Fact Sheet

Environment, Health and Safety Information for the Berkeley Campus

No. 59 Revised

Help us keep batteries out of UC Berkeley’s trash

(Download PDF file—62K)

Why can’t batteries go into the trash?

The toxic heavy metals and corrosive properties of batteries make them unsuitable for disposal in the municipal trash. Alkaline and other batteries contain caustic electrolytes that can cause severe chemical burns if the electrolyte comes into contact with the skin or eyes. Many batteries also contain toxic heavy metals like lithium, silver, cadmium, nickel, and mercury. Toxic metals in landfills have the potential to contaminate surface waters and groundwaters. That is why UC Berkeley is collecting used batteries generated on campus for recycling and disposal.

What should I do with unwanted department batteries?

Do not place used batteries in or near trash cans or dumpsters. Ask your Department Safety Coordinator (DSC) where to store them until EH&S can pick them up. State law prohibits the storage of used batteries for longer than one year, so please arrange for a pickup through your DSC at least annually.

What happens to used batteries on campus?

Your DSC or Building Coordinator will schedule a pickup with EH&S. EH&S takes the used batteries to the campus’ hazardous materials facility and sorts them by battery chemistry. Departments are then recharged for the cost of recycling or disposal. See http://ehs.berkeley.edu/whatwedo/hazmat/rechargetable01.html or call EH&S for the most recent chemical waste recharge rates.

What do I do with old batteries at home?

Please do not bring batteries from your home to UC Berkeley. Contact your local household hazardous waste facility to determine your county’s recycling and disposal services:

Alameda County (800) 606-6606
West Contra Costa County (Richmond) (888) 412-9277
Central Contra Costa County (Martinez) (800) 646-1431
San Francisco City and County (415) 554-4333

Contact the Office of Environment, Health and Safety at 643-7195 if you have any questions. Thank you for doing your part to protect the environment and meet regulatory requirements.