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Storage, safety, and packaging guidelines. This section explains how to prepare the portable rechargeable batteries and cell phones before shipping.

Documentation for shipping portable rechargeable batteries and cell phones via ground service. This section explains how to prepare the proper documentation for shipping.

Where to ship your used portable rechargeable batteries and/or cell phones.

Storage and Packaging:

CONTAINERS
Containers should be stored in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials and heat sources. The following three storage containers will serve as appropriate shipping containers:

Drums
Rechargeable batteries and cell phones may be packaged in Department of Transportation (DOT), vented, non-metal or lined steel drums (or equivalent). Drums should be full and banded or shrink wrapped to pallets for handling by forklifts. Mark “used batteries and cell phones for recycling ”, "nonspillable" and the start accumulation date on drums while in storage.

Boxes
Rechargeable batteries and/or cell phones should be packaged in DOT cardboard boxes or equivalent (double-walled boxes are recommended). Please ensure that the container is sufficiently strong and durable to contain the batteries and cell phones. Seal the cartons with packing tape. Mark “used batteries and/or cell phones for recycling” and "nonspillable" on boxes. Each box should weigh less than 70 pounds. A 12” x 12” x 8” box will hold approximately 50 pounds of rechargeable batteries and cell phones. Secure shipments of boxes weighing 150 pounds or more to pallets for handling by a forklift.

RBRC Boxes
Every business participant can request collection kits from RBRC at no cost. In the U.S., each kit contains 2, 4 or 8 pre-paid, pre-addressed collection boxes that come pre-assembled and includes built-in plastic bag dispenser with bags and the required number of pre-sort chemistry stickers for sorting purposes. In Canada, each kit contains 2, 5, or 10 boxes. Your company will be included in our automatic replenishment system to receive more boxes. Therefore, there is no need to contact RBRC after the initial kit.

Your company is not required to sort batteries according to chemistries; however, pre-sorted containers will be greatly appreciated.

Please note: There are no weight limits for shipments in the United States. In Canada, any single shipment, regardless of the type or number of containers used, must not exceed 500 kilograms. For both the U.S. and Canada, all battery terminals must be insulated by either inserting individual batteries into separate bags or covering the terminals with an insulating tape. Canadian shipments cannot use a generic Bill of Lading. Only RBRC supplied or approved labels and Bills of Lading or waybills should be used in Canada. For Canadian requests, a shipping label template (info@rbrc.ca) will also be included for use with non-RBRC shipping containers.

UPS/FedEx may charge a service fee for ARS pick-ups scheduled by calling the UPS/FedEx 800 number. To decrease or avoid these charges, we recommend that you (1) hold containers until a UPS/FedEx delivery is made to your location, or (2) ship more than one container at a time.

Safety Guidelines:
A depleted battery that is ready to be discarded may appear to be no longer useful, but can still contain a residual charge. Certain precautions must be taken to prevent batteries from short-circuiting. Package batteries and cell phones using the following guidelines.

  1. Place each rechargeable battery into an individual plastic bag provided. Remove plastic strip from top of bag, fold down and seal.

  2. Place each cell phone and its battery into an individual plastic bag. Seal bag!

  3. Place plastic, non-conductive electrical tape over the terminals. This will prevent contact between terminals or other metals surfaces during storage and transport.

THE PROGRAM DOES NOT ACCEPT ALKALINE, LITHIUM PRIMARY, NON-RECHARGEABLE OR RECHARGEALBE WET CELL BATTERIES!

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Documentation for Shipping Portable Rechargeable Batteries and Cell Phones in Non-RBRC Containers:

RBRC pays shipping costs when you transport batteries and/ or cell phones in non-RBRC containers via UPS/FedEx or other ground shipments. Fax shipping invoices with your Site ID number toll free to 877-405-6082. For bulk shipments via common carriers, please call the RBRC Recycling Department toll free 877-723-1297 ext. 219 for shipping instructions.

Depending on the method of shipping, freight or parcel service, one of the following documents must be completed for each shipment.

Shipments Sent by Freight (Common Carrier) Service
In both the U.S. and Canada, all freight (common carrier) shipments must include a Bill of Landing. Bills of Lading may be purchased at local stationery stores or provided on a standardized company form. Canadian shipments can't use a generic Bill of Landing, so please email RBRC at info@rbrc.ca to request a shipping label template. Attach the completed form to the outside of the shipping container in an envelope or plastic sleeve.

The Bill of Lading must include:
1. RBRC Site ID Number
2. "RBRC SO# 107247"
3. Shipper name, address, contact name and phone number of the shipper
4. Address of appropriate RBRC approved facility (Inmetco is the only approved facility)
5. The weight of the shipment and number of pallets
6. The statement "Used Rechargeable Batteries (Universal Waste) Recycling and/or Cell Phones NMFC60700/Class 60"

If sorted by chemistry, write "sorted" on label. If not sorted by chemisty, write "mixed."

If the Bill of Lading is not properly completed, you may not meet all the applicable State and Federal requirements. The consolidation center may return the shipment to you at your expense.

Please keep UPS/FedEx or Purolator shipping log or Bill of Lading for tracking or proof of delivery purposes.

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Where to Ship Your Used Rechargeable Batteries and Cell Phones in Non-RBRC Containers via Common Carrier (Ground)

Ship spent rechargeable batteries and/or cell phones via ground service to the following RBRC approved facilities:

In the U.S.

RBRC Site ID# __________
"RBRC SO# 107247"
One Inmetco Drive
Ellwood City, PA 16117
(724) 758-5515

In Canada

RBRC Site ID# __________
"RBRC SO# 107247"
1731 Pettit Road
Fort Erie, ON L2A 5M4


It is a condition of shipping within the RBRC program that businesses ensure that all battery terminals must be insulated by either inserting individual batteries into separate bags or covering the terminals with an insulating tape.

Batteries that are not covered by the Call2Recycle™ program (wet-cell Ni-Cd, for example) may be accepted by the recycling facilities listed above, but only if separate arrangements are made by your business or agency directly with the recycling facility. Contact the battery manufacturer for shipping instructions of batteries that are not accepted by the RBRC program.


Waybill for Shipping via Parcel Service:
When shipping batteries and/or cell phones in non-RBRC containers using UPS/FedEx or Purolator (Canada) Software please address as follows:

In the U.S.
RBRC Site ID# __________
RBRC SO# 107247
"Used Rechargeable Batteries and/or Cell Phones for Recycling, NMFC60700/Class 60"
One Inmetco Drive
Ellwood City, PA 16117
(724) 758-5515

In Canada
RBRC Site ID# __________
RBRC SO# 107247
"Used Rechargeable Batteries and/or Cell Phones for Recycling"
1731 Pettit Road
Fort Erie, ON L2A 5M4
(905) 994-1900

For both the U.S. and Canada, all battery terminals must be insulated by either inserting individual batteries into separate bags or covering the terminals with an insulating tape. Canadian shipments cannot use a generic bill of lading. In Canada single shipments are subject to a total weight limit of 500 kilograms, regardless of the type or number of containers used. Only RBRC supplied or approved labels and bills of lading or waybills should be used in Canada.

In Canada, if you are registered with RBRC and intend to use non-RBRC shipping containers, please contact RBRC for a shipping label template.

Following these procedures will ensure faster and proper acceptance of your shipments. Shipments will not be accepted without the entire address and the SO# 107247. Shipments in Canada require specific permit numbers and other information that is included in RBRC supplied or approved labels, waybills and bills of lading.

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