In the face of growing public concern over environmental pollution, every simple deed is really essential to make something special in order to change the minds of the public about environmental protection. Notably, the proper collection and handling of used batteries properly across Da Nang in recent times has been highly appreciated by the general public, and especially, drawn a great deal of attention from many young people.

Used batteries become hazardous waste and pose threats to health and the environment if improperly disposed. Used batteries are seen collected at the city-based DUTI English Centre.

Batteries contain a number of heavy metals and toxic chemicals, and disposing of them by the same process as regular trash has raised concerns over soil contamination and water pollution.

The improper disposal of batteries represents high contamination risks for soil, water and air, as internal gases can cause the battery to bulge and leak. A single alkaline battery has enough contaminants to pollute 167,000 liters of water. Therefore, recycling is a great way to help protect the environment. There is no denying that an effective recycling system makes it possible to recover the polypropylene box, and lead components of the batteries.

Since late last year, many units and individuals across the city have set up collection points for used batteries.

In front of a house located at K574/24 Trung Nu Vuong, Hoa Thuan Tay Ward, Hai Chau District is a 5-liter plastic can for gathering used batteries.

The 5-liter plastic can for gathering used batteries is hung in front of a house located at K574/24 Trung Nu Vuong.

The house’s owner, Nguyen Thi Tham, herself, has been active in some environmental projects so she clearly understands how adversely the used batteries affect the environment.

Present at The Books coffee shop and library at 12 Cao Thang Street, Thanh Binh Ward, Hai Chau District, visitors will see an eye-catching banner conveying a meaningful message about handling used batteries in proper manner. 

Under the banner are plastic cans available for collecting used batteries, along with lovely jars made from plastic bottles.

Here is a collection point for used batteries at The Books coffee shop and library

In similar vein, Nguyen Tien Danh, the Director of the city-based DUTI English Centre, which is running a project dedicated to the environmental protection on Kinh Duong Vuong Street, Hoa Minh Ward, Lien Chieu District, has also set up a collection point for used batteries right here.

On display at this English centre are colourful small-sized plant pots made from discarded water plastic bottles, lovely flower vases or toys made from used plastic straws.

Visitors to this venue are strongly impressed, and surprised to see that plastic waste, which usually ends up at dumps, could be transformed into practical daily items.

These environmentally-friendly items are presented as gifts to those who bring paper, plastic waste and used batteries to the centre.

The batteries collected from the above addresses will be taken directly to designated disposal sites or larger collection points.

In Da Nang, there are two large popular collection points, namely the second floor of Big C supermarket at 225-227 Hung Vuong Street, Vinh Trung Ward, Thanh Khe District and VinMart at 910A Ngo Quyen Street, An Hai Bac ward, Son Tra District. From here, the batteries are transferred to Ho Chi Minh City which is home to a dedicated battery treatment plant meeting strict environmental protection regulations.

Accordingly, all used or defective electronic products are professionally processed here to achieve maximum recovery of natural resources and ensure highly professional waste treatment.