Rechargeable Batteries

Batteries power everything from cell phones to medical equipment. All batteries contain heavy metals and can contaminate the environment if improperly disposed.

Lead-acid automotive batteries, and rechargeable batteries generated at UF, are considered hazardous waste and must be managed through EH&S at (352) 392-8400. Unfortunately, there is currently no other option for unneeded alkaline batteries. Wrap old batteries in plastic (so their ends don’t touch) and trash them.

Reduce Waste

You can help reduce waste and environmental impact, while saving your department money, by using rechargeable batteries. In 2014, Facilities Services switched from alkaline to rechargeable batteries for power tools and equipment, going from 11,410 batteries purchased to 1,981, saving nearly $500 in cost. These batteries are reusable for years, saving even further.

Recycling Batteries

If your vendor or department does not currently recycle batteries, EH&S will, including:

• Lead-Acid auatomotive batteries
• Lithium ion batteries
• Ni-CD or nickel cadmium batteries
• Ni-MH or nickel metal hydride batteries
• Small sealed lead acid batteries

Collect these batteries in non-metal containers labeled “Universal Waste-Batteries”, “Waste Batteries” or “Used Batteries”. Containers must each be marked with the date you began to accumulate batteries inside.

Contact

For help, contact EH&S at (352) 392-8400.