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How to pack spent alkaline batteries for a bulk load

Name: Critical Materials Recovery, LLC
Address: 220 N 48th Ave, Suite 1, Phoenix, AZ, 85043, US
Telephone: 206.816.0020

By CMR Team·Sep 17, 2026·5 min read

Shrink wrapped pallets of spent alkaline batteries staged for collection

Alkaline cells are among the safest batteries to move, provided terminals cannot touch. Most of what we receive arrives as full truckloads of 30,000 to 45,000 lbs from collectors and partners, and a load that is packed well moves through receiving faster.

Protect the terminals

Tape terminals with non conductive tape, or bag cells individually. This is the one requirement that matters most.

Use gaylords or drums on pallets

Gaylords or drums on pallets, with terminals protected so nothing can short. Tell us what packaging you have and we will confirm before the load moves.

Alkaline on its own. If your collection bins are mixed, tell us before the load moves and we will advise.

Keep chemistries apart

These need a different process. Sending them in a load risks a fire and holds up everything behind it:

Lithium ion and lithium metal batteries
NiMH and NiCd batteries
Lead acid batteries

Operators checking cells on the sorting belt before size reduction — Anything outside our accepted list is pulled before it reaches size reduction.

Nothing damaged

Swollen, leaking or damaged cells need separate handling. Contact us first rather than including them.

Not sure what you have?

Send us a photograph and we will tell you. For truckload volumes, tell us the volume, the chemistry and where it is sitting.

Request a Bulk Quote

Packing & shipping
Terminal protection
Bulk loads

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Have a load of spent alkaline batteries?

Tell us the volume, the chemistry and where it is sitting. We will come back with pricing and freight guidance.

Request a Bulk Quote Call 206.816.0020