Based on recent enforcement inspections and investigations, conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Office of Hazardous Materials Enforcement (OHME) and recent incidents, this letter is intended to notify the industry of serious safety problems and non-compliance issues regarding the classification, packaging, marking, labeling, documentation and transportation of spent batteries in commerce. PHMSA is greatly concerned by the lack of compliance and understanding of the transportation requirements for batteries. PHMSA recognizes the breadth and scope of the battery recycling and disposal industries. In order to magnify its safety and compliance efforts, PHMSA feels this letter will help increase awareness and provide a means of contact for questions for the prescribed safety requirements to the appropriate battery recycling and disposal transportation streams.

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