Katie Kinley, with the Student Sustainability Committee, expressed interest in getting the CITES department to use rechargeable batteries in their equipment, rather than single use batteries. Morgan Johnston provided her with a contact name to initiate the discussion. It was also noted that CITES can receive SSC funding for projects, but we don't believe they have applied in the past.
Janet Spencer authorized an additional location for single-use battery recycling, at the Building Research Council.
After discussions with senior management in the Division of Research Safety we have decided that we (DRS) will continue to recommend trash disposal of alkaline batteries until the campus decides to adopt an alternate policy. We do not receive that many questions regarding the proper disposal of alkaline batteries from campus and we have removed all but two references regarding the disposal of the alkaline batteries from the DRS website.
This is an interesting study from MIT which you may already be aware of: http://www.epbaeurope.net/documents/NEMA_alkalinelca2011.pdf
Thanks.
Landon Hill
Division of Research Safety
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
217-333-2436
Battery Recycling program containers were ordered in late February. The official launch of this program will be mid-spring.
The battery recycling program is being expanded to four locations across campus, for both rechargeable batteries and single-use alkaline batteries. Facilities & Services confirmed participation, developed a fact sheet and instructional kit for participating locations, and has committed to funding the program up to $10,000 each fiscal year. The containers for the program will be ordered in February.
The battery recycling program is being expanded to four locations across campus, for both rechargeable batteries and single-use alkaline batteries. Facilities & Services confirmed participation, developed a fact sheet and instructional kit for participating locations, and has committed to funding the program up to $10,000 each fiscal year. The containers for the program will be ordered in February.
Battery Recycling
Call2RecycleⓇ provides free collection boxes, pays for shipping, and accepts rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium Ion, and Small Sealed Lead batteries less than 11 lbs in weight. The Physical Plant Service Building began the Call2RecycleⓇ rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling program in October 2005. Rechargeable batteries are considered hazardous waste and must be recycled or disposed of according to EPA regulations. Facilities & Services has saved approximately $7,000 in disposal costs in the last six years.
SECS recieved funding from SSC for single-use battery recycling at the Union.
Reportedly, "The old student program at the Union collected 1600 pounds of batteries from April 2010 to February 2011 before it was suspended."
