Are spent batteries hazardous waste?
Answer – The majority of rechargeable batteries have to be managed as hazardous waste for disposal under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Most alkali batteries are not hazardous and therefore do not need to be collected. . Under The Code of Massachusetts Regulation (CMR) 310 CMR 30.1034 hazardous batteries are subject to the Universal Waste Management Standards. This standard was designed to “relax” and provide flexibility within some of the hazardous waste regulations pertaining to the collection and disposal of spent hazardous batteries. Nickel cadmium (NiCd), Lithium and mercury containing button batteries must be managed through the universal waste program or must be managed as hazardous waste if leaking – contact EH&S (617) 496-3322 for assistance (Note: Lead Acid batteries are not required to be managed as universal wastes if they are intact and are to be recycled through a distributor). To Comply with Universal Waste Standards • Post collection area with UNIVER
