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Scrap Battery - Taking Recycling Seriously

Jun 04, 2014 news, innovation, carpart

Scrap Battery - Taking Recycling Seriously

First National Battery (FNB) has put the spotlight on the issue of recycling – and especially recycling batteries.

In SA, the percentage of batteries already recycled is high, thanks largely to the efforts of battery manufacturers, and their investment in collecting and properly recycling lead acid batteries across the country. This year, First National Battery established a dedicated recycling division, Scrap Battery, to facilitate this process.

According to FNB Managing Director Russell Bezuidenhout: “In South Africa, more than 90% of scrap lead acid batteries are recycled. That’s compared to just 70% of beverage cans, 30% of plastics and just 26% of glass bottles.”

Scrap Battery collects used lead acid batteries from over 120 Battery Centre outlets and other pick up points around the country on a regular basis. The organisation also offers a free collection service for high volumes of used lead acid batteries and pays a highly competitive rate for this scrap.

“There are many compelling reasons for recycling lead acid batteries including the conservation of natural resources, saving energy in the production process, protecting the environment from potentially harmful chemicals and creating jobs in the process,” says Bezuidenhout.

All the batteries are processed at the company's own full-fledged recycling facility in Benoni. The facility includes a battery breaker, an effluent plant that treats the acid, a lead smelter, a blending kettle to produce specialised alloys and scrubbers to control environmental emissions. Recently a plastic reprocessing plant has been commissioned, in order to complete the entire reprocessing cycle.

To go with the plant, FNB launched an interactive website www.scrapbattery.co.za. “Most people have no idea what happens to their car battery after it is replaced,” says Bezuidenhout. “The new website serves as both an educational platform and awareness tool.”

To find out exactly where to drop off your used lead acid battery or to see if you are eligible for free collection service, call Scrap Battery toll-free on 0800 333 462.

 

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