07.09.2022
Almost two thirds of Russians don’t know how to throw away batteries, poll says
The familiar food elements contain toxic materials that contaminate water, soil and air.
Photo by: Duracell
Almost two-thirds of Russians (63%) do not dispose of batteries correctly, which poses a threat to the environment. This is according to a survey by the Russian Ecological Operator (REO).
The survey shows that only 37% of Russians take batteries to collection points or special containers placed in shops, business centres and so on. Another 7% throw them into separate collection bins, while 43% throw spent batteries into general waste bins or into the rubbish chute.
The remaining 13% of respondents chose ‘Other’. Some of the respondents said that they accumulate such waste at home, but do not know where to dispose of it.
Residents of cities with a population of millions of inhabitants were the most conscientious about the disposal of batteries. The representatives of the operator said that this may be due to the fact that collection points and containers for such waste are more widespread in big cities.
According to REO, about a billion batteries are discarded in Russia every year — about 20 thousand tonnes in total. Each one contains heavy metals and chemicals, enough to contaminate 20 cubic metres of land and 400 litres of water.
Once in the landfill, batteries rust and decompose in about a year, after which hazardous substances leak into the environment. They then poison the soil and waterways, which can get into fruit and vegetables and finally into the human body. When the batteries are burned, toxins also poison the air.
As REO clarified, recycling batteries not only prevents harm to the environment and human health, but also produces valuable recyclable materials.
“After the batteries are taken to a collection point, they are taken to a factory, then sorted and sent to a conveyor line. On this line, the batteries go to a crusher, which crushes them. Then a magnet separates the metal. And what’s left is neutralized, i.e. made harmless.
Batteries can be used to make useful materials that can be involved in manufacturing of the new products. Lead can be used to make wire, graphite can be used to make paint and manganese can be used to put paint on drawers or cabinets. 100 batteries can be used to make 100 pencils, one cutlery set (fork and spoon) or a kilo of fertiliser,” explained the experts from the eco-operator.
In general, batteries consist of at least 70% recyclable resources. At the same time, violations in the handling of hazardous waste, which includes batteries, are forbidden by Russian law and involve administrative and criminal responsibility.
Cover photo: Duracell
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