Wednesday, June 27, 2007 Car battery maker launches ‘Balik Baterya’ program
WHAT do you do with your old car battery when it’s time to replace it?
Used lead acid batteries (Ulabs) are considered hazardous waste materials as they contain two toxic substances: lead compounds and sulfuric acid. Lead and lead compounds within the batteries can cause physiological complications if ingested. Sulfuric acid, meanwhile, is a highly corrosive substance which can cause severe burns.
Qhen batteries are indiscriminately disposed at the end of their useful life, the materials inside may spill into the ground, into our water systems, or released as dust particles in the air. Despite the obvious hazards, however, an estimated 20 percent of Ulabs go to junkers and illegitimate recyclers who do not observer proper disposal methods.
Ramcar, manufacturer of Motolite, the industry leader in automotive batteries, has been at the forefront vanguard of community-based environmental and health campaigns through its Balik-Baterya initiative. Launched back in 1995, the Balik-Baterya program is a nationwide campaign that encourages the public to properly return Ulabs to Motolite retail outlets for safe disposal and proper recycling. By collecting the Ulabs for recycling and use in the production of new batteries, Ramcar contributes to the effort to clear the environment of hazardous wastes.
How can you help dispose of used batteries? Ramcar encourages the public to get involved in the following ways:
1. Working in conjunction with the Philippine Business for Social progress (PBSP), donations of used batteries just don’t help protect the environment it also helps fund socio-civic community projects. Large donors or corporations may also get a deed of donation and tax deductible credits.
2. By exchanging used batteries for cash. Simply bring used batteries to your nearest Motolite dealer or call the Balik Baterya Hotline.
3. By building awareness within your organization. Ramcar’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) group can share with you ideas on how you can spread the message to your employees and business partners.
The Balik-Baterya Program accepts all types and brands of lead acid batteries — car, truck, motorcycle, boat, forklift, uninterruptible power supply (UPS). For more details, contact the Balik Baterya Hotline at 415-1621.
Oriental-Motolite Marketing Corporation (OMMC) is the marketing arm of Philippine Batteries Inc. (PBI), the largest manufacturer, exporter and distributor of automotive, industrial, valve-regulated and motorcycle battery products in the Philippines.
PBI is the industry leader in productivity, capacity and utilization of modern battery technology. The company exports more batteries than are sold on the domestic market and Motolite batteries are found in the United States, Australia, Russia, and in most Asian countries.
Both OMMC and PBI are proud members of the RAMCAR Group of Companies, a Filipino-owned organization with diverse business interests including battery manufacturing, lead processing, plastic injection, IT solutions, real estate development, and fast food operations. (Press release)
