WARNING: Refer to manufacturer specific dismantling manuals above for important instructions regarding proper battery removal and handling before taking any action.  Always assume that the high-voltage battery is charged and powered up.

Most of the hybrid vehicles listed above contain a High Voltage NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery. Recycling these batteries helps to protect the environment, and may be required by law.  Certain federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations govern the handling, packaging, shipping and recycling of these batteries. Additionally, under certain circumstances, by law, used HV batteries may be hazardous waste or dangerous goods.  Dismantlers and shippers are responsible to understand and comply with all applicable laws.

NiMH batteries contain materials that can be recycled and used to manufacture new batteries; therefore, ELVS encourages recycling all High Voltage NiMH batteries. As these batteries may weigh up to 100 pounds or more, it is important that you have appropriate equipment and qualified personnel available when removing the battery from the vehicle and when handling.

Though ELVS makes no representations or endorsements, there are several companies that have the ability to properly recycle NiMH batteries, among them are:

The following is a general explanation of certain applicable laws; however, these laws change from time to time and we make no representation that this is a complete summary.  Generally, under U.S. federal and state law, sealed, non-leaking NiMH batteries are considered dry cell batteries and therefore non hazardous waste (with this exception – in California, NiMH batteries must be managed under California Universal Waste Rules). In addition, NiMH batteries are unregulated under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.

If NiMH batteries are found to be leaking, they will be regulated as hazardous waste under federal and state regulations, and as a hazardous material under DOT. The recycling companies listed above have the ability to accept these batteries, but additional measures must be taken by the shipper to transport and dispose of them. Both you and the shipper have responsibility for complying with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

In Canada, sealed, non-leaking NiMH batteries intended for recycling are not regulated under the Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act as long as the batteries are shipped according to special provision 39 (2) of those regulations. If the batteries are found to be leaking, they will be regulated as a hazardous waste under applicable provincial regulations, and as a dangerous good under TDG. In this case, the shipper must ship the batteries according to special provision 39 (1) in the TDG regulations. Both you and the shipper have responsibility for complying with applicable federal, provincial and local laws and regulations.