The following batteries are prohibited from being shipped in The Big Green Box:

1. Batteries containing free-flowing electrolyte. For example, automotive and motorcycle batteries contain a highly acidic electrolyte, which may leak from the battery if shipped within the Big Green Box.

2. Low production run and prototype batteries. Unless you work for a battery manufacturer or research laboratory, you probably don't have to worry about this category. Low production run and prototype batteries generally have not been put through the same rigorous testing as batteries sold to consumers, and therefore should be transported in specialized packaging.

3. Damaged, defective or recalled batteries. Similar to low production run and prototype batteries, the DOT is concerned that damaged, defective, or recalled batteries may pose a greater risk of harm when being shipped and should therefore be transported in specialized packaging.

If you are unsure whether your batteries fall into any of the above categories, call a customer service rep at 877-461-2345 or email info@biggreenbox.com.

Federal transportation regulations require proper insulation when shipping any battery or electronic device that may create a spark or generate heat.

Batteries That Require Insulation Include:

1. Lithium Metal Batteries

2. Lithium Ion Batteries

3. Lead Acid Batteries

4. All Batteries with a Rated Capacity over 9 Volts.

Batteries that require insulation must be placed individually into non-conductive inner packagings (i.e. provided plastic bags) that completely enclose the batteries, and separate the batteries from other conductive materials.

For sake of clarity, insulation is not required for Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V), NiCd, or NiMH batteries when marked with a rating of 9 volts and under. This voltage rating should be noted on the battery wrapper or case.

The Big Green Box requires the shipment of Lithium Ion and Lithium Metal batteries pursuant to DOT regulations set forth in 49 CFR 173.185. The following summarizes the applicable requirements of those shipping regulations:

1. Insulation: Lithium Ion and Lithium Metal batteries must be insulated pursuant to Section 2 above on Proper Insulation.

2. Small Cells Only: Lithium Ion cells or batteries must have a rated capacity lower than 60 watt hours per individual cell and 300 watt hours per battery pack. Lithium Metal cells or batteries must contain less than 5 grams per individual cell or 25 grams per battery pack of lithium content.

   • For Your Convenience: Common consumer batteries such as those used to power laptops, cell phones, tablets and power tools are typically under the maximum numbers listed

   • Size Guidelines: Those with batteries larger than common consumer types described above may use our Lithium Battery Size Guidelines to determine whether lithium batteries may ship in The Big Green Box.

3. Container Weight: Lithium Ion and Lithium Metal batteries must be packaged in containers weighing less than 66 lbs. Note: The Big Green Box is rated to hold up to 43 lbs. of batteries, which should not be exceeded.

4. Marking: The container must state it contains lithium batteries and must be marked “LITHIUM BATTERIES—FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD AIRCRAFT AND VESSEL.”  The Big Green Box provides a Peel Away label on the top of each box for easy display of this necessary marking.
   
   

5. Caution Document: Packages used to transport Lithium batteries be must accompanied by a document indicating the package contains lithium batteries, which should be handled with care due to the existence of a flammable hazard, and which provides special procedures in the event the package is damaged.This document is provided below and must be placed inside any Big Green Box being used to ship lithium batteries.
   

If you have any questions about these shipping regulations, call a customer service rep at 877-461-2345 or email info@biggreenbox.com.

The Big Green Box requires the shipment of Non-Spillable Lead batteries pursuant to DOT regulations set forth in 49 CFR 173.159a. The following summarizes the applicable requirements of those shipping regulations:

1. Insulation: Lead batteries must be insulated pursuant to Section 2 above on Proper Insulation.

2. Non-Spillable: Lead Acid batteries may only be shipped in the Big Green Box if they are designated “non-spillable” (i.e. battery acid will not leak from a crack in the casing).  Such batteries are typically marked “non-spillable.”  Contact the battery manufacturer if type is unknown.

3. Marking: The container must be marked “NON-SPILLABLE BATTERIES”  The Big Green Box provides a Peel Away label on the top of each box for easy display of this necessary marking.
   
   
   

If you have any questions about these shipping regulations, call a customer service rep at 877-461-2345 or email info@biggreenbox.com.

All shipping instructions, necessary labels and additional documents may be downloaded here:

1. Packaging and Shipping Instructions
2. Lithium Battery Shipping Label
3. Lithium Caution Document
4. Non-Spillable Lead Battery Shipping Label
5. Lithium Battery Size Guidelines