De La Salle University’s Manila Campus becomes the first school to turn-over their used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) to ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan program.

Oriental & Motolite Marketing Corporation (OMMC), a long-time partner of ALKFI-BK in disposing and recycling ULABs, hauled two tons of ULABs from the university. Myklim Casibang, DLSU’s University Pollution Officer, said that these batteries from their generator sets were stored in their hazardous waste storage room for the past two years.

 “This is based on our hazardous waste management plan which was created in 2016,” Casibang explained. “We conducted orientations. We created an internal pollution control officer, so we can manage our old batteries. We label them properly before we place them inside the hazardous waste storage area.”

"Donating these batteries is proven to be cost effective. The University saved cost in transporting and properly hazardous waste with DENR and complied with R.A. 6969. Aside from university’s way of helping the environment, it is also a way of helping the community with the projects of ABS-CBN’s Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation’s projects,” he added.

Two haulers from Oriental & Motolite Marketing Corp. collect the used lead-acid batteries from DLSU’s hazardous waste storage room.

 A photo op with Myklim Casibang (Myklim Casibang, DLSU’s University Pollution Officer), Wilma de Lara (ALKFI’s Senior Marketing Officer), Rita Regalado (OMMC’s ULAB Supervisor), and the two haulers from OMMC

According to Ms. Rita Regalado, OMMC’s ULAB Supervisor, the improper disposal of ULABs “will contaminate our soil and water system.”

A used lead-acid battery from a generator set weighs at least 35 kilograms. If properly recycled, a minimum of 60% lead can be recovered.  The ULABs from DLSU will be recycled by OMMC, through Evergreen Environmental Resources, Inc., to produce lead bullion as raw materials for a new lead acid battery. The equivalent monetary value of this will be donated to ALKFI-BK used to support its projects in its 14 assisted communities nationwide.

 “We hope that all schools will participate to donate their used lead-acid batteries, not only in La Sallian schools, but all over the country,” Casibang enthused.

A total of 3.5 tons of ULABs were already turned-over by DLSU to Bantay Kalikasan and Oriental & Motolite Marketing Corporation.