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 developed country-specific plans for the establishment of sustainable collection and recycling structures for household and lithium-ion batteries and prepared 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 were 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 was reduced.

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

In addition, a series of webinars and workshops was organised to inform German companies about the potential of battery recycling in Cambodia and Thailand and to identify potential solution providers.
Online webinars and hybrid workshops were 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 were created to present project results and establish or expand networks.

The BATTPRO project concluded with an online conference at which stakeholders from both countries presented and discussed the results. In addition, experts from science and research were given access to the results through publications in specialist journals and at specialist conferences.