All used batteries are hazardous waste. Toxic heavy metals and corrosive properties of batteries make them unsuitable for disposal in the municipal trash because they can contaminate surface and ground water. Used batteries generated at UCSD are collected by the Environmental Management Facility for recycling or disposal as hazardous waste.

Typical battery uses at UCSD: cell phones, pagers, cameras, computers, flashlights, power tools, research equipment, monitoring devices, health monitors, lanterns, burglar alarms, emergency lights, and automobiles and heavy equipment.

Types of batteries used at UCSD:

• Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd)
• Silver button
• Mercury
• Small sealed lead acid (Pb)
• Alkaline
• Carbon-zinc
• Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH)
• Lithium ion

How you dispose of batteries at UCSD depends on where your facility is located, whether you have a Waste Generator Number (WGN) or not, and the size and type of battery. Use the "How To" procedures appropriate for your location:

• For Hazardous Waste Generators, such as research labs and shops
• For campus and SIO
• For Medical Center (Hillcrest) and Thornton Hospital
• For all satellite UCSD facilities

For more information, see Hazardous Waste Management at UCSD.

Questions? Contact the Environmental Management Facility, (858) 534-2753.