Battery Recycling Advisory from DOT

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has recently published a letter describing shipping requirements for spent batteries that include covering terminals prior to shipping to prevent short-circuiting. You can read the advisory letter here.

Alkaline battery shipping: PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) has clarified that you do not have to cover the terminals of spent alkaline dry cell batteries (9 volts or less) during shipping with this letter.

Looking for your ideas! Taping battery terminals prior to shipping is tedious and not all tape will adhere well, especially in humid conditions. If you have innovative suggestions to cover terminals or isolate batteries prior to shipping, please send them to Laurie Tenace at Laurie.Tenace@dep.state.fl.us or call (850) 245-8759.