Motolite has partnered with the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) to ensure proper disposal and recycling of used lead-acid batteries (ULAB). In a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed on April 19, Motolite and FPI agreed to promote and implement the Balik Baterya Program, which aims to clean up the environment of pollution-causing ULABs while also raising funds for FPI’s projects and advocacies.
The MOA was signed by FPI Chairman Dr. Jesus L. Arranza and Oriental & Motolite Marketing Corporation (OMMC) Marketing Head Alexander M. Osias. FPI will promote the Balik Baterya Program to its members and other interested organizations, as well as sell the collected ULABs from its members and partner organizations to OMMC for recycling based on the prevailing market buying price.
Meanwhile, Motolite will provide and/or arrange for the pick-up of ULABs from FPI and/or its donors, then promptly remit to FPI the cash value of the collected ULABs. The company will also take care of the storage, handling, transport, and recycling of the ULAB through its accredited recycler, Evergreen Environmental Resources Inc. (EERI).
EERI operates a state-of-the-art battery-recycling facility in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, with the capacity to recycle 10 million batteries annually and recover around 99 percent of the components for reprocessing into commercial use. With EERI serving as the third-party recycler of market leader Motolite and its manufacturer Philippine Batteries Inc. (PBI), the country is assured of a sustainable source of lead-acid batteries via “urban mining.”
Arranza emphasized that the Balik Baterya partnership seeks to ensure used car batteries do not end up in landfills or rivers and creeks, particularly since ULABs are considered hazardous wastes. He called on all members and partner organizations to support the advocacy by making sure their old batteries go to a reputable recycler like EERI.
Motolite has also been actively encouraging its customers to trade in their ULABs for a discount when they buy new batteries. The company brings all these used batteries to EERI for recycling. The lead, plastic pellets, and other recycled materials produced by EERI are then channeled back to the production facility of PBI in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
EERI has received several certifications such as the ISO 14001:2015, 9001:2015, and 50001, demonstrating its commitment to international standards for an effective environmental management system, quality management system, and energy management system, respectively. The company continues to invest in equipment upgrades and R&D to improve its recycling methods while adhering to international standards.
Overall, the partnership between Motolite and FPI is a significant step toward proper ULAB disposal and recycling in the Philippines. It aims to promote a cleaner environment while also supporting FPI’s projects and advocacies.
