New Federal Rules Impact Li-ion Battery Recycling

Nov. 11, 2008
Concern about the potential safety hazards of shipping large quantities of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries has prompted the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) to adopt new hazardous materials regulations covering the batteries. The rules took effect o

Concern about the potential safety hazards of shipping large quantities of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries has prompted the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) to adopt new hazardous materials regulations covering the batteries. The rules took effect on October 1 and will impact the cell-phone recycling industry and consumers who want to ship their wireless handsets for recycling.

The new DoT rules require that Li-ion batteries to be shipped in original equipment or have tape over the terminal connections to help prevent short circuits. In addition, the DoT requires packages containing Li-ion batteries to be properly marked and labeled.

One major recycler, ReCellular Inc., says all of its packaging will have the label, “PACKAGE CONTAINS LITHIUM -ION BATTERIES (NO LITHIUM METAL).” ReCellular says it recycles an average of 14,000 lb of Li-ion batteries every month, which are stored and shipped in 55-gallon steel drums in accordance with existing DoT rules.

Most of the rules changes will apply to commercial shipments. But some of the changes will also impact consumers sending small numbers of phones for recycling.

About the Author

Ron Schneiderman

Ron Schneiderman served as the Chief Editor of Wireless Systems Design and Executive Editor of Microwaves & RF. He is also the author of seven books. As a freelance writer, he has contributed to The New York Times,Rolling Stone,and TV Guide.

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