Button Batteries

In January 2010, a new regulation required by the Department of Transporation (DOT), final rule 74 FR 2199, for shipping spent batteries for recycling will become effective.

The DOT cited improperly collected batteries being shipped for recycling as the cause of several truck fires.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Assoication (NEMA) and the individual battery makers claim that button cells ( including hearing ai batteries) should not be collected and acculmated because of the risk of fire. Virginia law permits residents to dispose of small quantities of button batteries in their normal trash.

Further information can be found at the DOT's Hazmat Safety website: www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat or the Hazardous Materials Information Center at 1-800-467-4922.