Pick n Pay is formally launching a program that’ll see the allocation of in-store recycling collection bins for used batteries, plastic containers, ink cartridges and CFC light bulbs at its Hypermarkets, as well as selected corporate stores all around South Africa.
 
After kicking off a trail version of the project, along with the rechargeable battery manufacturer Uniross almost two years ago, the initiative will now move to a full out recycling scheme. The program has already collected over 40 000 used batteries, which Uniross has sorted and recycled. Recycling batteries is important as one AA battery can pollute up to 500 litres of water and one cubic metre of land for 50 years. Making use of rechargeable batteries can also help, since one rechargeable battery can replace up to 1 000 non-rechargeable batteries, making them a great deal more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
 
“Generally, rechargeable batteries can be recycled while non-rechargeable batteries cannot. That is why non-rechargeables are so harmful to the environment and should be safely disposed of in concrete blocks,” said Michael Rogers, MD of Uniross. “Currently it is estimated that the annual battery consumption in South Africa amounts to a staggering 50-million, more than 95 percent of which are disposable batteries.  2500 tons worth of batteries are disposed into our landfills every year and these eventually corrode and degrade.”