Motorola makes many different models of batteries, with the majority of them falling into three major types: Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium-ion (Li-ion).

Motorola NiCd batteries are currently one of the most cost effective chemistries on the market. NiCd batteries give you more watt-hours of operation per shift than other battery chemistries. They are ideal for a user who needs a high-performance battery and who communicates under extreme conditions of cold and heat (-30C to +50C) Historically, a NiCd battery's major drawback has been its susceptibility to memory effect, or its propensity to "forget" and not utilize its full capacity. Today, this remains to be a serious tradeoff, but can be minimized with proper charging/reconditioning practices.

Motorola NiMH batteries can offer superior operation life between charges. This battery chemistry provides 30 to 40 percent longer operation time than NiCd, but does not operate as efficiently in extreme temperatures. In addition, NiMH is less susceptible to "memory effect" compared to NiCd batteries.

One of the major advantages of Motorola Li-ion batteries is their power to weight ratio, which easily exceeds that of NiMH for a lighter, smaller power supply. These batteries tend to be the industry's most expensive chemistry, and they offer a major advantage of not experiencing "memory effect."

Some of our customers have requested material safety data sheets (MSDS) for our batteries. However, under the regulations, MSDSs are not required. Our batteries are a fully-encased, manufactured item intended as an end-use product for customers. Therefore, batteries are not classified as a "hazardous chemical" and are not treated as such under the U.S. OSHA Hazardous Communications Rule. Batteries are considered "articles" within the meaning of 29 CFR Section 1910.1200(c), since they are formed to a specific shape or design during manufacture, have an end-use dependent upon their shape or design, and do not release or otherwise result in exposure to hazardous chemicals under normal conditions of use. Accordingly, an MSDS is not required.

Alternatively, as a service to our customers, Motorola has prepared product data sheets for each of our three main battery types — NiCd, NiMH and Li-ion. The product data sheets below contain basic product information such as material ingredients, disposal options and transportation requirements:

Motorola Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Product Data Sheet (2 pages; 30 KB)

Motorola Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) Product Data Sheet (2 pages; 22.3 KB)

Motorola Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Product Data Sheet (2 pages; 22.4 KB)

Motorola is aware of EU Directive 2006/66/EC (The Battery and Accumulator Directive) and has established controls to implement the requirements of the directive and its associated transposition by member states in the EU. Motorola batteries placed on the EU market by Motorola after 25 September 2008 comply with EU Directive 2006/66/EC and in accordance with Member State transposition.

Motorola is very concerned about the environment and believes the proper handling and recycling of used batteries is important towards protecting our environment. Used batteries (NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion and small lead acid less than two pounds in weight) can be recycled as follows.

For recycling Li-ion and NiMH batteries, Motorola will receive them at no charge at:

Motorola, Inc.
5300 Westport Parkway
Dock Doors 221 - 222
Fort Worth, Texas 76177
USA

Shipments may be sent COD through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Please note the following USPS requirements:

1. All secondary Li-ion cells and batteries must be mailed in a firmly sealed package separated and cushioned to prevent short circuit, movement or damage.
2. Except for batteries installed in equipment, they must be in a strong outer package.
3. All outer packages must have a complete delivery and return address.
4. The outside of the package must be marked on the address side "Package contains Li-ion batteries (no lithium metal)."
5. The mailpiece must not contain more than three batteries.
6. Damaged or recalled batteries are prohibited from mailing unless approved by the mailing standards manager.

For NiCd batteries and small lead acid batteries, Motorola maintains a licensee standing with the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a non-profit organization founded to promote the recycling of rechargeable batteries. This license allows Motorola's customers to be eligible to recycle their NiCd batteries and small lead acid batteries purchased in the U.S. and Canada for no-charge. If you are a business, this agreement does not cover shipping charges unless your business elects to purchase recycling pails from RBRC. However, if you are a consumer, there are thousands of drop off centers listed on the RBRC web site.

To participate in the RBRC program, participants must complete this form:

Request for RBRC Shipping ID (1 page; 16.3 KB)

For information on battery safety, please visit Motorola's battery safety site at www.motorola.com/batterysafety