PROPER DISPOSAL OF MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS & BATTERIESRECYCLING POINT OF CONTACT: ANJUAN THOMASOFFICE LOCATION: OFAS, 1500 EAST CORRIDORCONTACT: (202) 219-3143 • ANJUAN_THOMAS@IOS.DOI.GOV

MISCELLANEOUS ITEM RECYCLING

• OFAS has provided a collection point for miscellaneous items such as small consumer electronics, eyeglasses, and cartridges used in printers, copy machines, and faxes.

• The collection point is located adjacent to the Bison Bistro Cafeteria and Interior Federal Credit Union on the Basement Level

• Items disposed of at the collection point must be properly segregated.

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

• All consumer electronics must be properly disposed of in the red bin at the collection point.

• Only small consumer electronics should be recycled at the collection point.

• Examples: Computer peripherals, TV accessories, digital cameras, MP3/radio players, communication devices, tablets/laptops, storage devices, VHS/DVD/Blu-Ray media, CDs

• Contact Recycling POC for instructions on disposal of largeconsumer electronics. Do not leave items outside of bin or attempt to force them to fit.

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

• All batteries must be removed before disposal.• If battery cannot be removed, contact Recycling POC for special

instructions.

• All other general recycling protocols must be followed:• No cardboard boxes of any size/shape

• No plastic bags, wrapping, or casing of any kind

• No glass bottles, jars, or casing of any kind

• No bubble wrap or packing materials of any kind

• No paper or general trash

• Contact Recycling POC for disposal of damaged electronics. Do not put these items inside of the bin or leave them outside of the bin.

INK & TONER CARTRIDGES

• All ink and toner cartridges must be properly disposed of in the green bin at the collection point.

• Only completely empty cartridges should be recycled at the collection point. Contact Recycling POC for instructions if cartridge still has ink inside.

• Contact Recycling POC for instructions on disposal of largecartridges. Do not leave cartridges outside of bin or attempt to force them to fit.

• Do not place unused cartridges in the bin. Contact Recycling POC for further guidance.

INK & TONER CARTRIDGES

• All toner cartridges and ink cartridges bigger than the size of a palm must be disposed of in original or otherwise proper box/packaging.

• If box/packaging is not available, contact Recycling POC for special instructions.

• With exception of original and/or proper boxes and packaging, all other general recycling protocols must be followed:

• No cardboard boxes of any size/shape

• No plastic bags, wrapping, or casing of any kind

• No glass bottles, jars, or casing of any kind

• No bubble wrap or packing materials of any kind

• No paper or general trash

• Contact Recycling POC for disposal of damaged cartridges. Do not put them inside of the bin or leave them outside of the bin.

EYEGLASSES

• All eyeglasses must be properly disposed of in the yellow bin at the collection point.

• Only eyeglasses should be recycled at the collection point. Do not place other items such as magnifying glasses, contact lenses, binoculars, or any device that aids vision into the bin.

EYEGLASSES

• Proper cases, pouches, and sleeves for eyeglasses may be placed into the bin with eyeglasses included only.

• Eyeglass cases, pouches, and sleeves that do not have included eyeglasses must be disposed of in general trash.

• All other general recycling protocols must be followed:• No cardboard boxes of any size/shape

• No plastic bags, wrapping, or casing of any kind

• No glass bottles, jars, or casing of any kind

• No bubble wrap or packing materials of any kind

• No paper or general trash

• Contact Recycling POC for disposal of damaged or broken eyeglass lenses. Do not put them inside of the bin as special provisions must be taken.

BATTERY RECYCLING

• OFAS has provided a collection point for used and expired batteries.

• The collection point is located adjacent to the Bison Bistro Cafeteria and Interior Federal Credit Union on the Basement Level

• As they are designated as a category of hazardous waste, batteries, whether or not they are disposed of at the collection point, must be properly segregated.

BATTERY RECYCLING

• OFAS has identified four (4) major battery types that have been historically recycled in the Main Interior Building:

• Alkaline• Mercury-containing• Nickel (NiCd/NiMH)• Lithium

• These battery types, with certain exceptions, may be placed into the bins provided. Battery types not listed above are considered to be special batteries and must not be placed into any of the bins under any circumstances.

• As each battery type contains a different chemical makeup with varying reactions to other types, please refrain from mixing batteries in the respective bins. Contact Recycling POC if you are unsure about the safe and proper disposal of any battery type.

ALKALINE BATTERIES

• Alkaline batteries are commonly identified as household batteries. They range in size and type.

• Examples: AAAA, AAA, AA, C, D, 9V

• All clean and undamaged alkaline batteries must be properly disposed of in the bluebin at the collection point.

