Damaged, Defective and Recalled Batteries
Do you have a battery or cellphone that is swollen, corroded, leaking or showing burn marks? Or has been recalled by the manufacturer?
These situations are becoming more common as consumer devices rely on smaller but more powerful batteries. And damaged lithium metal or lithium ion batteries are specially regulated by U.S. DOT.
Call2Recycle requires all damaged, defective or recalled (DDR) lithium ion (rechargeable) and lithium metal (primary/non-rechargeable) batteries to be managed carefully. If DDR lithium-based batteries are shipped without proper protection, they are more likely to cause safety incidents, such as sparks that can turn into a fire at collection sites or at shipping facilities.
Under program guidelines, these batteries cannot be placed in a regular Call2Recycle box or a normal container. The U.S. DOT also requires a special handling and shipping process for DDR lithium-based batteries.
Call2Recycle offers a recycling service that meets the U.S. DOT packaging, handling and transportation requirements under a special permit granted by the federal government. The service provides the appropriate solution based on the battery type and applicable shipping requirements. We also provide services for defective and recalled batteries when, for example, a manufacturer or the Consumer Product Safety Commission have identified a performance or safety issue and the battery needs to be safely transported.
If you think you have a damaged, defective or recalled battery, visit the store or for more information or help, contact Customer Service, who will discuss the appropriate solution. You can read more about our battery recycling services below.
Handling Batteries
Damaged, defective and recalled lithium-based batteries are hazardous and require special handling. Do not place them in the trash as they could cause a fire in the garbage truck or at a collection site. Call2Recycle’s recommendations for proper disposal vary, depending on your situation:
Consumers: Place the battery or device in a non-flammable material such as sand or kitty litter as soon as possible. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission or manufacturer web site or visit the retailer you purchased it from to see if the battery or device has been recalled. If it has, follow the instructions.
As an alternative, place the battery or device (one per bag) in a clear plastic bag and take it to your municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) recycling center. You can also contact a local Call2Recycle drop-off site to see if it accepts damaged batteries. Do not place them in the trash for any reason.
Municipalities: Do not place these batteries or devices in your regular Call2Recycle collection container (box or drum). Follow the internal procedures for the handling of household hazardous waste (HHW). If a HHW service is unavailable, contact Call2Recycle Customer Service to discuss our battery recycling service. Place the battery or device in a non-flammable substance such as sand or kitty litter in the short term.
Retailers: Do not place these batteries or devices in your regular Call2Recycle collection box, where they could cause a safety incident, such as a spark or fire. Instead, follow your company’s procedures for the handling of household hazardous waste (HHW). If you do not have an internal HHW program, call Call2Recycle Customer Service to discuss our battery recycling service. Place the battery or device in a non-flammable substance such as sand or kitty litter in the short term if needed.
Manufacturers with defective/recalled batteries: Contact Customer Service to discuss the Call2Recycle recycling service, which provides the special packaging and recycling services required by the U.S. DOT for these types of batteries or devices.
To learn more about safe battery recycling, visit our other safety resources, including our shipping guidelines.
