Ford PH, Motolite team up to recycle used batteries 

If you’re familiar with car batteries, then you’ll know that most contain lead. Specifically, lead-acid. For those unaware, lead, especially lead-acid, is toxic. It is harmful to humans as it can contaminate groundwater and soil. It can then lead to health problems especially in children and it is also quite harmful to the environment. 

Used lead-acid batteries collected by the Balik Baterya Program

To this end, many companies have put in place systems and projects to properly dispose of lead car batteries. One of the latest ones to do so is Ford Philippines, which together with Motolite, Ford Dealerships, and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), are now partners in the Balik Baterya Program (Battery Return Program). 

Launched by Motolite way back in 2006, the Balik Baterya Program advocates and aims to promote the proper disposal of used lead-acid batteries in order to protect the environment. The project works by collecting these used-up car batteries, which are then reprocessed and recycled for commercial use. 

The proceeds from the sales of the recycled lead batteries then go to development projects for the community. These include building school desks, providing books, new classrooms, etc. To date, the program has already generated around Php 147 million, which then supported around 169 projects around the country. 

According to Motolite’s Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Social Responsibility Manage Khairon-Niza Magundacan, “around 5,825 tons of used lead-acid batteries have already been collected through the Balik Baterya Program.” 

Laus Group Principal Lisset Laus-Velasco

Of note, the Ford Laus Group’s dealership has been the first dealership to have implemented the said program. As said by the Laus Group Dealer Principal Lisset Laus-Velasco, this is their way of “creating a positive impact.” It is also a part of their “push to incorporate sustainability in the way they do business.” 

In connection to this, we urge car owners that have used lead-acid car batteries to not just dispose of them anywhere. For this, you can approach the Balik Baterya Program, through its partners like Ford Philippines. 

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