LOW VOLTAGE BATTERY RECYCLING
SAFETY AND SAFE
HANDLING
Electrical, chemical, and thermal hazards exist with all low voltage battery technology. The degree of risk varies based on the type of task being performed, amount of connected energy (i.e., the number of battery modules still electrically linked together in a pack), and the state of charge.
Under normal circumstances, chemicals contained within GM battery cells do not present a hazard. However, damage to a battery cell may result in exposure to chemical hazards from leaking electrolyte or off-gassing.Please be aware that incorrect recycling of batteries may cause serious harm to the environment and human health. Do not attempt to dispose batteries yourself; instead, rely on GM’s approved recyclers and their partners for proper disposal
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
Parties should prioritize the safety of personnel working on low voltage batteries as well as those in proximity when such work is being performed. Training and hazard awareness, standardized work procedures, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are important elements in establishing a safe environment in which to perform work on low voltage battery components.
FIRE PROTECTION
Fire Protection: Sites storing low voltage batteries should have a plan that incorporates elements important to safe operations, including:
- Facility design (e.g., construction materials, roof heights, etc.)
- Volume of batteries onsite
- Battery state of charge
- Nature of activities at site (e.g., internal battery work, component storage, vehicle storage)
TRANSPORT
The following battery types are regulated as hazardous materials: lithium ion batteries (UN 3480/3481 installed in or packed with devices or equipment), sodium ion batteries (UN 3551/3552), and lead acid batteries (UN 2794/2795/2800) when spillable or improperly packaged. Anyone shipping or preparing these for shipment should abide by applicable dangerous goods transportation (DGT) laws according to mode and jurisdiction. Additionally, maintaining necessary DGT registration(s) with governmental agencies may be required. Companies that collect, transport and store these battery types should be prepared to meet applicable regulatory requirements for training and certification, material classification, packaging, labeling, paperwork, loading/ unloading, blocking/ bracing, transport, and recordkeeping including reporting required for transportation incidents, where applicable.
ADR 2025 - Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road | UNECE
Note: Lithium ion batteries transported for the intent of disposal or recycling are strictly prohibited for all air transportation.
TREATMENT/WASTE
Please be aware that incorrect recycling of batteries and inappropriate discarding of waste batteries, such as littering or discarding as unsorted municipal waste, may cause serious harm to the environment and human health.
Do not attempt to dispose batteries yourself; instead, rely on GM’s approved recyclers and their partners for proper disposal. Battery recyclers must comply with all national and local waste laws.
DAMAGED BATTERIES
If a battery is damaged or suspected to be damaged, reach out to a GM approved service center. Damage can include but is not limited to dents, cracks, signs of melting on the protective casing, leaking electrolyte, and discoloration of terminals.
BATTERY RECYCLING
The information provided on this webpage applies only to low voltage (< 60V DC) batteries used in GM vehicles.
