Battery Disposal
Used batters can be considered hazardous waste. Toxic heavy metals and corrosive properties make them unsuitable for disposal with general trash. Used batteries generated on campus are collected by the Environmental Health and Safety department for proper recycling.
Typical Battery Usage
Cell phones, camers, computers, flashlights, power tools, research equipment, monitoring devices, health monitors, lanterns, alarms, emergency lights, automobiles and heavy equipment are all potential sources for battery use.
Types of batteries used and recycled here at OSU:
- Alkaline
- Lithium
- Nickel/Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
- Mercury and Silver Oxide
- Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad)
- Lithium-Ion
- Lead Sulfuric Acid
How to properly recycle batteries:
- Tape each battery terminal with non-conductive tape or place each battery in a sealed clear bag. Take care not to cover the battery type label since each battery will be organized prior to recycling.
- Store in a plastic container or card board box to prevent sparking. Label the container "Used Batteries for Recycling".
- Submit an online Chemical and Material Removal Request form, linked below.
- See the Battery Disposal Guide, linked below.
- Contact EHS to handle any leaking or unsafe batteries.
Documents
Chemical and Material Removal Request