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Battery Identification and Classification

Battery Identification and Classification. James Neely 2013 NAHMMA Northwest Regional Conference . Topics. Standardized marking Which batteries classify as hazardous/dangerous waste Age of batteries Mercury content from old/counterfeit batteries Lithium coin vs alkaline button cells.

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Battery Identification and Classification

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  1. Battery Identification and Classification James Neely 2013 NAHMMA Northwest Regional Conference

  2. Topics • Standardized marking • Which batteries classify as hazardous/dangerous waste • Age of batteries • Mercury content from old/counterfeit batteries • Lithium coin vs alkaline button cells

  3. Standards • The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) develops standards that contain standard marking requirements for batteries • From IEC 60086-1:

  4. Standard Nomenclature Most battery types will start with a two-letter code as developed by the IEC Primary Batteries Rechargeable Batteries *The R is common in all types and means cylindrical. The Carbon Zinc types contain only the R as they are referred to as the no-letter-system batteries.

  5. Classification *May contain added mercury at low levels

  6. Mercury Content / Battery Age • Reputable batteries made after 1992/1993 are mercury free • How to tell? • Batteries with metal labels (except 9V) will be pre-1990 • Batteries with green trees or other environmental marking will be mercury free • More than 99% of batteries in the waste stream today are mercury free • Best if used-by dates • Typically 5-7 years Best if Used By Date Metal Label Plastic Label

  7. Mercury Reduction • The graph below represents the mercury contentof batteries in parts per million in the waste stream as sampled at four US locations. • The weighted average for 2011 is 27.3 ppm.

  8. Counterfeits • Counterfeits and Knockoffs are a concern but less so in North America • They can contain mercury or be mislabeled (carbon zinc batteries posing as alkaline)

  9. Lithium Coin vs. Button Cells • 90% or more of lithium coin cells will be 20 mm or greater in diameter, while other chemistries tend to be smaller • The best bet is the refer the CR/BR marking (lithium) vs the LR, PR or SR marking for the button types • Nearly all button types will be 11.6 mm in diameter or less Button Lithium Coin

  10. Mercury Free Button Batteries

  11. Hazards of Sorted Batteries • Alkaline types (including button cells) can get hot when sorted but do not pose a fire hazard • Lithium batteries, due to risk of short circuit, can get hot and pose a risk of fire, especially coin cells • Mixed cells (alkaline and lithium) can pose a fire hazard due to short circuit of the lithium types but the risk is substantially less than with exclusively lithium types

  12. Sorting is Half the Cost of Managing Batteries

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