Encyclopædia Britannica (2024). alkaline-manganese dioxide battery: cutaway view [Image] https://www.britannica.com/technology/cell-electronics#/media/1/101461/19439
May 24, 2023 memo “Lithium Battery Recycling Regulatory Status and Frequently Asked Questions”, the EPA advised that lithium- ion batteries are typically D001 (ignitable) and D003 (reactive) characteristic hazardous waste. In July 2021, EPA published a report titled “ An Analysis of Lithium-ion Battery Fires in Waste Management and Recycling ”, identifying hundreds of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries during accumulation, while in transport, and at municipal waste and recycling facilities (Figure 1). EPA recommends using non-conductive tape to tape the terminals of each battery and placing each battery into a separate bag to minimize opportunities for reactions or damage to the batteries.
characteristic hazardous waste because they do not contain an aqueous solution. Therefore, dry-cell alkaline batteries are not federal hazardous waste. However, several states, including Washington and California, have state-specific hazardous waste codes for corrosive solids which require dry cell alkaline batteries to be managed as state hazardous waste in these locations. Lead-Acid Batteries Lead-acid batteries are found in powered industrial vehicles, such as forklifts, back-up power supplies, and energy storage for photovoltaic cells. Lead-acid batteries are comprised of lead and sulfuric acid and should be managed as D008 (lead) and D002 (corrosive) characteristic hazardous waste. Spills and leaks of acid from batteries can also generate D002 hazardous waste, and even neutralized acid may be D008 hazardous waste due to exposure to lead in the battery. Lithium-Ion Batteries Lithium-ion batteries are frequently used in rechargeable electronics, robots, electric cars, and electric bicycles. There are many variants of lithium batteries, but generally the cells consist of a graphite anode, a metal oxide or phosphate cathode, and an electrolyte made from a lithium salt and organic solvent. There is a metal separator between the anode and cathode to keep the battery from short circuiting. Lithium-ion batteries present unique management and disposal challenges due to the reactive nature of lithium. When a lithium- ion battery is damaged or short circuited, a chain reaction called thermal runaway can occur. Thermal runaway can present as smoking or a very hot fire that is challenging to extinguish. In its
Figure 1: Fires and Facilities Affected by Year
2013
2 1
2014
6 2
2015
7 3
2016
15
7
2017
40
9
2018
39
18
2019
68
19
2020
65
16
Fires
Facilities Aected
EHS Quarterly / Oct, 2024 6
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