New Guidelines for Campus Battery Recycling
We use batteries to power a variety of devices, from remote controls to computer mice and more. Most batteries can be recycled, but some battery types, particularly lithium-ion, have a high risk of causing fires if disposed of improperly. Fires have occurred in waste bins, collection trucks, and processing facilities throughout the country.
Since it is often difficult to differentiate one battery type from another, to reduce the risk of fires on campus, all batteries collected in brown, battery recycling bins on campus must have metal terminals taped. (Clear tape is preferred.) Small, button style batteries must be fully enclosed in clear tape prior to being recycled.
Lead batteries and batteries that are swollen, leaking, corroded, or burned should not be dropped in battery recycling bins. The Environmental Affairs unit of the Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability, and Risk (ESSR) will collect lead acid batteries and damaged batteries separately. Email envaffairs@umd.edu to coordinate a pick-up.
Battery bin locations will be updated on the campus web map throughout the fall semester. For questions or additional information about battery recycling, email the Recycling & Solid Waste Unit of Facilities Management at recycle@umd.edu.