from GM Hybrid, Electric and Electrified Vehicles Information Package for Vehicle Dismantlers** NOTE: This section of the website does not cover the recycling process for lead-acid starter batteries. These batteries have established collection and recycling processes. Introduction: GM hybrid, electric and electrified vehicles contain an intermediate voltage (30<IV<60 volts DC) or high voltage (HV> 60 volts DC) battery pack. Battery packs are based on either Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium ion (Li-Ion) cells. These battery packs must be recycled. WARNING Exposure to high voltage can cause shock, burns and even death. The high voltage components in the vehicle can only be serviced by technicians with special training. Follow all warnings and instructions before proceeding with any dismantling work. Comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the management of IV/HV batteries generated at your facility. State and/or local laws can be more stringent than federal regulations, so be sure to check all three. **For Dealership Service Departments: This document is only intended for vehicle dismantlers who recycle automobiles at the end of their useful life. During normal vehicle service operations, please refer to current service information manuals and bulletins for information on the return of intermediate and high voltage (IV/HV) batteries.
High Voltage Disabling and Removal of the IV/HV Battery Pack High Voltage Disabling The vehilce must be disabled before proceeding with any dismantling work. Disabling procedures can be found: GM service manuals GM First Responder Guides Removal of the IV/HV Battery Pack WARNING Exposure to high voltage can cause shock, burns and even death. The high voltage components in the vehicle can only be serviced by technicians with special training. Always perform the High Voltage Disabling procedure prior to servicing any High Voltage component or connection. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and proper procedures must be followed. Failure to follow the procedures exactly as written may result in serious injury or death. For the safety of technicians and customers, diagnosis and repair of IV/HV propulsion systems, IV/HV high voltage systems, Transmissions/Drive units, engines, regenerative brake apply systems and HVAC systems MUST be performed by technicians who have the essential tools and personal protective equipment and have completed all available training relating to repairs on the unique Voltec and hybrid components. If your facility is does not have an IV/HV trained technician, then the vehicle must be transferred to a dealership that meets these requirements. High voltage components are identified by labels. Do not remove, open, take apart or modify these components. High voltage cable or wiring has orange covering. Do not probe, tamper with, cut or modify high voltage cable or wiring. Always turn off the vehicle and remove the key from the ignition. Always disable the vehicle using the proper procedures. To reduce the risk of severe shock and burns, treat all high voltage cables and connectors as though they are energized until it can be verified that they are not. Full disabling and removal procedures are located in the GM service manual for the vehicle. Consult the service manual for the vehicle, or qualified service personnel at your local dealership, to avoid personal injury when disabling, disconnecting and removing IV/HV battery packs. GM service manuals Yellow Pages: Locate the nearest GM (Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC) dealership Prior to conducting any work on a vehicle, it is important to disconnect all high voltage batteries. CAUTION: Many electrified vehicles still contain 12-volt batteries.
IV/HV Battery Storage Make sure you are complying with all safety precautions to avoid protential exposure to high voltage. Read safety information >> Comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the management of IV/HV batteries generated at your facility. Please note that State and/or local laws can be more stringent than federal regulations, so be sure to check all three. General Guidelines: Once the battery has been removed from the vehicle: 1. Protect battery terminals from short circuits (non conductive material) 2. Store the battery in a building or under shelter so that: 3. Batteries are kept dry 4. Batteries are not exposed to high temperatures 5. Protect batteries from being damaged (e.g. crushed or punctured) 6. IV/HV batteries can be accumulated for shipment. It is recommended that you ask about the specific packaging requirements for battery shipments from the recycler who will be receiving the batteries in order to avoid repacking/stacking of the batteries. 7. Batteries should be sorted by type. Keep lead acid batteries, NiMH batteries, and Li-Ion batteries separated from each other (e.g. separate pallets or storage locations). You can determine which type of IV/HV battery pack is in the vehicle by looking at the GM recycling label on the IV/HV battery. Please check the battery label on the battery pack to verify the battery chemistry. Battery chemistry isn t specific to a particular vehicle model. NOTE: If a battery is damaged (physical damage or leakage), consult the MSDS of battery manufacturer for information on managing any leaking electrolyte.
IV/HV Battery Shipment Generally, NiMH or Lithium-Ion type batteries are used for the intermediate and high voltage source. These are usually considered a dangerous good when transported and are regulated as hazardous materials. NiMH batteries are generally classified as Class 8 hazardous material, while Lithium Ion batteries are classified as Class 9 hazardous material. Multiple identifications (referred to as UN numbers) exist for the various battery packs based on chemistry and configuration. Refer to the battery manufacturer for specific identification for transportation. Make sure that the shipping paperwork is filled out correctly and that the shipment is properly labeled per federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Check to make sure that you are complying with any recordkeeping requirements.. Only certified hazardous material shippers should offer a hazardous material for transportation. Batteries for recycling should be shipped by ground or vessel only. Do not ship batteries for recycling by air. NOTE: A damaged battery (one that is leaking electrolyte from the battery pack) might need to be shipped as a hazardous waste depending on your geographic location. Check your yellow pages (e.g. waste, rubbish and garbage removal, recyclables, recycling) to locate a company that specializes in transporting or managing hazardous wastes.
Commercial Battery Recyclers GM is aware of the following companies that are involved in the recycling of batteries. This list is provided as a starting point for dismantlers who are removing NiMH batteries. GM is not recommending these recyclers nor is it an exhaustive list of available recyclers. There are also companies that will act as battery consolidators who will take batteries away from your facility and consolidate/ship them with other batteries for recycling. Consult the yellow pages or check the internet to find consolidation companies in your area. If you work with a consolidation company, make sure to ask where the consolidator sends the batteries for recycling. Some battery manufacturers will also accept batteries and consolidate them for recycling. Contact the appropriate battery manufacturer for additional information. USA Battery Recyclers Inmetco One Inmetco Drive Ellwood City, PA 16117 Phone: 724-758-2825 Fax: 724-758-2845 Kinsbursky Brothers, Inc. 125 E. Commercial Anaheim, CA 92801 Phone: 714-738-8516 Fax: 714-773-4830 TOXCO Inc. 265 Quarry Road Lancaster, OH 43130 Phone: 877-461-2345 Fax: 740-653-3240 Canada In Canada: call 1-800-GM-DRIVE (1-800-463-7483). Au Canada: appelez 1-800-GM-DRIVE (1-800-463-7483).