Misiones Province Leads Argentina in Safe Battery Waste Management
POSADAS, Misiones – Misiones province is pioneering a extensive system for the collection, storage, and secure disposal of used batteries, positioning itself as a national leader in hazardous waste management. The provincial strategy utilizes a municipal management scheme, establishing collection points within local businesses. Collected waste is transported to primary storage centers, then to the Southern Environmental Center in fachinal for processing.
“We have great traceability where the municipality also knows how many batteries are delivered to the system,” stated provincial official Chaon, adding that municipalities receive a certificate exonerating them from responsibility for hazardous waste treatment.
The system features a rigorous classification process, with batteries undergoing treatment with absorbent materials to prevent leaks before being stored in specialized deposits. Once a deposit reaches 20 tons, a “security filling” – a specially prepared and georeferenced site – is opened for disposal. Misiones has already completed two such fillings, each containing over 20 tons of batteries. Currently, the system holds a 4-ton stock undergoing classification, with another security filling planned upon completion.
The initiative proactively addresses potential future national legislation that may place responsibility for battery disposal on manufacturers or retailers. “We believe that at some point there will be some national law that puts responsibility for this element in the manufacturer or merchant,” explained Chaon. “When that time comes, thanks to organized work, Misiones knows how many batteries, what models and where they are saved.”
This sustained effort ensures the safe and controlled destination of a complex pollutant, solidifying Misiones’ position at the forefront of environmental management for household dangerous waste.