Battery Waste in the Modern Garage

Learn how to manage, recycle, and dispose of both lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries properly in auto shops, dealerships, or fleet operations. Q&As include:

1. How can you tell if an automotive battery is lead-acid vs. lithium-ion?
2. What exactly are automotive lead-acid batteries?
3. How do automotive lead-acid batteries work?
4. What are the dangers of lead-acid automotive batteries?
5. Are the constituents of automotive lead-acid batteries RCRA hazardous?
6. How do you properly dispose of a single automotive lead-acid battery?
7. How do you properly dispose of large quantities of automotive lead-acid batteries?
8. Are automotive lead-acid batteries a universal waste?
9. What exactly are automotive lithium-ion batteries?
10. What are the constituents of automotive lithium-ion batteries?
11. How do automotive lithium-ion batteries work?
12. What are the dangers of automotive lithium-ion batteries?
13. Are the constituents of automotive lithium-ion batteries RCRA hazardous?
14. Are automotive lithium-ion batteries a universal waste?
15. How do you properly dispose of a single automotive lithium-ion battery?
16. How do you properly dispose of a large amount of automotive lithium-ion batteries?
17. What are some guidelines for automotive shop managers and technicians regarding expired automotive batteries?
18. Where can you find expert advice about managing lead-acid and lithium-ion automotive batteries?

1. How can you tell if an automotive battery is lead-acid vs. lithium-ion?

First, look at the label.

• Lead-acid batteries will likely be marked with warnings like CONTAINS SULFURIC ACID—DO NOT TIP. Other markings might be SLA (Sealed Lead Acid), or AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat), or the single word FLOODED. Weight is another big hint. Lead-acid batteries are a lot heavier than their lithium-ion counterparts. Also look for the familiar old rectangular black plastic case with vent caps on top.
• Lithium-ion batteries are usually marked LITHIUM, or LI-ION, or the chemical formula LiFePO₄ for lithium iron phosphate. More urgently, lithium-ion batteries will often bear the warning: DO NOT CHARGE WITH LEAD-ACID CHARGERS OR TRADITIONAL ALTERNATORS. A lithium-ion battery will often feature a built-in battery management system (BMS) display. Also, they’re much lighter than lead-acid batteries (sometimes a third the weight) and sexier looking—but remember that beauty is only skin deep.

2. What exactly are automotive lead-acid batteries?

Lead-acid batteries are what we’re accustomed to finding beneath the hoods of our cars (or in the trunk or under the seat, depending on your ride). They also show up in boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, golf carts, ATVs, wheelchairs, and other vehicles.

Lead-acid batteries are inexpensive, safe, reliable, and can be designed for high power, i.e., their high surge current capability makes them ideal for starting the engine, which requires a significant amperage right now. However, they suffer from a low power-to-weight ratio, poor cold temperature performance, and a short charging cycle. (Nothing’s perfect, eh?

3. How do automotive lead-acid batteries work?

Lead-acid batteries come by their moniker honestly. They contain six cells, each containing LEAD and lead dioxide plates immersed in an electrolyte solution of sulfuric ACID and water. In a “charged battery,” the sulfuric acid reacts with the lead plates, forming lead sulfate, and releasing electrons that flow through the circuit, providing power. When the battery is recharged, the chemical reaction is reversed, converting the lead sulfate back into lead, lead dioxide, and sulfuric acid. Each cell delivers about 2.1 volts, so the battery is good for about 12.6 volts when fully charged.

4. What are the dangers of lead-acid automotive batteries?

As the name suggests, these batteries contain lead, which is a toxic heavy metal that can contaminate soil and water if the battery leaks or is improperly disposed of. They also contain sulfuric acid, which is a highly corrosive substance that can cause severe chemical burns to the skin and eyes, and damage internal organs if ingested. (N.B. Don’t drink it.)

Other foibles: When charging, lead-acid batteries release flammable hydrogen and oxygen gases. If these gases accumulate in a poorly ventilated area, a spark or other ignition source can cause an explosion, spewing toxic debris and acid.

5. Are the constituents of automotive lead acid batteries RCRA hazardous?

Are they ever. Consider:

• Lead is a heavy metal that is RCRA hazardous for characteristic toxicity. Thus, any waste with a TCLP lead concentration above 5.0 mg/L must be managed and disposed of as a hazardous waste (D008).
• Sulfuric acid is RCRA hazardous for characteristic corrosivity. The pH of battery acid is typically <2, well below the RCRA corrosivity threshold (pH ≤2 or ≥12.5), so must be managed and disposed of as a hazardous waste (D002).

