User's Manual

Appendix F – Li/MnO
2
Battery Disposal
The Spot RFLS uses Lithium/Manganese Dioxide (Li/MnO
2
) batteries in the Beacons and the Tags.
When completely discharged, this type of lithium cell is non-hazardous and may not have specific
disposal regulations. Lithium batteries that are not fully discharged may be regulated as reactive
hazardous waste.
The disposal of waste products in the United States is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). The EPA Regulations are listed in the "Code of Federal Regulations," CFR40, entitled
"Protection of Environment." Individual states and local communities also may establish regulations
covering the disposal of waste products. These may be more stringent than the federal regulations and
may cover the disposal of household waste, which is not included in the federal regulation. Thus, state
and local agencies should be contacted for their disposal guidelines.
Until such time that regulations or specified guidelines are issued, the following is recommended for the
disposal of Li/MnO
2
batteries:
1. Disposal
a. Discharged - the preferred procedure is for the cells and/or batteries to be in a discharged
condition for disposal. Li/MnO
2
cells can be considered to be "discharged" if the cell
voltage, under an operational current load, is below 2 volts. "Discharged" batteries
should be shipped as hazardous waste to a hazardous waste facility for disposal.
b. Partial or Unknown Charge - if the condition (state-of-charge) of the batteries cannot
be identified, or if batteries are leaking, cracked, opened, vented, etc., or are otherwise no
longer physically sound, they must be shipped as a hazardous waste to a qualified
hazardous waste facility.
2. Collection and Handling - bulk quantities of spent Li/MnO
2
batteries should be collected and
transported in a manner to prevent short circuit, compacting or mutilation, or any other abusive
physical or electrical handling that would destroy their physical integrity. CFR40 provides
details and regulations for collection of hazardous waste products.
3. Shipment - DOT and EPA regulations cover the shipment of these cells and batteries to a
disposal site within the United States (reference CFR49, paragraph 173.185(j) and CFR40).
Individual states may establish additional regulations. Your state regulatory agency should be
contacted for additional transportation guidelines.
4. Incineration - Li/MnO
2
batteries should not be incinerated. Exposure of these batteries to high
temperatures or fire can cause the batteries to vent and/or rupture.
NOTE: Waste management companies can provide assistance in the disposal of these
batteries.
— End of Document
Spot RFLS User's Manual Page 23
5/24/2007