Under Florida law (403.7192(3)(b), F.S.), it is illegal to discard nickel-cadmium or small sealed lead acid rechargeable batteries or products containing such rechargeable batteries in the trash. The batteries must be recycled or sent to a facility permitted to dispose of those batteries. This prohibition applies to every resident as well as every business, institutional, government, industrial, commercial, communications, or medical facility in the state.
Confused about all the types and sizes of batteries? This battery guidance document explains how to properly identify and dispose of various batteries commonly used around the home.
Most local Household Hazardous Waste programs accept all types of rechargeable batteries from residents.
The Take Charge Florida campaign offers essential information and resources for the safe use, management, and recycling or disposal of batteries.
Florida Statute 403.7192 requires that manufacturers and marketers of rechargeable batteries and rechargeable battery-powered products sold in Florida implement a unit management system. The unit management system should clearly inform consumers of the disposal prohibition, ensure batteries and products are labeled to show electrolyte and disposal options, and provide a program to properly collect, transport, and recycle or dispose of the batteries and products. If the manufacturers and marketers fail to comply, they are not allowed to sell their batteries and products in Florida. Batteries and battery-powered products subject to this requirement are limited to nickel-cadmium and small sealed lead-acid rechargeable batteries weighing less than 25 pounds and not used exclusively for memory backup, as well as mercuric oxide non-rechargeable batteries.
Battery Recycling Advisory from DOT - The Department of Transportation (DOT) published a letter describing shipping requirements for spent batteries, including covering terminals prior to shipping to prevent short-circuiting.
Alkaline Battery Shipping Guidance - PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) clarified that the terminals of spent alkaline dry cell batteries (9 volts or less) did not have to be covered during shipping.
Transporting Lithium Batteries Guidance - Lithium batteries, transported for recycling, are regulated as a Hazardous Material by the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) found in 49 CFR, Parts 171-180. The HMR apply to any material DOT has determined poses an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce. Lithium batteries must conform to all applicable HMR requirements when offered for transportation or transported by air, highway, rail, or water.
Lithium Battery Recycling Regulatory Status and Frequently Asked Questions - The US EPA issued a memorandum on May 24, 2023, as an overview of how lithium-ion batteries are recycled, answers to frequently asked battery management questions. It explains the applicability of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations to lithium-ion battery recycling and answers questions on hazardous and universal waste regulations, best management practices, black mass, permit requirements for recyclers, and other related topics.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Hazardous Waste Regulation Section
2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 4560
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400
Or contact the Waste Compliance Section at 850-245-8707.
Return to the Hazardous Waste Management webpage.
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