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Information on Recycling
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad)
Rechargeable Batteries
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The information on
this page is tailored to Massachusetts businesses and institutions
only. Municipalities and
private residents should view the Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection's (MA DEP) Web page for Household Batteries
Reuse and Recycling: http://www.state.ma.us/dep/recycle/hazards/batthous.htm |
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What
are
Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) Rechargeable
Batteries?
These batteries are marked
“Rechargeable” and are found in many products including: cell phones,
cordless phones, laptops, power tools, camcorders and remote controlled
toys. NiCads contain cadmium,
a metal that is toxic to humans when inhaled or ingested.
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Massachusetts
Laws and Regulations:
Because
Cadmium is a toxic element, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts classifies
NiCad 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 Nickel Cadmium 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.
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Prevent
NiCad Batteries From Becoming Hazardous Waste:
NiCads contain cadmium,
which is a toxic substance. When NiCads
are broken or destroyed, such as when placed in landfills or
incinerators, they release toxins into the environment. Recycling
diverts the release of cadmium into the environment.
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Recycling
Tips for Nickel
Cadmium
Batteries1:
Find
Your Local Recycler –NiCads
are considered a hazardous waste and it is strongly recommended that you
recycle your rechargeable batteries as they release toxins when
incinerated or broken. Look in the Recycling
Services Directory for commercial recycling services.
Also, there are currently over 400 collection sites in
Massachusetts that are free to residents. Call 800-8-BATTERY for the
nearest retail collection location; or call your local Radio Shack.
Contact
Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) – RBRC is a non-profit committed to helping consumers and businesses
properly recycle NiCads. Visit
their Business and Public Agency
Recycling Plan page today at: www.rbrc.org/bpa/signup.html
or call toll free: (877) 723-1297.
Storage
of NiCads - When storing rechargeable batteries for collection, keep
in a vented, non-metal container. Rechargeable batteries should be placed
individually in plastic bags before being stored together with other
rechargeables.
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Recycling Services
for Nickel
Cadmium 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.
View the online
Recycling Services Directory's listing
under
the “Batteries” section
www.wastecap.org/wastecap/rsd/batteries.htm
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Facts & Figures
- U.S. demand for rechargeables
in growing twice as fast as demand for non-rechargeables.1
- High levels of cadmium in the
air, damages the lungs and can cause death. 2
- Eating food or drinking water
with very high levels of cadmium severely irritates the stomach.
2
- Long-term exposure to lower
levels of cadmium in air, food, or water leads to a buildup of cadmium
in the kidneys and possible kidney disease. 2
- Other long-term effects
include fragile bones. 2
- Batteries account for a
disproportionate amount of the toxic heavy metals contained in
municipal solid waste, even though they make up less than 1 percent of
that waste.3
1
Source:
US Environmental Protection Agency, "Batteries," www.epa.gov/epr/products/batteries.html.
2
Source: Sustainable Development International - www.sustdev.org/industry.news/082001/28.03.shtml
3 Source:
US Environmental Protection Agency, "Batteries," www.epa.gov/epr/products/batteries.html.
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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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