Metals - Batteries (Lead-Acid) 
Suggested Best Management Practices (BMPs)

These best management practices (BMPs) are intended to provide some ideas for the content of Pollution Prevention Plans (P2 Plans) and relay helpful information which could minimize generation of wastes and releases of contaminants.  A variety of wastes may be mentioned in the BMPs. BMPs are not a comprehensive guide for waste management compliance.  For example, the owner/operator should be more familiar with the quantities and characteristics of their own wastes and should seek out other available resources for requirements such as determining whether a particular waste should be managed as a non-hazardous waste or a more strictly regulated “hazardous waste.”  More complete regulatory citations and guidance are available from other, separate resources within WDEQ, including the Wyoming Hazardous Waste Rules and the Wyoming Solid Waste Rules.

In addition to regulations, general help with interpretations and guidance can also be found at the following link: http://deq.state.wy.us/shwd/I&C/index.asp 

Questions to Consider

Suggested Best Management Practices - BMPs

Are you practicing proper storage of lead-acid batteries at your facility?

ba

bb

Store spent lead acid batteries upright in a secure location, protected from the elements.

Batteries improperly stored.

Store spent lead acid batteries on an impervious surface (such as concrete sealed to protect the surface from degradation), and inspect as needed for leaks and deterioration.

Never stack batteries directly on top of each other.  Store on acid-resistant racks or shelving, or pallets with a plastic liner. Don’t stack batteries more than 2 layers high.

Place cracked or leaking batteries in a sturdy, acid-resistant, leak-proof sealed container (e.g., a sealable 5-gallon plastic pail).  The container should be kept closed within the battery storage area.

If there is a spill or release involving batteries or electrolyte (the fluid in the battery), immediately contain the spilled materials.  Special spill kits for acid cleanup are commercially available.  Avoid using rags or natural absorbents because these could pose a fire hazard when used to clean up acid. 

Consider keeping written records of weekly inspections of spent lead acid batteries.

Segregate batteries from paper, rags, garbage, flammables, scrap metal or hazardous chemicals by means of a dike, berm, wall or other physical barrier.

Do you handle lead-acid batteries properly?

Open, handle and store spent lead acid batteries so that the battery case does not rupture, leak, or produce short circuits.

Never drain batteries or crack the casings.

Are you aware of the proper procedure for shipping batteries to a recycler?

Strap batteries to pallets or wrap batteries and pallet in plastic during transport.

Ship the batteries to a Universal Waste handler, or to an authorized destination facility for recycling.  Prior to shipment, ensure that the receiving facility agrees to receive the shipment.

YOUR IDEAS FOR YOUR BUSINESS spacer

SEE THE TOOLBOX INTRODUCTION ON WAYS TO START YOUR P2 PLAN. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND POLLUTION FROM HAPPENING AT YOUR BUSINESS. IF A SPILL HAPPENS ANYWAY, YOU MUST BE IMPLEMENTING A POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DEQ’S VOLUNTARY REMEDIATION PROGRAM.


Click on button to download or print a pdf of this table.