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Laws on Recycling Batteries & Ballasts

Batteries and ballasts are important components of electronics, but they contain mercury or other heavy metals that can present a health hazard if they are disposed of in the trash. State and federal laws establish recycling requirements for batteries and ballasts.

  1. History

    • The Toxic Substance Control Act allows most toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) containing ballast to be thrown away if they are not leaking, but leaking ones or ones contaminated with PCB must be recycled. The Comprehensive Environmental Compliance and Liability Act makes makes disposal of as few as 16 ballasts in a landfill a Superfund liability, which could require expensive cleanup ordered by the EPA. Department of Transportation regulations require ballasts sent for recycling be packed in drums and properly labeled as hazardous waste.

    Identification

    • The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Act sets standards for manufactures to label batteries and make them easier for consumers to recycle. The Universal Waste Rule prevents disposal of lead and nickel-cadmium batteries.

    Requirements

    • All state have laws that require proper disposal of car batteries. Several states have laws requiring the recycling of various lead and nickel-cadmium batteries. California and New York City require rechargeable batteries be recycled.

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