Metals Powders or Li Metal Pouch Cells
Combustible metals are 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 Chemical 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.
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 5lbs.
- 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.
Commercial Used Batteries - Non-experimental batteries that are part of your research work.
Standard batteries are "universal waste" and can be disposed of through the campus Universal Waste Program managed by UCLA Sustainability.
- Small amounts can be sent via Campus Mail to Mail Code 52608. Please package in a sealed envelope or box and label “Batteries for Recycling”.
- Large producer on campus? Submit a Recycling Request Form to request a battery bin or schedule a battery bin pick-up.
- *Off-campus buildings must submit an FSR.
