Used batteries contain toxic material and if not managed properly can contaminate our environment and impact human health. Federal and state universal waste regulations require businesses to ensure used batteries are recycled and/or disposed promptly (within 1 year of tkane out of service) and properly (40 CFR Part 273).

The University of Louisville has established the following procedure for used battery recycling:

Step 1: Select a single location within your department to place a small battery recycle container (max size 1 gallon or 5 lbs). Ideal location would be the same area you have central accumulation for paper recycling or other recyclable material.

Safety Note:Used batteries are often not completely dead. Grouping large amounts of used batteries together can bring these live batteries into contact with one another, creating a fire risk. Your battery collection container should be placed in a location where its “fullness” can be monitored. Do not overfill!  Even if not full, have collection container emptied at the end of each semester.

Step 2: Select and mark your collection container. This can be a small cardboard box or plastic container. Be sure to mark on the outside of the container “Used Batteries for Recycling”.

Step 3: Announce to your department/group via e-mail that your department /group has a battery recycling container and provide its location information.

Step 4: Place batteries (do not need to be sorted) into your recycling container.

Step 5: When recycling container is near full, or at the end of semester, submit a Battery & Lamp Pick-up request via online form at https://louisville.edu/dehs/waste-disposal/battery-lamp-pickup-form.

NO BUCKET?  NO PROBLEM!  Drop off battery locations include:  Ekstrom Library, Kornhauser Library, REACH, and Radiation Safety. Many Departmental offices participate including: School of Education, School of Business, Speed School, Law School, DPS, HSC Administration, RRF, and Chemistry.

Types of Batteries Accepted:   All types of rechargeable and non-rechargeable. Examples include- alkaline (AA, AAA, D-volt, C, D, etc), primary Lithium, Lithium Ion (Li-ion), Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NI-MH), button-cell, and lead-acid (Pb). Maximum weight for any single battery placed within a battery bucket or box is 2.2 lbs/1 Kg.

Not acceptable (to put into local recycling container): Batteries >2.2 lbs/1 kg each, liquid-filled batteries (i.e. lead-acid), leaking, or ruptured batteries. For pick up of these types of batteries contact the DEHS Hazardous Waste Coordinator at 502-852-2956.

Additional questions about the used battery recycling program can be directed to Environmental Health & Safety at 502-852-6670.

https://louisville.edu/dehs/waste-disposal/battery-lamp-pickup-form