Transport or store used lead-acid batteries

If you're transporting, receiving or storing used lead-acid batteries, a designation may apply that changes its waste classification.

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Used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) are classified as reportable priority waste in Schedule 5 of the Environment Protection Regulations 2021(opens in a new window).

However, the requirements of this classification impose undue burden on:

  • community drop-off sites
  • some businesses, such as mechanics, retailers and roadside assist services.

We have issued a designation for ULABs. Our aim is to address the burden while making sure that there is no serious risk of harm to human health or the environment.

The Designation – classification of lead-acid batteries(opens in a new window) applies to the transport, receipt or storage of certain amounts of ULABs.

The designation does not apply to a place or premises where lead-acid batteries are:

  • treated
  • processed
  • dismantled
  • drained.

Designation conditions for transporting ULABs

ULABs can be classified as priority waste – but not reportable priority waste – if you are transporting:

  • a total combined electrolyte volume of less than 1,000 litres
  • less than 4 tonnes of ULABs, if the combined electrolyte volume is not known.

For the designation to apply, when packing, loading and transporting, you must take all reasonable steps to:

  • pack and load so that battery terminals do not support the weight of other superimposed elements
  • separate each tier of stored lead-acid batteries with a layer of electrically non-conductive material
  • prevent electrolyte escaping from lead-acid batteries
  • contain and clean up any leaks, spills or other discharge of electrolyte or waste from lead-acid batteries
  • protect lead-acid batteries against short circuits
  • remove battery cables and connections before packing or loading (this does not apply to cables connecting lead-acid batteries together)
  • separate lead-acid batteries from incompatible materials and other types of batteries
  • isolate leaking lead-acid batteries before packing or loading
  • dispose of leaking lead-acid batteries as soon as reasonably practicable
  • use containers that are resistant to battery electrolyte (if you are using containers).

Learn about the requirements for transporting industrial waste.

Designation conditions for receiving or storing ULABs

ULABs can be classified as:

  • industrial waste – but not priority waste – if you are storing no more than 5 m3 of ULABs
  • priority waste – but not reportable priority waste – if you are receiving or storing:
    • a total combined electrolyte volume of less than 10,000 litres
    • less than 40 tonnes of ULABs, if the combined electrolyte volume is not known.

For the designation to apply, you must take all reasonable steps to:

  • store lead-acid batteries on a hardstand or equivalent impermeable surface and under cover
  • store lead-acid batteries so that battery terminals do not support the weight of other superimposed elements
  • separate each tier of stored lead-acid batteries with a layer of electrically non-conductive material
  • prevent electrolyte escaping from lead-acid batteries
  • prevent leaks, spills or any other discharge of battery electrolyte entering the environment
  • contain and clean up any leaks, spills or other discharge of electrolyte or waste from lead-acid batteries
  • protect stored lead-acid batteries against short circuits
  • remove battery cables and connections before storing (this does not apply to cables connecting lead-acid batteries together)
  • store lead-acid batteries separately from incompatible materials and other types of batteries
  • isolate leaking lead-acid batteries before storing, transporting or disposing of lead-acid batteries
  • dispose of leaking lead-acid batteries as soon as reasonably practicable
  • store lead-acid batteries in containers that are resistant to battery electrolyte.

You must also keep records for at least 2 years of:

  • incoming and outgoing movements of lead-acid batteries
  • the current location where lead-acid batteries are stored at the place or premises.

You must make these records available to us for inspection.

Learn about the requirements for managing industrial and priority waste.

Duties and permissions

The general environmental duty always applies.

Permissions for receiving and storing ULABs

You may still need a permission to receive and store ULABs under the designation.

Under the designation:

If you are storing more than the amounts set out in the designation, then:

  • the designation does not apply
  • the ULABs stay as reportable priority waste
  • relevant waste duties and permissions – such as an A01 licence – may apply.

Permissions for transporting ULABs

If the amount of ULABs you are transporting is within the amount covered by the designation, reportable priority waste duties and permissions do not apply. However, priority waste duties do apply.

If you are transporting more than the amounts set out in the designation, then:

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