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TABLE OF CONTENTS

-Where it Starts
-What Batteries Need Tape

• Batteries That Don't Need Tape
• Batteries That Need Tape

-What Batteries Can't be Recycled in the box?
-What Happens When the box is Filled?

• How do I Know What Markings to Cover?

Whether you have a GoRecycle recycling kit, or are just curious as to how they work, we can help you learn how the process works for recycling your batteries with our battery boxes.

Where it Starts

The process starts as soon as someone orders one of our boxes either from our own shop, or from our Amazon store. Once we get the order in, we’ll put the box together, along with a roll of tape, a UN shipping label, and a printed copy of our customer instructions. Then we’ll package it up, and drop it off at the postal office where it will be shipped to the customer from there.

Upon receiving a GoRecycle box, remove all of the extras inside the box, but make sure to store them in a secure place, to make room for your batteries, and fold the top flap to make the attractive counter display. After that the collection start date will need to be marked on the back of your box, so you know when it’s approaching the one year accumulation deadline. This is important due to EPA regulations stating that batteries can be stored up to one year before needing to be sent to a recycling center. Once the box is assembled and properly dated, place the box in a convenient area for easy battery disposal, and don’t forget to keep a roll of tape nearby to tape the ends of any battery that needs it.

What Batteries Need Tape?

A common question is what kind of batteries need tape on the terminals? This can seem especially confusing with so many battery types, but don’t worry, we have a simple answer for you!

Batteries That Don't Need Tape

Generic household alkaline batteries do not need any tape on their terminals, unless they are greater than 9 volts. Always check your 9 volt batteries before depositing them into your GoRecycle box, as some of them produce more than 9 volts. Devices that securely contain batteries, regardless of battery type, also don’t require any tape or insulation, as the device is already acting as a form of insulation. (Examples of batteries that don’t need tape: AAA, AA, 28A, C, D)

Batteries That Need Tape

All lithium batteries regardless of size, rechargeable batteries of all forms, lead-acid batteries, and any other battery over 9 volts require tape, or some other form of insulation on their terminals. Devices containing or holding batteries that have exposed terminals will also need to have the exposed terminals taped.

What Batteries Can’t be Recycled in the box?

Sadly, not all batteries can be recycled through our battery box due to regulations and for safety reasons. Here’s a list of batteries that cannot be recycled through our battery boxes:

• Lead-Acid (Non-Spillable) - A gross weight of 25 lbs. per battery
• Batteries containing free-flowing electrolyte (e.g., automotive/motorcycle batteries)
• Low production run and prototype batteries
• Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries
  
• Lithium Metal (Non-Rechargeable) with 25 grams of lithium content per battery*
  
• Lithium Ion (Rechargeable) with a rated capacity of 300Wh (watt-hours) per battery*
  

*Note: Most consumer-style lithium batteries fall within the size and watt-hours limit stated above, but you should always double check for safety.

What Happens When the box is Filled?

Once the box is filled to its maximum weight, 15 pounds for a small box and 50 pounds for a large box, the box needs to be closed back up and taped securely shut. Most boxes when filled fall within their weight limit, but if you are unsure it's always a safe option to weigh it. If there are any lithium batteries in the box, then a UN label will need to be attached and all inapplicable markers will need to be covered. If there are no lithium batteries in the box then no label is required.

How do I Know What Markings to Cover?

If there is a lithium battery of any kind in the box, or a device that contains a lithium battery, then it will need a UN label, but how do you know what markings to cover up? It seems super confusing at first, but here’s a super easy list to help figure it out.

• If the battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and is by itself, then it will need the UN3480 label left unmarked.
  
• If you have a device that contains a rechargeable lithium- ion battery, then it will need the UN3481 label left unmarked.
• If the battery is a non-rechargeable lithium metal battery and is by itself, then it will need the UN3090 label left unmarked.
• If you have a device that contains a non-rechargeable lithium metal battery, then it will need the UN3091 label left unmarked.

If the box contains multiple lithium batteries, then it may need multiple labels left unmarked.

Once all necessary markings have been attached to the box, a return label can be requested by filling out the form on our website under our “Return My Box” page, or by emailing us at [email protected] with the box size and serial number. Upon receiving the request for a return label, a fresh UPS return label will be generated and sent to the requester where they can then print out the label, and securely attach it to the box. After that all that is required is for the box to be dropped off at, or picked up by a local UPS store. Finally the box is transported back to us where the batteries will be sorted and recycled!

*Download the customer instructions here for more in-depth information*

Customer Instructions