In the face of growing public concern about environmental issues, 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 and electronic waste properly across Da Nang in recent times has been highly appreciated by the general public.

Here is a collection point for used batteries in Nam Duong Ward.

Many places in Hai Chau District are promoting models of collecting electronic batteries and waste, and encouraging local residents not to throw batteries away in their household bins.

The Nam Duong Ward authorities have called for their residents’ active engagement in properly collecting batteries and hazardous waste in their residential areas.

According to Ms Duong Thi Kieu Trinh, the Chairwoman of the Nam Duong Ward Women's Union, the demand for electronic devices among people is increasing considerably. Most televisions, air-conditioners, and other electronic devices use battery-powered remote controls.

The majority of batteries contain harmful heavy metals. All of these elements are extremely hazardous to both the environment and human health, and they are able to permeate into the ground soil and thus water supplies when they are placed into landfill. For this reason, placing them in household bins to dispose of them is not a safe option, as their harmful chemical content will ultimately make its way back into our water supplies.

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.

The collected batteries will be taken directly to designated disposal sites or larger collection points. The batteries are transferred to Ho Chi Minh City which is home to a dedicated battery treatment plant meeting the national 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.
In Hoa Cuong Bac Ward, residents have created and designed battery collection bins and placed them along busy roads. Common items such as water bottles and plastic cans which showcase eye-catching logos turn themselves into beautiful battery collection boxes.

Battery collection boxes are placed on crowded streets, at intersections or in visible places so that the used batteries are collected in a more convenient manner. The number of batteries of all kinds collected across the ward from May until now has reached more than 55kg in total.

By HUY HOANG- Translated by ANH THU