Every server room and network closet has them: aging UPS units with swollen batteries that nobody wants to deal with. They’re heavy, they’re potentially hazardous, and they’ve been sitting there since the last IT manager said “we’ll deal with those later.”
Later is now. Here’s how to properly handle UPS battery recycling for your business.
Why You Can’t Just Throw Them Away
UPS batteries aren’t regular trash — and in most jurisdictions, tossing them in a dumpster is illegal. Here’s why:
They contain hazardous materials. Most UPS batteries are lead-acid (specifically VRLA/SLA — valve-regulated lead-acid). Lead is toxic and classified as hazardous waste. Newer lithium-ion UPS batteries present fire risks in waste streams.
Environmental contamination. A single lead-acid battery can contaminate soil and groundwater if it ends up in a landfill. Multiply that by the dozens of batteries in a typical server room UPS setup, and the impact is significant.
Legal liability. Improper disposal of hazardous waste can result in fines. Under Texas environmental regulations, businesses are responsible for proper disposal of hazardous materials they generate.
They’re heavy and awkward. A single rackmount UPS can weigh 50-100+ pounds. A battery cabinet with expansion packs can weigh several hundred. These aren’t something you can casually drop off somewhere.
Types of UPS Batteries
Not all UPS batteries are the same, and recycling requirements vary:
VRLA/SLA (Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid). The most common type in business UPS systems. Found in APC, Eaton, Vertiv (Liebert), CyberPower, and Tripp Lite units. These contain lead plates and sulfuric acid in sealed cells. Highly recyclable — the lead recovery industry is well-established.
Lithium-ion. Increasingly common in newer UPS models and edge computing installations. Lighter and longer-lasting but require specialized recycling. Cannot be processed by standard lead-acid recyclers. Present fire risks if damaged.
Nickel-cadmium (NiCd). Found in some older industrial UPS systems. Cadmium is highly toxic and requires specialized handling. Increasingly rare but still out there in legacy installations.
How to Prepare UPS Units for Recycling
Before scheduling a pickup, here’s how to prepare your UPS equipment:
Power down and disconnect. Turn off the UPS, disconnect it from utility power, and disconnect all load devices. Wait a few minutes for capacitors to discharge.
Don’t open battery compartments. Leave batteries installed in the unit. Pulling batteries creates handling risks and isn’t necessary — we’ll handle separation at our facility.
Keep units upright. Even sealed lead-acid batteries can leak if tipped, especially older units with degraded seals. Keep them standing upright during staging and transport.
Mark damaged units. If a battery is visibly swollen, leaking, or has been exposed to water or fire, mark it clearly. This helps our team handle it appropriately.
Don’t mix with regular e-waste. Stage UPS units separately from desktops, monitors, and other equipment. Their weight and battery contents warrant different handling.
Recycling Options in Dallas-Fort Worth
Battery retailers. Interstate Batteries and AutoZone accept lead-acid batteries for recycling. However, they’re set up for automotive batteries — showing up with 20 rackmount UPS battery packs may not be welcome.
Hazardous waste collection. Dallas and Fort Worth operate hazardous waste collection facilities that accept batteries from businesses, though quantity limits and scheduling requirements apply.
IT recyclers. This is the easiest path for businesses. GreenIT Pickup accepts UPS systems as part of our standard IT equipment pickup. Include them with your next equipment cleanout — no need to handle them separately, find a specialty recycler, or pay disposal fees.
GreenIT Pickup Accepts UPS Systems
We pick up UPS units of all sizes as part of our free equipment pickup service across DFW. Small desktop UPS, rackmount units, tower models, and battery expansion packs — we take them all.
The most efficient approach: bundle your UPS disposal with your next equipment refresh. When we come to pick up old servers, desktops, or networking gear, we take the UPS units too. One visit, one pickup, everything handled.
For more on what equipment we pick up, see our detailed guide.
Schedule a Pickup
Stop letting old UPS units take up space in your server room. Call (817) 527-8600 or submit a pickup request — we’ll handle the heavy lifting and the proper recycling.