Jiang Xuchun, a member of the Taipa and Coloane Community Service Consultative Council urged the government to promote the collection and recycling of old batteries.
Jiang made the appeal during a regular meeting at a community service centre run by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) in Taipa.
According to the Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA), there are over 300 collection points for old batteries in the city including 50 in public areas, over 60 in schools and universities, and 17 in residential and commercial buildings.
The bureau started setting up collection points for old batteries in September last year. Before then, residents could only dispose of their old batteries at the city’s only hazardous waste disposal facility in Pac On. Moreover, residents have to make an appointment at the facility.
Jiang, who works at a community service centre in Taipa under the Macau General Union of Neighbourhood Associations, said some residents living in buildings with such collection points didn’t know anything about them.
“Many residents don’t know that they should cover the terminals of rechargeable batteries with masking tape before disposal to avoid a short circuit,” Jiang said. She urged the government to put more effort into informing the general public about the collection of old batteries.
Jiang also said she hoped the bureau will set up collection points in more residential and commercial buildings.
