Why should battery labels be standardized?

Inconsistencies in product labeling can cause confusion for the people involved in the battery life cycle, including manufacturers, consumers, users, and recyclers. Standardizing information on battery labels can help provide these audiences with the specific information needed to improve the collection and recycling of batteries.

What is battery labeling?

Batteries and battery containing products bear a variety of labels, symbols, and markings to comply with existing U.S. and international requirements. In the United States, battery labeling involves both mandatory and voluntary standards, certifications, and regulations that are not always consistent, but continue to grow in number.

Do batteries have chemistry on their labels?

Consistent across all three EPR laws is the requirement that batteries sold within the state include the battery chemistry on the label, as well as symbols or indicators signaling that consumers should not dispose of the batteries as household waste.

What information should be included in a battery label?

All batteries must include general information on their category, chemistry, and whether they are rechargeable. All batteries containing more than 0.002% Cd or 0.004% Pb must be marked with the chemical symbol for the metal concerned. The manual recommends compliance with the U.S. Battery Act of 1996 requirement to include a Ni-Cd or Pb label.

Do batteries need to be labeled?

Existing labeling requirements in the United States, the EU, and Japan include messaging and/or symbols indicating that batteries and battery-containing products should be recycled, but battery labels do not provide clear instructions for users to determine where or how batteries should be collected.

How do you label a rechargeable battery?

Battery must be recycled or disposed of properly.” Label for regulated lead-acid batteries: “Pb” or the words “lead,” “return,” and “recycle.” Label for rechargeable consumer products containing nonremovable regulated lead-acid batteries: “Contains sealed lead battery. Battery must be recycled.” Labels must be in all capital letters.