6. How do you properly dispose of single automotive lead-acid battery?

Very carefully, as each contains about 18 lbs. of lead—which is poisonous all by its lonesome. Add to that a gallon or so of lead-contaminated sulfuric acid. Thus, in most states it’s illegal to dispose of used lead-acid batteries. In a landfill, they would corrode, releasing the lead and lead-contaminated sulfuric acid into the environment, wreaking havoc upon nearby water resources. Also, never place a spent lead-acid battery into a municipal recycling bin.

Any entity that sells lead acid batteries will accept spent ones for recycling. E.g., when buying a new lead acid battery for your car, retailers will generally pay you money for your old “core.” Alternatively, you can bring spent lead-acid batteries to your local household hazardous waste collection program.

(N.B. Up to 99% of a lead-acid battery can be recycled, making it one of the most recyclable consumer products.)

7. How do you properly dispose of large quantities of automotive lead-acid batteries?

Bear in mind that large amounts of lead-acid batteries are classified as a hazardous waste by that onerous troika of regulatory agencies: OSHA, DOT, and EPA. So, mistakes of either design or neglect while working with, transporting, and/or disposing of large quantities of these batteries can have serious legal and pecuniary consequences—some of them criminal in nature.

Among other things, your cradle-to-grave responsibilities include making sure that your containers meet various regulations for strength and durability, and that they’re properly labeled and “marked.” The transport company you select must be properly licensed to haul hazmat, and it’s your responsibility to make sure that it is. You must prepare an e-Manifest to accompany the batteries to a properly approved and permitted TSDF. And more. Don’t take chances. Get expert advice.

8. Are automotive lead-acid batteries a universal waste?

Only if they’re not cracked, leaking, or improperly drained. That said:

To encourage recycling and safe management, intact lead-acid batteries are often regulated as universal waste, not RCRA hazardous waste. This simplifies storage, handling, and transport requirements. But only if they’re intact.

If a battery is cracked, leaking, or drained improperly, the toxic lead and corrosive acid contaminate the otherwise benign plastic, and the whole shebang is transmogrified into a fully regulated hazardous waste.

If you’re unsure about what is universal waste, we discuss it at length here. Meanwhile, suffice to say that universal wastes are materials that are RCRA hazardous but subject to more lenient management requirements in relatively small amounts. The flip side to that: in large enough quantities, universal waste reverts to being hazmat and must be treated as RCRA hazardous.

Sound confusing? Get expert advice.

9. What exactly are automotive lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium-ion automotive batteries are commonly found in electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Think of them as laptop batteries on steroids. I.e., larger & stronger.

Their chief advantage over lead-acid batteries (see Q.2) is that they have a better power-to-weight ratio. (I.e., they weigh less and deliver comparable power.) Also, they can be charged more quickly and will ostensibly last 8-to-15 years before becoming either a recycling or disposal problem. [A lead-acid battery usually goes belly up in 3-to-5 years (see source).]

Another advantage: lithium-ion batteries can go months and lose very little energy between charging and discharging, while a lead-acid battery will probably “go dead” in a car that sits around unused for 4-to-6 weeks (see source).

10. What are the constituents of automotive lithium-ion batteries?

A typical lithium-ion battery cell contains:

• A negative electrode (anode) made of graphite.
• A positive electrode (cathode) that’s typically made of lithium metal oxide (LiCoO₂, LiFePO₄, or LiNiMnCoO₂).
• An electrolyte of lithium salt (dissolved in a solvent) that allows ions to move between them.
• And a porous membrane (separator) that keeps anode and cathode from touching but allows ions to pass through.

11. How do automotive lithium-ion batteries work?

While the battery is in use (discharging), lithium ions move through the electrolyte from the anode to the cathode. This releases electrons from the anode that are routed through the external circuit (i.e., whatever device is being powered) and returned to the cathode, where the lithium-ions and electrons recombine. Doing so, they deliver about 14.5 volts fully charged.

Conversely, during recharging, an external power source forces electrons to move from the cathode back to the anode. Lithium-ions follow this electron flow, moving back through the electrolyte to the anode to be stored in its graphite layers.

12. What are the dangers of automotive lithium-ion batteries?

While lithium-ion batteries are generally safe when used correctly, there are risks. Among them:

• Thermal runaway. This is a rapid, uncontrollable increase in battery temperature that can lead to fire or explosion. It can be caused by overcharging, exposure to extreme temperatures, internal defects, or physical damage (crushing, dropping, puncturing, or even strong vibrations). So, don’t get into an accident while driving your EV.
• Intractable fire hazard. Lithium-ion batteries can generate their own heat and oxygen, making these fires particularly challenging to extinguish, as they burn at extremely high temperatures that far exceed typical gasoline fires. Thus, lithium-ion battery fires are a growing public safety concern.
• Toxicity and explosion. Lithium-ion batteries contain a flammable liquid electrolyte and other materials that can release toxic and flammable gases during a fire. The buildup of these gases in an enclosed space can lead to explosion, putting emergency responders at risk.
• Incompatible chargers. These can overcharge the battery, causing thermal runaway, fires, and/or explosion.
• Extreme temperatures. Very hot or cold temperatures can be problematic for lithium-ion batteries—and ultimately for you.

