batteries

• It’s the law!: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulates all businesses and institutions that generate any amount of hazardous waste. See the “Massachusetts Laws and Regulations” section of this page.
  

• Prevent Lithium Batteries From Becoming Hazardous Waste:  When lithium batteries are broken or destroyed and come in contact with water they can cause serious fires. Recycling lithium batteries not only diverts this potential disaster, it also deters pollution of our natural resources. 

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Recycling Services for Lithium Batteries:

The Recycling Services Directory and Market Guide for Massachusetts:
This Guide lists 405 vendors who accept, collect, or purchase recyclable materials from Massachusetts communities and businesses.  Updated May, 2001.

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Associated Links:

Battery Council International (BCI)
www.batterycouncil.org
BCI actively promotes the recycling of spent lead-acid batteries and the use of recycled materials in the production of new batteries. The organization collects statistical data to provide the annual recycling rate of lead-acid batteries. BCI also develops battery recycling legislation at both the state and federal levels in the U.S., as a way to efficiently recover valuable resources and keep recyclable materials out of the waste stream.

Portable Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA)
www.prba.org
Established in 1991 by five major battery manufactures, PRBA is a nonprofit trade association. The mission of the PRBA is to provide leadership in obtaining consistent domestic and international solutions to environmental and other selected issues affecting the use, recycling and disposal of small sealed rechargeable batteries.

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