TB 43-0134
CHAPTER 2
DISPOSITION AND DISPOSAL
compliance.
CAUTION
e.
The SW characterization of battery classes in
Personal protective equipment (PPE) MUST
be used when handling batteries that show
batteries as SW for disposal. If battery disposition is through
signs of leaking, bulging, swelling, or
the local servicing DRMO, the DRMO will determine if the
deformity. See Chapter 3 for PPE.
batteries will be recycled or disposed through other means.
Batteries which have been abused or
Therefore, when battery disposition is through the DRMO, the
mishandled may be hazardous even though
DRMO determines whether the batteries will be handled as
they are otherwise characterized as non-
HW, HM or as unregulated solid waste. Contact your local
hazardous for disposal purposes.
IEO and DRMO prior to turn-in of these batteries to determine
how they will be received and managed.
2-1. Solid Waste Characterization of Batteries
2-2. Hazardous Characteristics
Battery classes are shown in Table 2-1 by chemical
Refer to individual battery profiles in Chapter 4 for specific
composition, type numbers, and solid waste (SW)
information and requirements for each battery.
classification. The classification relates to how the various
2-3. Handling
classes of batteries, by chemical composition, are
a.
Hot/warm battery(ies) may vent or rupture.
characterized for disposal. Batteries classified as hazardous
DO NOT handle hot or warm batteries. Wait until they are cool
waste (HW) under the federal Resource Conservation and
to the touch.
Recovery Act (RCRA) administered by the US Environmental
b.
Inspect batteries for obvious physical damage
Protection Agency (EPA) or under state regulation should be
or defect prior to use. DO NOT use defective batteries.
disposed of through your local servicing Defense Reutilization
c.
If batteries show signs of leakage, PROTECT
and Marketing Office (DRMO) or via local contract. See
YOUR HANDS with gloves. If you must handle batteries that
paragraph (para) 2-7.
are hot or warm, eye, face, hand and respiratory protection is
a.
Batteries that do not exceed regulatory criteria
required. Refer to Chapter 3 for PPE.
as established in Title 40, Code of Federal Regulation (CFR),
d.
DO NOT heat, incinerate, crush, puncture, or
Part 261, Subpart C of RCRA regulations are classified as
mutilate batteries. Exercise care in handling batteries and
nonhazardous solid waste (NHSW). These batteries may be
container(s) of batteries to prevent damage.
disposed with general refuse.
e.
DO NOT charge any primary (non-
b.
Batteries which exceed regulatory criteria may
rechargeable) bat-tery. f DO NOT disassemble any battery
be hazardous waste (HW). Batteries which are defined as HW
unless authorized by the battery Technical Manual TM.
are identified by US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
g.
DO NOT short circuit batteries.
HW number (HW#) for disposal. Batteries are not a listed
waste in accordance with EPA's RCRA regulations. All states
h.
DO NOT bypass an internal fuse, or replace
are required to enforce RCRA regulations. In states without
fuse with one of a different rating.
additional requirements, federal and state requirements and
i. DO NOT over-discharge batteries. Remove the
classifications will be similar.
battery(ies) from equipment immediately after they fail to
c.
States may have more stringent regulations.
operate the equipment.
Refer to Appendix E for a summary of state regulations and
j. If equipment uses two or more batteries, ALWAYS
points of contact In addition to RCRA requirements, Alaska
replace batteries in complete sets. Use batteries from the
(AK), California (CA), Minnesota (MN), Rhode Island (RI) and
same manufacturer with the same or similar date code. Store
Washington (WA) utilize bioassay to characterize the solid
batteries in sets.
k.
waste as HW.
DO NOT store batteries in equipment for
d.
Local activities (e.g., county landfill) may not
longer than 30 days when not in use.
l. USE ONLY the correct batteries authorized by the
allow the disposal of certain classes of non-hazardous
batteries. In some localities these batteries may be disposed
equipment TM.
as solid waste, e.g., industrial waste. Therefore, coordination
m.
DO NOT use any battery which does not
easily fit into the battery compartment of the equipment
of disposal with the Installation/Unit Environmental
Office/Officer (IEO) is essential to ensure regulatory
2-1
