Lithium-ion Battery Safety Lithium-ion batteries are one type of rechargeable battery technology (other examples include sodium ion and solid state) that supplies power to many devices we use daily. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the manufacturing and industrial use of these batteries due to their superior energy.
Key principles of the EPA's guidance are described below. The EPA guidance provides that, absent the applicability of the household waste exemption, most lithium-ion batteries qualify as RCRA hazardous wastes due to their “ignitability” and “reactivity” characteristics.
Are end-of-life lithium-ion batteries hazardous waste?
New EPA guidance clarifies that most end-of-life lithium-ion batteries will be subject to the full suite of hazardous waste requirements if the batteries are not managed as “universal wastes.”
Can rechargeable lithium-ion batteries be managed as universal waste batteries?
In its FAQ memo, the EPA made clear that both rechargeable lithium-ion and single-use lithium batteries may be managed as universal waste batteries.
Are lithium batteries toxic?
rdous waste. Though the most common metals used in lithium batteries do not appear on the list of contaminants that can make a waste exhibit the toxicity characteristic found in 40 CFR 261.24, contamination from other chemistries of batteries could result in black mass exhibiting the toxicity chara istic for11a hazardous constituent suc
Can You ship lithium batteries with a hazardous waste transporter?
EPA's universal waste battery regulations do not mandate use of a uniform hazardous waste manifest or shipment using a hazardous waste transporter, but Department of Transportation regulations for shipping lithium batteries do apply.
Is a discarded lithium ion battery a universal waste?
Indeed, EPA “recommends that all lithium batteries be managed” as universal waste. Thus, if a generator decides not to handle a discarded lithium ion battery as a universal waste, it should have a sound technical basis for concluding that the battery does not meet the ignitability or reactivity criteria.