Bebat, Recupel and Fost Plus are joining forces for a new campaign to raise awareness among Belgian consumers about the danger of batteries and electrical appliances in our waste flow. They are increasingly causing fires in sorting centres and waste companies. The message is simple: keep them separate and take them to a Bebat or Recupel collection point.
Batteries make our lives easier and more mobile. So they are found everywhere: in electric toothbrushes, drills and laptops but also in card readers, wireless earphones and bicycle lights. In the past ten years, the number of portable lithium-ion batteries in Belgium has no less than doubled. Moreover, the vast majority of these batteries are built into a device, leaving consumers unaware of the potential danger.
Invisible danger
And that danger is real. When handled mechanically, batteries can produce a flame jet which, when combined with other flammable material, creates explosion and fire hazards. Several fires, both small and more serious, have already started this way over the past year, and the number of incidents continues to rise.
By the way, the problem is not limited to Fost Plus sorting centres. The storage centres and collection trucks of intermunicipal organisations and waste companies have also dealt with fires. Apart from the enormous material and environmental damage these incidents can cause, they also create unsafe working conditions for the people working in the sector.
Ninety-one per cent of all lithium-ion batteries on the Belgian market are built into a device - so unfortunately it is all too easy to make the mistake. But that seemingly small mistake can cause big problems: when a device like this ends up in PMD or residual waste, you risk a chain reaction. In a processing line where tonnes of waste come together, it creates particularly dangerous situations.
Take them to the Bebat and Recupel collection points!
So the message is clear: batteries and electrical appliances do not belong in the PMD bag, residual waste or other waste flows. Consumers can take them to one of the many collection points run by Bebat (batteries) or Recupel (electrical and electronic appliances). There, they can be safely processed and kept aside. Moreover, as a consumer, you can be sure that afterwards as much parts as possible will be recycled.
Will you help make a difference?
The new online campaign runs from 1 to 30 September. Of course, we can use all the help we can get in spreading the word. So we are asking our partners and members to share our videos and ads as much as possible. Want to use the campaign materials in your own communications, too? If so, please contact your account manager at Fost Plus or our communications department. Together, we can keep people safe!