The collection of used batteries has begun
On May 6, a new project under the waste management program was launched, organized by the IDEA Public Union with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan. Within the framework of the project, the collection and sorting of used batteries, considered one of the most hazardous household wastes, through special containers is planned.
It should be noted that it has been concluded that a single carelessly discarded alkaline battery can contaminate an area of 20 square meters with heavy metals. Hazardous substances from batteries thrown on the ground penetrate the soil and groundwater, creating significant risks for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and causing various diseases in the human body. Considering that batteries are made of dangerous chemicals, raising awareness and conducting educational campaigns among schoolchildren about the severe consequences of disposing of them together with other waste is one of the main objectives of the project.
Under the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of IDEA Public Union, IDEA PU implements a series of successful projects aimed at reducing and efficiently managing waste, promoting recycling, and educating youth about the negative environmental impacts of waste. A project for collecting and recycling paper and plastic waste, carried out jointly with the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the “Azersun” company, can be cited as an example. Within this project, more than 1,000 special containers for paper and plastic waste have been placed in higher and secondary education institutions, organizations, and private entities.
Another successful project implemented within the waste management program is the installation of donation boxes for collecting unused clothes and shoes in Baku by IDEA Public Union.
As part of the battery collection project in Baku, the first 20 containers have been installed in secondary schools across the city. Collected batteries will be regularly gathered and stored at the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan’s landfill.
To promote proper waste management and involve youth in environmental protection, it is planned to place battery collection containers in all higher and secondary education institutions throughout Baku.