13. Are the constituents of automotive lithium-ion batteries RCRA hazardous?

Absolutely. Lithium-ion batteries contain (of course) lithium, which is RCRA hazardous for characteristic reactivity (D003); cobalt, lead, and nickel, which are RCRA hazardous for characteristic toxicity (D008); and electrolyte solvents, which are RCRA hazardous for characteristic ignitability (D001). (See waste code source).

14. Are automotive lithium-ion batteries a universal waste?

They can be if they’re intact. But like lead-acid batteries, not if they’re cracked, leaking, or crushed. And unlike lead-acid batteries, based on TCLP, a lithium-ion battery that’s totally spent might be deemed RCRA hazardous for characteristics ignitability (D001) and/or toxicity (D008). (See Q.8 for more info about universal waste.)

15. How do you properly dispose of a single automotive lithium-ion battery?

Lithium-ion automotive batteries contain valuable materials that can be reused but would pose significant environmental risks if improperly disposed of in municipal garbage. Along with the eponymous lithium, these minerals include cobalt, nickel, and other metals that can be recovered and reused. All that said:

Never throw a lithium-ion into trash or recycling bins. Store damaged lithium-ion batteries in nonconductive fireproof containers, as they can spontaneously catch fire and often do. Tape terminals before handling. And use the disposal/recycling services of a legally qualified waste management company.

16. How do you properly dispose of large amounts of automotive lithium-ion batteries?

First of all, you must determine if your load of expired lithium-ion batteries is considered RCRA hazardous or a universal waste. This is crucial, because it costs much less to manage a universal waste than it does a RCRA hazardous one. But making this determination can be complicated. Consider:

• Lithium-ion batteries are considered universal waste if they are intact. If any part of your load is cracked, leaking, or crushed, it might be considered RCRA hazardous in its entirety.
• In some jurisdictions, automotive lithium-ion batteries are considered RCRA hazardous simply for being expired, as they’re more prone to ignitability. (Might we suggest getting expert advice?)

All that said:

Shipping large quantities of automotive lithium-ion batteries requires strict adherence to DOT regulations for RCRA hazardous materials. Such requirements include (but aren’t limited to):

• Using strong, rigid packaging to prevent movement during transport that can damage battery casings and cause them to leak, or allow short-circuiting of the terminals, which could cause fire or explosion.
• Clearly labeling and marking packages with appropriate DOT hazard warnings and placards.

In sum, you should consult with waste disposal experts for guidance on specific regulations and safe handling practices, especially for large quantities of automotive lithium-ion batteries.

17. What are some guidelines for automotive shop managers and technicians regarding expired automotive batteries?

• Identify the battery chemistry (see Q.1).
• Have separate storage spaces for lead-acid automotive batteries vs. lithium-ion ones, each accessible only to properly trained personnel.
• Keep spent automotive batteries that are damaged separated from those that are intact. Because if leaking batteries contaminate others nearby, they all become RCRA hazardous, adding to the cost and complexity of their recycling and/or disposal.
• Clearly label the storage spaces with proper signage indicating chemistry and handling precautions.
• Remember that lead-acid batteries need cool, dry, ventilated areas to avoid acid fumes from building up. Maintain spill containment in case of leakage.
• Lithium-ion batteries should be kept away from heat sources and stored at moderate temperatures.
• Use acid-resistant containers for lead-acid batteries (polyethylene or polypropylene). Make sure that containers for lithium-ion batteries are ventilated to prevent heat and gas buildup. Use non-metallic containers for both as to prevent shorts that could cause fires or explosions.
• Shelves should be made of plastic, coated metal, or other materials resistant to acids and corrosion. They should be substantial enough to bear the heavy weight of automotive batteries, have raised edges to contain leaks or spills, and be located in well-ventilated areas.
• Personnel should be trained on hazards, proper handling, and emergency procedures; and wear protective gloves, goggles, and aprons when handling batteries.

18. Where can you find expert advice about managing lead-acid and lithium-ion automotive batteries?

As a recognized leader in hazardous waste management, Hazardous Waste Experts specializes in the safe, compliant recycling and disposal of lead-acid and lithium-ion automotive batteries. Our expert team ensures every battery is handled properly—protecting the environment, reducing landfill waste, and recovering valuable materials. Whether you’re an auto shop, dealership, or fleet operator, we provide turnkey solutions tailored to your needs, backed by full regulatory compliance, and detailed documentation. Partner with us for reliable pickups, certified recycling processes, and peace of mind knowing your hazardous waste is managed responsibly.

Get expert advice today. Or call our new number at 425-414-3485.

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