What is The Big Green Box?
Answer, The Big Green Box is nationwide battery recycling program (excluding Hawaii,
Alaska & Puerto Rico) that offers companies, consumers, municipalities, government
agencies and other generators a low cost and easy way to recycle their batteries and
portable electronic devices. Once The Big Green Box is purchased, all shipping,
handling, and recycling fees are included. The Big Green Box includes a U.N. approved,
PG II, pre-labeled container, pre-paid shipping to and from our permitted recycling
facility, and of course, includes all recycling fees. You simply buy it, fill it, & ship it. It truly
doesn’t get any easier.
I need proof of what my company recycled. Will I receive a report after you process my shipment?
Answer: Absolutely. After we process your Big Green Box shipment at our permitted recycling
facility, we issue a Certificate of Acceptance & Recycling. These documents outline what we
received in your Big Green Box and how many pounds. Unlike other
battery recycling programs, we automatically send the certificates directly to your email. No
need to request them. If you need us to add or change who receives the certificates at your
company, please give us a call.
Is the Big Green Box Safe?
Answer: Yes, completely safe. The Big Green Box meets U.S. Department of
Transportation and United Nations packaging standards. We provide packaging
instructions that can be easily followed to ensure you package your batteries in a safe
and legally compliant manner. In addition, we provide plastic bags for batteries to be
placed into, which provides proper insulation for the batteries and prevents unintentional
discharges or short-circuiting during transit.
What can I put in The Big Green Box?
Answer: The Big Green Box is designed for batteries such as: Alkaline, Zinc Carbone,
Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH), Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), Lithium
Metal, Non-Spillable Lead Acid, button cells and all other dry cell batteries. By dry cell,
we mean batteries that do not contain electrolytes, i.e. Auto or Motorcycle batteries.
You can also include all portable/hand held electronics: i.e. cell phones, laptops, iPods,
iPads, MP3 players, tablets, power tools, walkie talkies, barcode scanners, sensor
monitors, calculators, T.V. remotes, gaming systems, game controllers, cameras,
camcorders, key fobs, garage door openers, remote starters, CD players, small radios,
personal navigation devices, digital music players.
We also take cellphone and laptop accessories such as charging cords, blue tooth, ear
buds, USB ports, wireless chargers, power banks, small keyboards, mouse.
Please rest assured, any personal data stored on laptops, cell phones will be
completely safe. Retriev Technologies has strict security measures in place to
safeguard your products until recycling takes place. When recycled, the products are
placed on a belt, which leads to our hammermill. The hammermill crushes the device
and destroys any data stored on them before being sent down the line for further
processing.
How do I order The Big Green Box?
Answer: The Big Green Box can be ordered from this website or you can place an order
with one of our friendly customer service representatives by calling 877-461-2345. The
Big Green Box accepts all major credit cards both online and over the phone. Our office
hours are 6:00am -2:30pm EST Monday-Friday.
Do you accept Purchase Orders?
Answer, Yes, we will gladly accept purchase orders. We do require that customers first fill out
and return our BGB Account Application. Completed Account Applications can be emailed to
julie@biggreenbox.com or faxed to (877) 354-7924
Download copy of Credit App
Will my return shipping label expire after a certain amount of time?
Answer: No, shipping labels never expire.
Before shipping my Big Green Box, do I need to contact customer service to request an RMA number?
Answer: No, we do not require RMA numbers.
How can I tell if my lithium batteries are Lithium Metal or Lithium Ion?
Lithium Metal batteries, aka lithium primary, are single use lithium batteries. Another words,
once depleted, the battery cannot be recharged for continued use. A few examples would be
AA, AAA & 9 volts lithium batteries, lithium coin/button cell batteries. Also, batteries used in
digital cameras, watches. Lithium Ion (Li-ion) batteries are rechargeable lithium batteries,
another words, once depleted, the battery or portable device can be recharged for continued
use, i.e. cellphone, laptop, power tools, IPad or Apple watch.
Can I recycle my cellphone or laptop accessories, i.e. charging cords, blue tooth, ear buds, USB ports, wireless chargers, power banks?
Answer, You certainly can. All accessories used to power portable devices can be
recycled.
When do I need to purchase a Lithium Metal Big Green Box?
Answer: Only when needing to recycle over 10 lbs. of non-rechargeable (single use)
lithium batteries, i.e. lithium coin/button cells, AA, AAA & 9 volts lithium batteries.
If I purchase a Lithium Metal Big Green Box, can I add other types of batteries you accept?
Answer: You certainly can. Our Special Permit allows customers to mix all battery
chemistries/types in the same container
What if I have lithium batteries that are encased inside plastic or device and cannot be removed? Will I need to remove the batteries, by disassembling the unit?
Answer, Not at all. Our automated crusher safely removes the plastic and other
components.
My alkaline batteries have a fuzzy/crusty build up on them, some are rusted. Can I ship these batteries in my Big Green Box?
Answer: You certainly can. The reason for leaks is that as batteries discharge , either
through usage or gradual self-discharge — the chemistry of the cells changes, and
some hydrogen gas is generated. This out-gassing increases pressure in the battery.
Eventually, the excess pressure either ruptures the insulating seals at the end of the
battery, or the outer metal canister, or both. In addition, as the battery ages, its steel
outer canister may gradually corrode or rust. Once a leak has formed due to corrosion of
the outer steel shell, potassium hydroxide absorbs carbon dioxide from the air to form a
feathery crystalline structure of potassium carbonate that grows and spreads out from
the battery over time. Potassium Carbonate is a corrosive and should be handled with
care. We recommend wearing gloves and safety glasses when handling them
What do I consider a damaged, defective battery?
Answer, Lithium Ion batteries that puffy, which sometimes happens to cellphone and
laptop batteries when overheated. Other examples would be if the battery short
circuited, is cracked, punctured or damaged from a fire.
We do have special shipping containers available to ship damaged, defective or recalled
cellphone and laptop batteries,
If you need assistance with determining if your battery is considered damaged,
defective, please contact our friendly customer service team at 877-461-2345
What are your business hours?
Answer: Our hours of operation are Monday- Friday, from 6:00am-2:30pm eastern
standard time. You can also reach our customer service team at
info@biggreenbox.com