PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) issued a safety notice hoping to increase awareness surrounding the disposal and recycling of Lithium Batteries.
Those reading this notice are likely already a part of the dangerous goods community, so I encourage you to share this notice on your personal Facebook and Instagram pages, because it is important. The average consumer has no idea of the hazards of lithium batteries. That puts them and their loved ones in danger. Lithium battery fires don’t only happen on transport trucks or airplanes, but in homes as well.
PHMSA’s advice for consumers:
Lithium batteries must be disposed of as household hazardous waste. Never throw out lithium batteries in household garbage or recycling bins.
PHMSA advice to Industry:
Follow the regulations as outlined in Part 173.185 of the 49 CFR regulations. Most importantly is to ensure that the batteries are packaged to prevent short circuiting and damage to the battery or its terminals during transport.
The full safety advisory can be found here.
Contact one of our Regulatory Experts for more information on safely shipping Lithium Batteries.
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