Since the beginning of the month that Ecopilhas has launched the 5th National Collection batteries, a project in favour of the Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPO) and that, in parallel, alert to the danger of incorrect disposal of batteries â€" especially for the environment.
The result of this collection will enable the Ecopilhas donate to the IPO of Lisbon two portable video endoscopy apparatus, image recording and processing of data. These diagnostic equipment will be used in the queries of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) and Urology, and may also be used in Surgery.
These facilities play an important role in assessing airway upper digestive tumors (DSB), in the evaluation of cervical carcinoma in patients irradiated and pathology of the bladder and prostate (Urology), becoming a kind of observation of the results of the treatments carried out.
In an interview with Green Savers, Eurico Lamb, managing director of Ecopilhas, explains that the participation in the initiative is simple: simply put in the Batteries the batteries used in flashlights, clocks, radios, toys and equipment commands or batteries of cameras, cell phones, laptop computers and power tools.
In previous editions of the National Collection of batteries, the Ecopilhas collected more than 14 million units of used batteries. Read the interview of Eurico Lamb.
The 5th National Collection of batteries runs until December 31. What is the expectation for this year?
The expectation for the 5th National Collection of batteries is to reach 4 million units collected in last year's Edition and, of course, help in the fight against cancer, at the same time that we contribute to a better environment. In order to achieve these two goals, it is sufficient that all comply with the simple gesture of putting the batteries used batteries at a collection point for used batteries.
The collection reverts, again, in favour of the IPO. This aspect of social responsibility is helping the Portuguese to retrained more batteries?
We believe so. Every year we receive numerous contacts from individuals and companies to know how they can participate in the National Collection of batteries for the IPO. This campaign is a way to sensitize the public to the need to put batteries at a collection point for used batteries, thus allowing the routing of this waste for recycling.
What are the major challenges of Ecopilhas for the year 2014?
In 2014, the Ecopilhas its main challenge continue his work specialized in separate collection of used batteries, complying with the goals set at European level. The stakes in the ongoing development of the collection, ever closer to the citizen, alongside a plan of initiatives to raise awareness of the separate collection of batteries, are the main strategic axes to develop next year.
In addition to the Collection, that other projects have developed to change the mentality of the Portuguese as regards the recycling of batteries?
Throughout our activity we have been developing and participating in various awareness-raising initiatives, of which the National Collection of batteries is part. We highlight the project "Ones go to school", held for the third consecutive year, and that has been an important contribution to the awareness of students, their families and the entire school community, to the need for selective collection of used batteries. The adhesion of the schools has been very positive, with over one thousand and six hundred schools enrolled in the project.
For those who still don't know what to do with the batteries in order to life, what advice and recommend what steps should follow for the Recycle?
The recommendation is to place their used batteries at a collection point for used batteries. This is the only way to ensure that the batteries are properly recycled, thus preventing the deposition of heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium or lead, in the environment.
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