The Postal Service is reminding employees to follow the proper procedures for the handling, storage and disposal of used batteries.
Most used batteries contain hazardous components and cannot be tossed in the trash. These batteries are typically regulated as universal waste and include batteries from mobile scanners, phones, laptops and other electronic equipment.
USPS facilities must recycle universal waste batteries — which include small nonalkaline dry-cell batteries and small sealed lead-acid batteries — using services provided by Cleanlites Recycling through eBuy Plus, the USPS online purchasing platform.
The USA Lamp and Ballast Recycling catalog, part of eBuyPlus, has more information.
Alkaline batteries are typically not regulated as universal waste, except in California, where they must be recycled through Cleanlites.
Employees should arrange for car and truck batteries to be picked up for recycling through their facility’s vehicle battery supplier. Recycling of industrial lead-acid batteries should be arranged through EnerSys.
Used batteries should not be sent to the Atlanta Mail Recovery Center; the Ybor City, FL, Processing and Distribution Center; or the Topeka, KS, Material Distribution Center.
The Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability Blue page has more information. Facility managers should consult their environmental specialist on state-specific universal waste regulation.
