BATTPRO

The initial situation

Cambodia and Thailand do not yet have a sustainable collection and recycling infrastructure for household and lithium-ion batteries. The improper disposal of batteries contributes to significant environmental impacts.

For example, heavy metals are released into the environment, creating contaminated sites and polluting ground and surface water. Lithium-ion batteries are also highly reactive, which in the event of a fire can lead to strong heat generation during waste transport, waste storage or waste treatment (increased fire load).

The approach

As part of a feasibility study, the BATTPRO project aims to develop country-specific plans for the establishment of sustainable collection and recycling structures for household and lithium-ion batteries and to prepare the introduction of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for batteries in Cambodia and Thailand.

The objectives and measures

Relevant interest groups in Germany and the target countries are to be involved and networked in order to lay the foundations for the development of these sustainable collection and recycling structures. The environmental impact of batteries disposed of improperly and in unsecured landfills is to be reduced.

Various measures are being taken to address relevant stakeholders in Germany - including the publication of press releases, news articles and LinkedIn posts. A website will be set up in English and German and a project newsletter will be published. The general public will also be informed through information from specialised media, associations and NGOs.

In addition, a series of webinars and workshops will be organised to inform German companies about the potential of battery recycling in Cambodia and Thailand and to identify potential solution providers.

Online webinars or hybrid workshops are held locally in Cambodia and Thailand to raise awareness of the problem of improper battery disposal and to find potential partners.

By attending relevant industry events on site, opportunities are created to present project results and establish or expand networks.

The BATTPRO project will conclude with an online conference at which stakeholders from both countries will present and discuss the results. In addition, experts from science and research will be given access to the results through publications in specialist journals and at specialist conferences.