TB 43-0134
c.
Solid waste characterization.
preventing it from coming out. Flush with
copious amounts of water.
(1) Under federal RCRA: HW with an EPA
(4) The battery cell typically contains 13 to 15
HW# of D009 for mercury (Hg).
percent Cd, and 20 to 30 percent nickel by weight. The battery
(2) Bioassay findings: Not tested. Presumed
cell typically contains a caustic electrolyte solution composed
to be toxic based on Hg content.
of 31% KOH by weight. Chemically, KOH is a strong alkali
d.
Handling. See para 2-3.
similar to caustic soda. Serious chemical burns can result if
e.
Fire control/suppression.
A C02 fire
this electrolyte comes into contact with the skin or eyes. If the
extinguisher is recommended. See para 2-4.
battery electrolyte gets into your eyes, it can cause severe
f.
Storage. See para 2-5.
damage and/or blindness.
g.
Transportation requirements. See para 2-6 for
(5) Cd and Cd salts are toxic and hazardous
packaging, marking and labeling requirements. Not regulated
materials. It is recommended to turn-in NI-CD batteries wet. If
under Title 49 CFR, Part 172.101 HMT.
you must drain the battery, the KOH electrolyte MUST be
CAUTION
tested for Cd prior to disposal. If Cd is below the RCRA
Depleted HG batteries continue to generate
regulatory limit (1.0 mgIL), then the electrolyte may be
H2 gas after use.
disposed in accordance with TG No. 126 with the concurrence
(1) DO NOT seal batteries in gas tight plastic
of the IEO and the affected waste water treatment authority.
bag(s), drum(s), or any non-vented container.
b.
Type number. BB-XXX.
(2) When over-packing damaged batteries,
c.
Solid waste characterization.
double pack-aging and absorbent packaging materials should
(1) Under federal RCRA: HW with an EPA
be relied upon for containment.
HW number of D006 for Cd.
h.
Disposition and Disposal. DO NOT accumulate
(2) Bioassay findings: Not tested. Presumed
and store waste batteries for disposal for more than 90 days.
to be toxic based on Cd and nickel (Ni) content.
Re-cycling is recommended. See para 2-7.
d.
Handling. See para 2-3.
(1) HG batteries may be disposed through
WARNING
your local servicing DRMO or via local contract with an EPA
HW# of D009 for Hg.
DO NOT try to neutralize caustic electrolyte
(2) In states with bioassay requirements,
with vinegar or any other acidic solutions.
based on Hg content, these batteries should be considered
Neutralization will do more harm than good,
HW, and disposition/disposal may be through your servicing
as it will trap caustic under the skin,
DRMO or via local contract.
preventing it from coming out. Flush with
copious amounts of water.
4-11.
Nickel-Cadmium (NI-CD) Batteries
(1) DO NOT attempt to drain electrolyte from
NI-CD batteries are secondary (rechargeable) batteries. There
sealed secondary batteries.
are two kinds of NI-CD batteries: sealed batteries without vent-
(2) DO NOT drain electrolyte from vented
filler caps, and vented batteries with vent-filler caps in order to
secondary batteries unless authorized.
service the battery.
(3) If battery contents or electrolyte are spilled
a.
Chemical characterization
and come in contact with the skin, IMMEDIATELY flush the
(1) Anode: Cadmium (Cd).
(2) Cathode: Nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH).
affected area for at least 15 minutes with clean WATER and
(3) Electrolyte: Aqueous solution of potassium
seek medical attention promptly.
hydroxide (KOH).
e.
Fire control/suppression A C02 fire extinguisher
WARNING
DO NOT try to neutralize caustic electro-lyte
(1) Given reasonable protection, vented NI-
CD batteries should not freeze. Avoid temperatures of less
with vinegar or any other acidic solu-tions.
than -40 F or greater than 130 F.
Neutralization will do more harm than good,
as it will trap caustic under the skin,
4-11
