Vitebsk region will send the first 20 tons of used batteries to Europe

The first batch – 20 tons of used batteries – is being prepared for export for recycling. This was announced by the head of Vitebsk UP "BelVTI-region" Fyodor Orlov.

The tender for the transportation for their neutralization and recycling outside of Belarus was won by the parent enterprise OJSC "BelVTI", and 20 tons is the volume that fits into one transport unit.

As Fyodor Orlov explained, in order to organize battery recycling in Belarus, their annual collection must exceed 100 tons. Only in this case will the production be profitable. For now, according to the State Institution "Operator of Secondary Material Resources", about 40 tons of used batteries have been collected in our country, of which about 2 tons are from the Vitebsk region. Therefore, at present, the optimal option is to dispose of batteries abroad.

Fyodor Fyodorovich also reminded that almost all batteries contain toxic substances in the form of various metals and chemicals, which, when the casings are damaged, enter the natural environment. Therefore, they cannot be thrown into containers with mixed waste and sent to regular landfills for solid household waste. This is also indicated by the corresponding symbol – a "crossed-out container" – on the batteries themselves.

– But with proper handling, they will bring benefit, not harm, and this depends only on us. Making your small contribution to environmental protection is simple. Used batteries can be handed over at collection points in stores, by dropping them into specially marked containers, – added Fyodor Orlov.

Elena Alimova, "Vitebskie vesti".