Batteries contain lithium, cadmium, nickel, silver, mercury, and other toxic materials and are therefore generally regulated as universal waste. Like other universal wastes, batteries should be collected, recycled, and processed at fully permitted facilities. Batteries are sorted by technology and then smelted in a high temperature oven to create a highly sought after commodity in the stainless steel market. This process provides a much needed service to recycle batteries to meet regulatory requirements, while also creating a valuable commodity.

Lighting Resources accepts batteries of almost any shape, size, or chemical composition for recycling. Some of the types of batteries we can accept for recycling include (but are not limited to) the following types. For specific questions, please contact Lighting Resources.

• Alkaline
• Nickel Cadmium (NICd)
• Primary Lithium (Li)
• Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
• Silver
• Lead Acid
• Magnesium (Mg)
• Lithium-Ion (Li-ion)
• Mercuric (Hg)

Batteries should be sorted by chemistry and packaged in a sealed container in a manner that prevents short circuiting and damage to the battery or terminals. (Isolate battery terminals with tape or by packing individual batteries in fully enclosed inner packaging made of non-conductive materials.) Batteries should be appropriately labeled to meet USDOT regulations. Universal waste batteries must be clearly labeled as “Universal Waste Batteries.”

Many options are available for you to ship your spent batteries to our recycling facilities. Lighting Resources can accommodate weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and yearly bulk pickup schedules and can assist with proper packing materials and shipping labels for your shipments. To arrange for large quantity mercury waste recycling, contact Lighting Resources by email of call us at (805) 624-3050.

For smaller quantities, our EZ on The Earth prepaid mail back program provides several different battery recycling kits, and all battery kits include a fireproof insulation capable of withstanding 2,000 Fahrenheit to ensure safe shipment. EZ on the Earth recycle kits are shipped directly to your location and leave our warehouse within one business day. Recycle kits include everything you need to package your batteries for proper shipment. The prepaid label is included to send the batteries directly to one of our state-of-the-art recycling facilities.