National Battery Day (February 18) is a good reminder that batteries do not disappear when they stop performing. For safety managers and electric forklift fleet managers, battery end-of-life is not just a maintenance issue, it is a safety and compliance issue.
Industrial forklift batteries are large, heavy, and regulated. How they are handled after removal matters more than many people realize.
This article explains what laws apply, why they exist, and what responsible battery end-of-life handling should look like.
Electric forklift batteries are very different from consumer batteries. They contain hazardous materials, weigh thousands of pounds, and can pose risks if handled improperly.
In the U.S., battery end-of-life is regulated at multiple levels to protect:
These rules exist to prevent unsafe disposal, spills, fires, and long-term contamination.
At the federal level, two agencies matter most.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates how industrial batteries are managed when they reach end of life. Lead-acid forklift batteries are typically classified as hazardous or universal waste, which means:
The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates how these batteries are transported. Because forklift batteries are heavy and hazardous:
This is why professional pickup and transport matter.
In addition to federal rules, many states impose their own requirements around battery recycling, documentation, and approved recycling channels.
This is especially relevant for fleets operating across:
While details vary by state, the direction is consistent: more accountability, not less.
One of the most common misconceptions is that once a battery is labeled “scrap,” the rules no longer apply.
In reality:
Calling a battery “scrap” changes its destination, not the responsibility to handle it safely.
Responsible battery end-of-life handling includes:
This chain of custody protects safety managers and fleet operators by reducing risk and uncertainty. If something goes wrong downstream, documentation shows that proper steps were taken upstream.
Not every battery that performs poorly is automatically at end of life.
In many cases, batteries should be evaluated before being designated for scrap. Evaluation helps determine whether:
This supports both safety goals and sustainability initiatives.
You do not need to be an expert in environmental law. You should, however, expect your battery provider to:
If those answers are unclear, that is a signal to ask more questions.
National Battery Day is not just about energy storage. It is about awareness.
For electric forklift fleets, responsible battery end-of-life handling reduces risk, supports compliance, and protects people and facilities. Understanding the rules helps safety managers and fleet managers make better decisions and avoid unnecessary exposure.
Are electric forklift batteries regulated at end of life?
Yes. Electric forklift batteries are regulated in the U.S. because they contain hazardous materials and pose safety and environmental risks if handled improperly. They are not treated like ordinary scrap metal.
At the federal level, oversight comes primarily from two agencies:
States may also have additional requirements.
In most cases, yes. Lead-acid forklift batteries are commonly classified as hazardous waste or universal waste when they are no longer in service. This classification triggers specific handling, storage, transport, and recycling requirements.
No. Calling a battery “scrap” does not remove regulatory responsibility. Scrap batteries are still subject to environmental and transportation rules, and they must be handled and recycled properly.
Responsibility does not automatically disappear once a battery is picked up. Businesses are expected to ensure their batteries are transferred through appropriate, compliant channels. This is why documentation and chain of custody matter.
Forklift batteries are:
Because of this, pickup and transport are regulated, and professional handling is required.
Often, yes. Some batteries that appear “dead” may still be repairable. Evaluation helps determine whether replacement is truly necessary and can reduce unnecessary waste.
While requirements vary, responsible battery end-of-life handling typically includes:
Documentation protects both the facility and the people handling the battery.
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