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Batteries

Batteries Not Used in University Operations

It is important to note that the MSU battery disposal program is for batteries generated only through University operations, including MSU residence buildings. Batteries CANNOT be brought from home and disposed of at MSU. Household hazardous waste collection information for proper disposal of batteries at home is available from the State of Michigan:

Household hazardous waste information (State of Michigan EGLE)


Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline batteries are not considered hazardous materials and therefore are not collected by the EHS Hazardous Waste Program. These batteries, commonly found in AAA, AA, C, D, and 9-volt sizes, can be disposed of in the regular general refuse trash. If you are not sure the battery is alkaline, please dispose of the battery following MSU guidelines at one of the designated battery disposal areas noted below.

one AAA alkaline battery, one AA alkaline battery, and one D Alkaline battery shown for reference

 

Overheating, Bulging, or Breached Batteries

If you have a damaged battery that is overheating, bulging, or breached, CellBlock® fire suppression media and containers are located at all EHS battery disposal stations with instructions on how to use the material. Immediately contact EHS when a battery is overheating. The EHS Hazardous Waste Group can provide CellBlock® and containers to groups that utilize large quantities of batteries or conduct battery research. Please contact the EHS Hazardous Waste Staff at hazwaste@msu.edu to request these materials.

Label on top of can with Cell Block instructions for overheating lithium batteries. Place lithium battery in provided baggie, seal the baggie and completely submerge in cell block material. Close container and call EHS immediately for pick up1-gallon metal can with MSU Battery Disposal Program sticker indicating container is for any damaged, swollen, or overheated lithium batteries5-gallon metal bucket with MSU Battery Disposal Program sticker indicating container is for any damaged, swokken, or overheated lithium batteries


Batteries Collected by MSU EHS for Disposal

These following types of batteries cannot be disposed of in the general refuse trash and must be given to the EHS Hazardous Waste Program for disposal:


Lead Acid

Lead Acid Batteries - Disposal Instructions

White and black plastic 12 volt Sealed Rechargeable Lead Acid Battery


Lithium (includes intact vape pens)

Lithium Batteries - Disposal Instructions

DeWalt 20 volt max lithium ion rechargeable battery for power toolsTwo lithium ion battery 3.7 volt battery packs with attached plug-inSony 3 volt CR2025 lithium button batterySilver Energizer AA lithium batteries


Heavy Metal (Mercury, Nickel/Cadmium, Silver Oxide)

Heavy Metal Batteries - Disposal Instructions

Two black and yellow rechargeable batteries for power tools


Disposal Station Map

The EHS Hazardous Waste Group manages a battery program to ensure proper disposal of these materials. Locations of battery disposal stations is available in the following map: