Cirba Solutions

Knowledge Center

Answers for your battery recycling Questions.

Frequently asked questions

Definitely! We recycle everything from the button cells in a hearing aid to 5,000 lb lead acid backups, from a Model T battery to the newly engineered research batteries being developed for the electric vehicles of tomorrow, and beyond.

We can handle any size, any volume, any chemistry, from anywhere in North America.
An old or breached alkaline battery may leak or have corrosion on the terminals. Place this battery in a sandwich or other clear plastic bag before placing in your collection container.

If a lithium-based battery is swollen, cracked, or exhibiting odd charging behavior, it may be damaged. These batteries require special consideration like our Damaged Battery (DDR) Kits.
Always! Check out our Recycling Benefits page to learn a bit more about what recycling batteries can do for you and the planet.

Batteries are made of many metals and alloys, all of which are a limited natural resource. The demand for these materials is quickly outpacing the planet’s mine-able capacity. By recycling instead of landfilling, even alkaline batteries can make a difference in the circular economy.
Please don’t! Those batteries are fully recyclable and, via our room temperature processing line, can become new steel products, brick colorant, and even fertilizer for corn and soybean farmers.
Need help identifying a battery? Check out our battery types database to see if your battery fits one of those categories.

Still stumped? Email the Battery Experts.

We are headquartered in Wixom, MI and have a southwest center in Mesa, AZ.

Our service range extends across the continental US and into Canada and Mexico.

Both our audit packet and compliance certifications are accessible from our Documentation page.

Are you looking for cellphone batteries? If so, please email our ecommerce specialist.

If you are looking for other types of new batteries, no, sorry. We are a battery recycling business. Once you are done with those new batteries you are buying, we will be happy to take them for recycling and reclamation!

Categories

Product Program Questions

Our pails are covered by our special permit, meaning any non-spillable battery chemistries and battery-containing devices can be commingled in this pail.

This includes:

  • Alkaline
  • Zinc Carbon
  • Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)
  • Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
  • Lithium-Ion
  • Lithium Primary
  • Mercury Batteries
  • Silver Oxide
  • Button Cells
  • Lead Acid – Non-Spillable
  • Small Electronics (cellphones, tablets, wireless headphones and earbuds, smart watches, activity trackers, powertools, etc.)

Most batteries can go directly into the pail. Lithium-based batteries and any battery over 9 volts must have their terminals protected by clear (not opaque) tape. Some batteries have terminals that are protected by design, these batteries do not need to be taped.

Do not use opaque tape (including duct, electrical, painter’s, patterned), as these types interfere with battery identification.

Your pail is already labeled to ship back for processing. Simply schedule a pickup and hand it off to your regular UPS driver. Or, drop it off at your local UPS store.

Have a pallet full of pails? See our pallet shipping instructions for further information.

Your COR is created upon the final processing of your material. Wondering if yours is ready? Email our customer service team.

Taping Batteries Questions

When batteries come to our facility for recycling, they first must be identified and sorted by chemistry. When batteries are tapped with opaque/non-clear tape our team cannot properly identify the batteries. The tape must be removed and the battery is identified by physical characteristics, then retaped if needed.

Tapping the terminal of these batteries helps prevent accidental short circuiting through terminal contact.

Alkaline batteries do not have a chemical makeup that is likely to cause a fire or a thermal event.

Shipping Questions

Yes, all drums must ship on pallets for ease of loading and unloading, as well as safety during transport. Need to know how your battery drums should be packaged? Check out our shipping instructions.

Palletized batteries ship via full truckload (FTL) or less than truckload (LTL). Want to coordinate a pickup? Email our customer service team.

For instructions on shipping your lithium batteries, see our shipping instructions or email our team.

Lithium Safety Questions

Yes! The materials within a damaged or defective lithium battery are still recoverable. With special considerations for storage and handling, like our Damaged Lithium (DDR) Kits, these batteries can be sent for material recovery safely.

A few key factors can indicate a battery is damaged or defective:

  • The case of the battery is cracked or split
  • The battery itself is bloated or swollen
  • The battery is exhibiting abnormal charging behavior

The demand for lithium-ion batteries is increasing annually but headlines warn about the dangers of these batteries. To properly protect your lithium battery for recycling ensure to first tape the terminals (ends) of the battery, please use clear tape. Store your batteries in a dry, cool place.

If you believe you have a damaged or defected battery, order a DDR Kit immediately. Then place the battery into a clear plastic bag – use an antistatic bag if possible.  Keep the battery away from other metals or other batteries and place in sand or kitty litter if available. Once the DDR kit is received, transfer the battery to this kit, following instructions and send the battery in for recycling.  It is best to recycle any battery that may be damaged, defected or recalled as soon as possible. 

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