Beyond the used battery collection and exchange program at OCB's green transaction points, many customers participating in the "Pin Hunter" campaign are also curious about how these batteries are processed after collection. A bank representative clarified that the program extends beyond mere collection, focusing on the entire subsequent treatment process.

The Pin Hunter program. Photo: OCB

Used batteries collected from nearly 200 green transaction points nationwide are consolidated at 176 OCB branches and transaction offices. From there, all batteries are handed over to specialized units for transport to hazardous waste treatment facilities, in compliance with regulations.

At the treatment facility, batteries undergo a closed-loop process. Pre-treatment involves sorting used batteries and feeding them into an electronic waste treatment system. Subsequently, batteries are incinerated in a specialized dual-chamber furnace. The primary combustion chamber operates at temperatures ranging from 650 to 1,150 degrees Celsius to destroy harmful compounds. The secondary chamber functions at 1,050 to 1,232 degrees Celsius for thorough combustion of toxic gases generated during processing. Exhaust gases then pass through a system including a water heat exchanger, a neutralization tower, an adsorption tower, and a dust separation tower, before being channeled through an exhaust fan system and a 21-meter-high chimney to ensure environmental safety.

Notably, the ash and slag generated after treatment are not sent to a landfill but are reused as raw material for cement production. This solution helps regenerate waste, ensuring no hazardous waste is released into the environment. Additionally, wastewater and exhaust gases from the treatment process undergo strict control through regular monitoring programs. An automatic exhaust gas monitoring system transmits data directly to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, ensuring all indicators meet Vietnamese Technical Regulations (QCVN).

An OCB representative stated that the transparent processing procedures reassure participants when bringing used batteries to collection points. The "Pin Hunter" campaign is not just about collecting used batteries; it also aims to help the bank and its customers develop proper hazardous waste disposal habits, thereby mitigating environmental impact.

Each battery processed correctly reduces the risk of heavy metals spreading into the environment. Just one month after the official launch of phase two, OCB's "Pin Hunter" attracted over 3,000 participants and collected over two tons of used batteries nationwide. This data highlights that environmental protection is increasingly becoming an important part of daily life. With the message "Old batteries turn green - Earth becomes healthier", the program is expected to continue garnering community support, fostering proper hazardous waste sorting and disposal habits, and moving towards a sustainable future.

(Source: OCB)