Aussie ICT recharges its recycling ambitions
Aussie ICT recharges its recycling ambitions
Aug 15, 2005: ICT leaders are planning to meet next week to discuss how they can form the first on-shore facility for recycling batteries to battle against the waste headache caused by thousand of tonnes of batteries being discarded in Australia each year.
Scientist, environmentalists and business leaders have joined forces from Planet Ark CSIRO and other prominent technology organisations to figure out a way to turn this tide of waste.
High-temperature metallurgical processing (pyrometallurgy) is increasingly being used to treat industrial waste, such as batteries, and this has prompted Canon Australia to approach CSIRO Minerals, a world leader in pyrometallurgy with experience in waste treatment.
Shuichi Tsukahara, the managing director of Canon Australia, said that CSIRO brings a deep knowledge of pyrometallurgy to the industry workshop.
"We are also thrilled at the prospect of working with Planet Ark on another mass collection scheme. This discussion would not be possible without the support of the technology and the consumer product industries and we're delighted that so many influential companies are sending representatives to participate."
Australians discard about 8,000 tonnes of used batteries every year, but Canon Australia believes that a domestic battery recycling facility can help Australia reduce or eliminate its export of used batteries.
Dr. Sharif Jahanshahi, the CSIRO High Temperature Processing Manager added that recycling batteries would deliver both environmental and economic benefits.
"CSIRO has a strong focus on waste treatment and recycling R&D. By harnessing our research skills and partnering with industry and environmental groups, CSIRO can develop a potential new industry for Australia and reduce landfill."
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