Zero Waste: Used batteriesAs more and more of our society’s electronic goods, such as portable PCs, i-Pods, cameras etc., are battery operated, the disposal of used batteries is a growing problem. Most of these batteries contain elements that are not suitable for casual disposal in a landfill, from where many toxic materials will eventually find their way into the general environment. In addition, of course, the constituents of the batteries should be recycled for reuse. These batteries should be safely and properly disposed of, and should certainly not be casually disposed of at any point of their life-cycle. Medichem collect and recycle many of these batteries, and a good way for some of us to dispose of our old, used batteries, is to take them to our local Hazmobile collection. (Auckland, Environment Bay of Plenty, Hutt Valley, Waimakiriri.) More collection agents are required. We need to encourage hardware stores and chain stores to take more responsibility here. If you want to know your closest collection point, contact Medichem, phone 0800 10 21 31. Please note that for these hazardous goods, a fee may be payable for their safe disposal - protecting our environment does not come for free! |