Safely Packaging Batteries
We are as dedicated to safety as we are to quality service and innovative recycling technology. The US. Department of Transportation (DOT) has established a number of regulations that must be followed to legally ship batteries for recycling.
These regulations have been established for your safety as well as the safety our staff and those responsible for transporting the batteries. For that reason, we have provided an overview of the DOT's shipping regulations below:
Click To Expand Each Section
1. PROHIBITED BATTERIES
The following batteries are prohibited from being shipped in The Big Green Box:
- 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.
- 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.
- Damaged, Defective or Recalled- 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. We provide shipping options for damaged, defective or recalled batteries, Please click here for additional information
- Li-Ion batteries with a marked rating over 300 watt-hours or Lithium Metal batteries over 25 grams of lithium content. If unknown, please see Battery Size Guidelines to determine whether lithium batteries may ship in a Big Green Box, 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.
2. PROPER INSULATION
Lithium ion, Lithium metal, Non-Spillable and batteries marked with a rating over 9 volts must be protected against short circuits and dangerous evolution of heat. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, placing the batteries in individually in plastic bags or taping and covering the exposed terminals. The means of protection used to prevent short circuits must remain in place while the package is in transportation. Devices containing batteries must be protected against short circuits and unintentional activation. This can be achieved by taping the switch in the off position.
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.
Please note: We ask that you ONLY use clear plastic bags or clear packing tape. This is to make battery identification possible.
3. SHIPPING LITHIUM BATTERIES
The Big Green Box requires the shipment of Lithium Ion, Lithium Metal batteries pursuant to DOT- SP 16474. The following summarizes the applicable requirements of those shipping regulations:
- Insulation: Lithium Ion and Lithium Metal batteries must be insulated pursuant to Section 2 above on Proper Insulation.
- Small Cells Only: Lithium Ion batteries must have a rated capacity lower than 300 watt-hours per battery. Lithium Metal batteries must contain less than 25 grams of lithium content per battery.
- 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.
- 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.
- Marking: The Big Green Box provides all markings outlined below to meet D.O.T. SP-16474 shipping requirements.
Each package must be durably marked:
- “Used Batteries for Recycling or Disposal: May Contain Lithium (ion and/or metal) and Nonspillable Batteries. FOR HIGHWAY OR RAIL FREIGHT ONLY- FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORTATION BY VESSEL OR AIRCRAFT. This is printed on top of every Big Green Box.
- With an emergency response telephone number, accessible 24 hours per day in case of damage to the packaging or contents. This is printed on the top of every Big Green Box, 1-800-424-9300.
- Must display Special Permit number, “DOT-SP 16474”. The permit number is printed on the top of every Big Green Box.
If you have any questions about these shipping regulations, call a customer service rep at 877-461-2345 or email info@biggreenbox.com
4. SHIPPING NON-SPILLABLE LEAD BATTERIES
The Big Green Box requires the shipment of Non-Spillable Lead batteries pursuant to D.O.T. SP-16474. The Following summarizes the applicable requirements of those shipping regulations:
- Insulation: Lead batteries must be insulated pursuant to Section 2 above on Proper Insulation.
- 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.
- Marking: The container must be marked “Used Batteries for Recycling or Disposal: May Contain Lithium (ion and/or metal) and Non-spillable Batteries. FOR HIGHWAY OR RAIL FREIGHT ONLY- FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORTATION BY VESSEL OR AIRCRAFT. This is printed on top of every Big Green Box.
If you have any questions about these shipping regulations, call a customer service rep at 877-461-2345 or email info@biggreenbox.com
Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device