• Do not mix unauthorized batteries in the alkaline battery bin.

• Only batteries should be placed into the alkaline battery bin. Do not place any cardboard packaging, plastic casing, plastic bags, paper or any other storage and/or packing material in the bin.

• Contact Recycling POC for disposal instructions regarding large quantities of batteries. Do not leave them outside of the bin or attempt to fit them inside.

ALKALINE BATTERIES

• The following alkaline batteries shall never be placed in the bins:

• Batteries that have sustained significant physical damage

• Batteries that are leaking a brownish and/or white-colored dust, regardless of extent

• Batteries that take the appearance of common alkaline batteries but are clearly identified as containing mercury, nickel, lithium, or lead

• Batteries from any other category

• Contact Recycling POC for special instructions regarding the safe and proper disposal of these batteries.

ALKALINE BATTERIES

MERCURY-CONTAINING BATTERIES

• Mercury-containing batteries are non-rechargeable electrochemical batteries used in small, portable electronics such as watches, pocket calculators, and keyless transmitters.

• Examples: Button cell, certain alkaline batteries

• All clearly identified mercury-containing batteries must be properly disposed of in the orange bin at the collection point.

• Be mindful that mercury-containing batteries often take the appearance of batteries from other categories. Ensure that the battery has “mercury” or its chemical symbol (Hg) printed on it.

• Do not mix unauthorized batteries or place damaged batteries in the mercury battery bin.

• Only batteries should be placed into the mercury battery bin. Do not place any cardboard packaging, plastic casing, plastic bags, paper or any other storage and/or packing material in the bin.

• Contact Recycling POC for disposal instructions regarding large quantities of batteries or damaged batteries. Do not leave them outside of the bin or attempt to fit them inside.

MERCURY-CONTAINING BATTERIES

NICKEL BATTERIES

• Nickel batteries are rechargeable batteries that use nickel oxide hydroxide as electrodes. They are commonly used in cameras, portable computers, and other small battery-operated devices requiring an even power charge.

• There are two types of nickel batteries:

• Nickel-cadmium (NiCD/NiCad)

• Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH/Ni-MH)

• All nickel batteries must be properly disposed of in the black bin at the collection point.

• Nickel batteries often have pastel-colored special wrapping around them. Each battery should have Nickel, NiCd, NiCad, NiMH, or Ni-MH printed on it.

• Do not mix unauthorized batteries or place damaged batteries in the nickel battery bin.

• Only batteries should be placed into the nickel battery bin. Do not place any cardboard packaging, plastic casing, plastic bags, paper or any other storage and/or packing material in the bin.

• As they contain toxic-heavy metals, it is required that battery terminals be taped prior to disposal. Contact Recycling POC for clarification on disposal instructions regarding nickel batteries.

NICKEL BATTERIES

LITHIUM BATTERIES

• Lithium batteries are any kind of battery that contains the metallic property of lithium.

• There are two types of lithium batteries:• Primary lithium (Li): disposable batteries that look like alkaline and button cell batteries

• Lithium-ion/lithium-polymer (Li-ion/LiPo): rechargeable batteries commonly used in portable electronics

• All clearly identified and undamaged lithium batteries must be properly disposed of in the graybin at the collection point.

• All lithium batteries should have Lithium, Lithium-ion, Li, Li-ion, or LiPo printed on them.

• Do not mix unauthorized batteries or place damaged batteries in the lithium battery bin.

• Only batteries should be placed into the lithium battery bin. Do not place any cardboard packaging, plastic casing, plastic bags, paper or any other storage and/or packing material in the bin.

• Because of their reactive nature, it is required that battery terminals be taped prior to disposal. Contact Recycling POC for clarification on disposal instructions regarding lithium batteries.

LITHIUM BATTERIES

SPECIAL BATTERIES

• The following battery types must not be placed into any of the battery bins under any circumstances:

• Lead acid (sealed/wet cell): found in automobiles, forklifts, and alarm systems

• Absolyte or gel cell: found in backup systems, electric wheelchairs; marked with “absolyte” or “gel”

• UPS: encased sealed lead acid batteries used as constant power supply

• Wet NiCd: found in backup systems; highly toxic

• Power tool: rechargeable batteries that may contain both nickel and lithium properties

• Lantern: large rectangular batteries used in flashlights and lanterns; contain screw and spring terminals

• These battery types require special handling and storage with regards to their safe and proper disposal. They cannot be mixed with the four major battery types commonly recycled in the Main Interior Building.

• Contact Recycling POC for special instructions and pickup of these battery types. Do not leave them outside of the bins.