I just bought two 10-lb boxes of citric acid powder, at $87.62/box (McMaster-Carr, item #4235T24), so we are equipped to to neutralize accidental spills of the potassium hydroxide electrolyte used in Edison NiCad and NiFe wet-cell batteries.
Intentionally neutralizing the electrolyte for disposal would be more expensive paying to legally dispose of the Edison NiCad batteries "as is".
A single Edison size ED-80 NiCad cell, filled with electrolyte, weighs about 17 lbs. At $0.60 to $0.70 per lb, it will cost $10-$12 to dispose of.
The NiCad recyclers melt down and reuse the cadmium and nickel. That's the right thing to do. When you're inspected by your local hazmat dept. inspector, you'll need a paper trail to prove you disposed of NiCad batteries legally.
Here in California we have a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) program, basically Household Hazardous Waste disposal for small businesses. CESQG is perfect for smallish quantities of miscellaneous hazmat. Our usual environmental service companies (Veolia, Safety-Kleen, etc) charge by the 55-gal drum, so smaller quantities are not economical for them to handle.
- Doug Debs
Alternately, here is a company that handles large quantities of NiCad batteries for recycling: https://www.batteryrecyclersofamerica.com/battery-recycling-service/?&utm_campaign=NonTM%20-%20Battery%20Disposal%20LV&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=252452357480&utm_term=nicad%20batteries%20recycling&gclid=CjwKCAjwkYDbBRB6EiwAR0T_-nrtNk9MKzLY0vNcd1CrlqYy-sa0uMmkwc5Xxmt3Qre9C5t2fI6luhoCoMIQAvD_BwE
"Battery Recycling, Made Simple.
We make recycling spent batteries efficient, quick and rewarding. Our comprehensive process is EPA approved from pickup to completion and covers a wide variety of battery types, including Sealed Lead Acid Batteries, Lithium Ion Batteries, UPS Batteries, Telecom Batteries, Industrial Batteries, Absolyte Batteries, NiCad Batteries and car batteries, including those for electronic vehicles (Lithium Iron batteries).
Our process is comprehensive and easy, and depending on the type of battery you recycle with us, you may even qualify for cash for your spent batteries.
If you have more than 500 lbs. of spent batteries and need a simple and convenient solution for your battery waste, fill out the form to the right for a free quote."
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