I'm not a sysadmin, just an electrician, but my boss has asked me to remove the batteries from some old UPS units from the 90s for disposal. I'm wondering if it's safer and more practical to drop them off whole at an e-waste recycling place instead. These units have a 4KW discharge rate, so I'm a bit concerned about cracking them open. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the best approach!
4 Answers
Most older UPS units have batteries that are designed to be easily removed. You should typically find a panel that pops off or screws that hold the battery in place. Just be careful, as sometimes the batteries may be swollen, especially if they’ve been around a while. If that’s the case, you might need to use a bit of force to get them out safely!
If your recycling place accepts the whole UPS, it might save you a lot of hassle. That said, removing the batteries lets you recycle them properly, and often you can get a small refund for recycling lead-acid batteries. So, weigh your options based on how your local recycling system works.
Yeah, I always pull them out because sometimes they even pay you for them. Just make sure you're following the disposal guidelines!
Removing the batteries first is smart since they are heavy and usually not safe to handle when actually in the unit. Just make sure to take care when dealing with old batteries since they can leak. I’ve had some where I had to use a crowbar to get them out, but it does vary by model!
Lol, I feel you! Sometimes old units require a bit of muscle for this!
It's generally a good idea to remove the batteries before disposal, especially since they’re lead-acid and need special handling. Plus, you might get some cash if you recycle them separately. If you're uncomfortable, it might be wise to check with your recycling center about their policies on whole UPS units versus separate battery disposal.
Exactly! Also, older models should have clear instructions on battery replacement. Just Google the model number to find manuals that can help.
Just a heads-up, sometimes they can be tricky to remove if they're stuck. A little prying might help, but just be cautious!