THE NATIONAL Used Lead Acid Battery Project scheduled for completion in November 2005 has been extended to March 2006, the Land and Environment Ministry disclosed yesterday.
The project, which is a joint initiative between several government agencies and representatives of the lead acid battery sector, was launched on June 6.
Lead acid batteries are used primarily in motor vehicles, uninterrupted power supply units and cellphone towers. Used lead and batteries are classified as hazardous waste and, if not disposed of properly, pose a serious threat to human health and the environment.
To date, over 40,000 batteries have been collected under the project and exported to a recycling facility in Trinidad.
Approximately 11,000 of these batteries were collected from gullies, along roadways, urban communities and the designated collection depots. The remainder were obtained from stockpiles which were being stored by several of the major local lead acid battery distributors.
The aim of the project extension is to collect an additional 50,000 batteries for export. Areas such as garages, new and used car dealerships, public and private sector companies and agencies with large fleets, and the urban centres of each parish will be targeted for collection.
CALLING ALL JAMAICANS
The Environment Minister is calling upon all Jamaicans to help in this important national collection drive in an effort to remove this hazardous material from our environment, thereby safeguarding the health of all citizens, especially children, who are vulnerable.
Persons are asked to call the project hotline at 754-5949 or Automotive Power Limited at 938-4740/926-6133 to locate the nearest collection depot or to obtain assistance in the collection and transportation of large quantities of used lead acid batteries.
Don't be poisoned by Lead ...Turn in your used lead acid batteries instead!
