Retailers in New York State:

Safely and Compliantly Shipping Damaged Batteries

The New York State Rechargeable Battery Law (Article 27, Title 18 of the Environmental Conservation Law) was signed into law on December 10, 2010, and makes it illegal to throw rechargeable batteries in the trash. The law also requires manufacturers of covered rechargeable batteries who sell in New York State to fund the collection and recycling of rechargeable batteries, including damaged lithium-ion batteries returned to retailers.

Retailers participating in the Call2Recycle program with damaged lithium-ion batteries are eligible to receive FREE damaged battery recycling kits.

*Please note – DDR kits are provided on an as-needed basis only.*

What is a damaged battery?

A lithium-ion battery with signs of physical or mechanical damage, such as swelling, discoloration of the battery casing, smell or corrosion, loose/damaged wires or other obvious signs of damage.  Damaged batteries are considered a greater risk to transportaion than non-damaged lithium batteries (Reference – US DOT PHSMA Advisory)

 

What do I do if a damaged battery is dropped off at my retail site?

  1. Immediately package the battery in a non-flammable material such as sand or cat litter.
  2. Help avoid a safety hazard such as a spark or fire: Do not place these batteries in the trash (New York State has banned the disposal of any rechargeable battery) or in a regular Call2Recycle collection container
  3. Please contact Call2Recycle’s Customer Success Team by email or by phone at 1-877-723-1297 to order your free damaged battery kit.  Please include your store name and number, and address.
  4. Once the kit is received, please use the guidelines included in the kit to properly package and ship the damaged battery for recycling.

For any additional inquiries, please contact the Call2Recycle Customer Success Team.