Motolite is advising motorists and businesses to exercise caution when storing used lead acid batteries (ULABs) on their premises. The company highlights the potential dangers associated with improper storage, including the risk of fire and contamination caused by the chemicals and toxic heavy metals present in old batteries.
Improper storage of ULABs can result in acid spillage, contaminating nearby items and posing a fire hazard. Short circuits may occur if two battery terminals come into contact, and the accumulation of heat and pressure could lead to battery explosions. The presence of office supplies, thinners, and paint cans stored in close proximity to the car batteries exacerbated the situation.
To address these hazards, the storage, transportation, and disposal of ULABs are regulated under the implementing rules of Republic Act (RA) 6969, also known as the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act. ULABs are classified as hazardous waste due to their environmental, health, and safety implications.
While some motorists choose to keep their old batteries for alternative uses such as lighting or power purposes, giving them to relatives, or using them as spare batteries, Motolite advises that it is more sensible to trade in old or failing batteries for a discount when purchasing new ones.
To ensure safe storage of ULABs, Motolite recommends the following steps:
1. Stack junk batteries on pallets and keep them upright at all times to prevent acid spillage.
2. Stack ULABs to a maximum of five layers per pallet, ensuring that the terminals of the batteries do not touch each other to prevent short-circuiting.
3. Store palletized batteries inside a covered facility with a concrete pavement to prevent acid or electrolyte from percolating into the soil.
4. If a covered facility is unavailable, cover the batteries with a tent or tarpaulin to divert rainwater.
5. Leaking batteries should be stored in acid-resistant containers such as polyethylene buckets or drums, which should be securely closed.
6. Establish a curbed or bunded area coated with acid-resistant epoxy or plastic sheeting to contain potential acid spillage and prevent contamination.
7. Ensure the isolation of ULABs from other chemicals, non-compatible goods, and combustible items.
8. When transporting ULABs, avoid mixing them with other hazardous materials in the vehicle and secure them properly to prevent damage and short circuits.
Motolite suggests that motorists and enterprises contact a government-accredited entity to handle their ULABs instead of storing them, especially if they accumulate a significant number of batteries regularly. Motolite, in partnership with its accredited recycler Evergreen Environmental Resources Inc. (EERI), offers assistance in this regard.
Motolite actively encourages its customers to trade in their ULABs for a discount when purchasing new batteries. For battery concerns and needs, motorists can contact Motolite 24/7 through their official hotlines. Additionally, Motolite offers free services such as battery replacement, addressing overheating and flat tires, and emergency refueling through the Motolite Res-Q App, the first of its kind in the Philippines.
By availing these services and trade-in discounts, motorists can avoid the need to store old batteries, thereby reducing associated risks.