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 disposed in the trash. These batteries are typically regulated as universal waste and include inoperable batteries from mobile scanners, phones, laptops and other electronic equipment.
USPS facilities must recycle universal waste batteries using services provided by Cleanlites Recycling through eBuy Plus.
For example, alkaline batteries should be treated as nonhazardous waste and recycled through a local recycling center or through the recycling services found on eBuy Plus, including Cleanlites.
Small non-alkaline dry-cell batteries and small sealed lead-acid batteries should be treated as universal waste and recycled through the on eBuy Plus.
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 never 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 Batteries Blue page has more information.