Batteries

Battery
  Can it be recycled?

No, contact the Hazardous Materials program. 

  Materials preparation

Place in battery collection bins located at waste stations around campus (small white tubs with lids). Lead-acid batteries (automotive, forklift, riding custodial equipment, emergency lighting, etc. batteries) must be stored in a curbed, impermeable-surface storage area. Secondary containment trays are available through University Stores, 612-624-4878, part number CX18999. Prior to collection, these batteries should be individually packaged upright in a sturdy plastic-lined box. 

  Can this item be sent to ReUse?

Batteries that are unused and in good condition can be sent to the UMN Reuse Program. Label the item for ReUse and drop it off at a ReUse pick-up location. Find your nearest drop-off location here. 

 Should this item be managed as hazardous waste?

Yes, to request a waste battery collection container, call the Health, Safety and Risk Management. To request that a waste battery container in an office be emptied, please call the District Call Center at 612-624-2900. To request that a waste battery container located on a dock be emptied, please call the Chemical Waste Program at 612-626-1604. District personnel: bring to designated hazardous waste collection room. For more information, click below: https://hsrm.umn.edu/department-environmental-health-safety/department-environmental-health-safety 

 Contacts

Health Safety and Risk Management: 
Email: hazwaste@umn.edu 
Phone: 612-626-1604 

District Call Center: 
Phone: 612-624-2900 

University Stores: 
Phone: 612-624-4878

  Rethink & reduce tips

Use rechargeable batteries, store them properly in a cool and dry place away from metal objects that can cause them to discharge, or consider alternative power sources.

Recycling and Waste Disposal Directory

Recycling Services

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Recycling Services

Scheduling a departmental cleanout

For office or building clean-outs, the Recycling Program will supply large recycling containers on wheels (hampers) for your department purge. Place all reusable and recyclable materials in the hamper. For service requests, use FM Call Center 612-624-2900.

Recycling confidential materials

If you have confidential material that you would like picked up for recycling, you may submit a request form at z.umn.edu/confidential. Call 612-625-6481 for assistance. We provide locked confidential containers and offer direct pickup from your office, however we are not HIPAA compliant. If you need a higher level of security, there are companies in the metropolitan area that can provide the confidential destruction and recycling of documents for a fee. For service requests, use FM Call Center 612-624-2900.

Reporting overflowing recycling / trash containers

Call the Facilities Management Call Center at 612-624-2900 to report an overflow.

What should go to the ReUse Center?

The University ReUse Program has surplus office furniture, supplies, and equipment available to University departments or individuals for purchase. The Reuse Program is located at 883 29th Avenue, S.E., Minneapolis.