To encourage active participation in eco-friendly initiatives among students in campuses across Taoyuan City, the Taoyuan City Government's Environmental Cleanliness Inspection Squad partnered with the Department of Education to organize the "2023 Campus Used Battery and IT Equipment Material Recycling Competition." This event invited junior high and elementary school students to register and showcase eco-friendly concepts through practical actions. In the current year (2023), eight schools were recognized for their efforts. The combined results were significant, with 5,910 kilograms of used batteries, 438 portable computers and tablets, and 1,320 keyboards successfully recycled.
Chen Shih-Wei, Director-General of the Taoyuan City Department of Environmental Protection (TYDEP) highlighted the potential environmental hazards posed by lithium batteries found in dry batteries and IT products. These batteries contain various heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, lead, zinc, nickel, cobalt and iron. Improper disposal can lead to severe pollution, indirectly endangering human health. Additionally, the improper classification and disposal could pose fire hazards.
To educate campus students about the importance of recycling used batteries and lithium batteries, the interscholastic recycling competition is held every year. This year, 96 schools (69 elementary and 27 junior high schools) participated. They were divided into four groups based on the number of students, and the weight of recycled used batteries and three types of IT products (portable computers, tablets including mobile phones, keyboards) per person was calculated for ranking. The top school in each group was rewarded, resulting in eight awarded schools receiving approximately NT$160,000 in merchandise vouchers, acknowledging their significant contributions to resource recycling.
Yu Ren Elementary School in Guanyin District achieved first place in the elementary school category for used battery recycling, with an impressive average collection of 5 kilograms per person. Despite having only 48 students and staff, the school actively promoted recycling during class meetings and gatherings. They also conducted their own recycling competitions regularly, fostering a recycling culture within the campus. Their win in this competition truly epitomizes their dedication and longstanding efforts. Similarly, Taoyuan Special School, with just 34 students and staff, participated in the junior high school category, actively engaged students by continuously promoting recycling during class breaks. The school displayed informative posters across campus notice boards, leading them to secure first place in all four competition categories. Their outstanding performance showcases their remarkable dedication to recycling efforts.
The Taoyuan City Government's Environmental Cleanliness Inspection Squad urges the public to handle used batteries and lithium batteries with care as they are hazardous items. After use, it is crucial to segregate and store them separately to prevent accidental ingestion by children or fire hazards. Once a sufficient quantity has been collected, these items should be handed over to recycling vehicles or taken to supermarkets, large retail stores, chain convenience stores or other collection points for further recycling. For any inquiries or further information on resource recycling, individuals can visit the TYDEP Resource Recycling Education website. Besides accessing information on proper waste classification, visitors can also find details about related resource recycling advocacy activities. Additionally, they can follow the official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/tydep.gov) to stay updated with the latest environmental news and information.