Young battery busters determined to save earth

School children have turned into battery-busters with a mission to save the island from toxic emissions.

"If batteries are just dumped into landfills they release toxic acids that damage the environment... and can even cause an explosion," Daniel Farrugia, a student at the Attard Primary School, says as he holds up a battery-filled bag like a prized catch.

By simply collecting the little energy capsules, the 11-year-old explains, he and his friends are playing their part in saving the world.

"Getting rid of batteries the wrong way can also lead to the death of species in the sea and on land," a wide-eyed Jade Camilleri, 10, adds.

Daniel and Jade are among the hundreds of primary and secondary school children throughout Malta's schools who joined the national school battery collection campaign.

The campaign, organised by WasteServ with the support of Fimbank, aims to raise awareness among children about the impact batteries have on health and the environment when disposed of incorrectly.

The children get to fill up specially-provided recycled paper bags with used batteries and, once filled, they write their details on the bags and throw them into a "battery busting bin" at their school.

In June, all the batteries collected will be transported by WasteServ to properly-equipped disposal sites overseas where they can be recycled and dangerous chemicals neutralised.

The paper bags will then serve as lottery tickets and, also in June, four lucky children will win one of three Wii games consoles or a trip for two to Euro Disney in Paris.

In addition to the battery collection campaign, which falls under the careful wing of campaign mascot Batterina, students in forms one to four can take part in a slide-presentation competition. One person from each form will win a laptop.

www.wasteservmalta.com