RCRA waste codes for batteries Cells of every chemistry, from lead & nickel-cadmium to lithium.
- Free, no account
- Based on 40 CFR Part 261 and EPA guidance
- Nothing is stored
Find a federal hazardous waste code
Waste batteries: 8 codes.
Waste batteries
Sort batteries by chemistry before choosing a code or management route. See the waste batteries guide for exclusions and management routes.
Characteristic hazardous waste
Ignitable waste
A representative battery sample meets the D001 test for liquids, nonliquids, gases or oxidizers
When to use D001Characteristic hazardous waste
Corrosive waste
Electrolyte pH or liquid steel corrosion meets a D002 criterion
When to use D002Characteristic hazardous waste
Reactive waste
Battery behavior meets one of eight D003 criteria, including reaction with water
When to use D003Characteristic hazardous waste
Arsenic
Arsenic leaching from waste batteries reaches the TCLP limit
When to use D004Characteristic hazardous waste
Cadmium
Cadmium leaching from waste batteries reaches the TCLP limit
When to use D006Characteristic hazardous waste
Chromium
Chromium leaching from waste batteries reaches the TCLP limit
When to use D007Characteristic hazardous waste
Lead
Lead leaching from waste batteries reaches the TCLP limit
When to use D008Characteristic hazardous waste
Mercury
Mercury leaching from waste batteries reaches the TCLP limit
When to use D009
Which RCRA codes apply to waste batteries?
Sort batteries by chemistry before choosing a code or management route.
| Code | When it applies |
|---|---|
| D001 | A representative battery sample meets the D001 test for liquids, nonliquids, gases or oxidizers |
| D002 | Electrolyte pH or liquid steel corrosion meets a D002 criterion |
| D003 | Battery behavior meets one of eight D003 criteria, including reaction with water |
| D004 | Arsenic in the leachate reaches the TCLP limit |
| D006 | Cadmium in the leachate reaches the TCLP limit |
| D007 | Chromium in the leachate reaches the TCLP limit |
| D008 | Lead in the leachate reaches the TCLP limit |
| D009 | Mercury in the leachate reaches the TCLP limit |
How do I prove the code for waste batteries?
Damaged lithium batteries need ignitability and reactivity checks. DOT shipping classification is separate.
Is there another way to manage waste batteries?
Waste batteries from genuine household activity can be excluded under the household waste rule. They can also go by the universal-waste route, so check the Universal-waste limits.