The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) has called for urgent implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy on used lead acid batteries (ULABs). The EPR aims to collect and recycle 80 percent of used batteries.
In a letter addressed to Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, FPI Chairman Jesus Arranza said EPR is crucial in addressing the problem of growing environmental and health concerns associated with ULABs.
“We believe that, compared to ordinary waste types like plastics currently covered by the EPR implementing rules, ULABs should be treated with more urgency because of their immediate harmful effects on the environment and the people,” Arranza said at a media roundtable interview on Thursday.
He added that recycling these hazardous wastes requires advanced facilities that only accredited private firms may have.
FPI urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to issue a department administrative order to regulate entities engaged in the production, importation and sale of lead acid batteries.
Arranza suggested a 1:1 collection-to-sale ratio. Meaning, entities must collect a quantity of used batteries equivalent to the number of new batteries they sell.
“We are open, however, to a phased implementation, beginning at 20 percent in the first year, 50 percent in the second year and 80 percent in the third year,” the FPI chief added.
The proposal aligns with existing legislations such as Republic Act 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990), RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000) and RA 11898 (Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022).
Under RA 11898, the DENR is mandated to draft implementing rules and regulations that will activate the EPR on ULABs, FPI said.
“Simply put, we are calling on the DENR to strictly enforce the proper collection and recycling of ULABs by making sure entities engaged in the production, importation and sale of brand-new lead acid batteries will not market their products in the country unless they have satisfactorily proven to have collected their ULABs and channeled them to accredited recyclers,” Arranza said.
The FPI’s call to action also reflects ongoing concerns about illegal recycling operations in various provinces across the Philippines.
The Philippine Association of Battery Manufacturers Inc. earlier reported illegal recycling operations in San Simon, Pampanga, as well as in Valenzuela, Tarlac and Cavite.
Arranza said the successful implementation of the EPR will require a joint effort from the government and the private sector to ensure compliance and effective recycling practices.
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