Ministry of Environment officials collect old batteries at gas stations in Phnom Penh. ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY
The Ministry of Environment has launched the battery collection project “Our Battery Waste-Free Environment” to prevent toxic substances leaking into the environment and affecting public health.
The ministry said on July 13 that it is working with a private company to put disposal points for used batteries in public places including gated residential communities, supermarkets and petrol stations.
The ministry said it had already placed disposal bins at several locations around the capital such as the Chip Mong NORO Mall, Chip Mong Bak Touk, Borey Peng Huoth Boeung Snor, PTT Gas Station & Cafe Amazon near Olympic Stadium, Star Mart at Bokor traffic light, and at Phsar Toch.
“[We] will put more battery wastebaskets in other locations to make it easier for people to dispose of batteries properly and eliminate battery waste being mixed with other waste,” it said.
It called on all the public to participate and help spread the word about the project.
“Batteries that are no longer used still contain dangerous substances. Please dispose of them safely,” said environment minister Say Sam Al on July 13.
The ministry said battery waste was regarded as toxic because the power cells contained highly poisonous substances such as the heavy metals mercury, nickel and lead.
These chemicals caused kidney damage, a decrease in bone nutrients, nervous system damage, miscarriages and complications during child birth, it said.
Hour Chhai Ngorn, founder of environment group Areca Cam, supported the project, saying it was a move in the right direction for public health and the environment.
In order for the project to be carried out more effectively, he suggested that the ministry add more battery wastebaskets at many other places to facilitate the disposal of batteries.
“People need to separate batteries and pack and take them to proper disposal locations. The ministry should put disposal points at state markets, too.
“It should also put wastebaskets on school grounds. It is the best-case scenario because students can dispose of batteries properly. The waste of used batteries is harmful,” he said.
He said teachers should also set up an incentive programme for students to properly dispose of used batteries and explain to them that used batteries can cause health hazard.
Chhai Ngorn noted that he and his over 1,000 members will join the ministry in spreading the word about the project to the public through social media. They will raise awareness about this issue at the grassroots levels when Covid-19 situation eases.
