Damaged, Defective, and Recalled (DDR) Batteries
From the smallest button cell to the largest electric vehicles and energy storage systems, batteries help in powering our everyday lives. However, batteries can become damaged, defective, or subject to recalls, commonly referred to as DDR. Proper identification and handling are critical to the safety when disposing of and recycling DDR batteries.
Identification
Damaged batteries may be found in a wide range of electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, power tools, EVs, e-mobility, and more. The first step in safe handling is accurate identification. To properly identify your battery, visit our Battery Types page.
Be on the lookout for any of the following signs, which may indicate a damaged or defective battery:
- Noticeably swollen or bloated
- Burn marks
- Cracks, corrosion or leaking from the battery
Recalled Batteries
To find out if your battery is on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission recall list, please visit https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
Storage
A damaged battery must be handled and stored with extreme care until it can be properly disposed of and recycled. Proper disposal with recycling prevents end-of-life batteries from entering landfills, protecting both people and the environment. If you have a damaged battery, we recommend purchasing a WeRecycle DDR Kit to safely store and ship your damaged batteries.
Before the DDR battery can be properly disposed of, when storing the battery, always wear protective gloves to avoid direct skin contact. Place the battery in a container filled with cushioning material, such as sand, to prevent movement or impact and keep separate from other batteries. Store the container in a cool, dry location and keep it away from metal objects. To enhance safety, we recommend recycling the DDR battery as soon as possible.
NEVER place damaged batteries in the trash, curbside recycling bins, or our WeRecycle Battery Boxes.
Shipping
It is important to know that the U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) has special regulations on the shipping of a damaged, defective, and recalled batteries. These guidelines include special handling, clear labeling, and could include restrictions on the avenue of transportation. By being aware of these guidelines, it will make it easier and safer to dispose of damaged batteries.
As the leader in cross-chemistry collection for battery recycling management, Cirba Solutions specializes in transporting, receiving, handling, and managing damaged, defective, and recalled (DDR) lithium batteries. Batteries are handled in accordance with DOT regulations 49 CFR 173.185(f) with safety and compliance at the forefront. DDR batteries are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, additional information or documentation from original battery manufacturers is requested.
