Metals Powders or Li Metal Pouch Cells
Some metal powders are combustible and defined as - a metal, including but not limited to magnesium, titanium, sodium, potassium, calcium, lithium, zinc, or other similar metals, that ignites easily when in the form of fine particles or molten metal. (Los Angeles City Fire Code 2020 > 2 Definitions > 202 General Definitions)
Never combine combustible metal waste with incompatible chemicals such as aqueous solutions, oxidizing agents, combustible materials, and acids. It can cause the rapid generation of flammable gas and the potential for spontaneous ignition and/or explosion.
All metal powder, dust, chips, lathe turnings, etc. should be disposal of as hazardous waste to EH&S. To avoid a potential exothermic reaction, do not dispose of anything other than the metal waste into the container. Moisture combined with combustible metal dusts can produce hydrogen gas.
Commercial Used Batteries
Commercial Use Battery Disposal
How to prepare your waste
- Place into a compatible container that is leak-proof, rigid, and sealable
- Use an inert oil such as mineral oil or silicone oil to coat the metal powder or Li metal pouch cells. This is to prevent conductivity or contact with possible condensation.
- Your container should only be 2/3 full with combined metal powder or Li metal pouch cells and oil.
- Filled container should not exceed 5 lbs.
- Label your container with a WASTe Tag, because it is a solid mixed with a liquid (oil) select a physical state as "liquid".
- Bring your container to your building routine pick up see schedule: UCLA EH&S Hazardous Chemical Waste Pick up Schedule
- Add the date that you bring it to use on the WASTe label with a sharpie on an blank area.
