FIMBank Sponsored Campaign yields record number of used batteries collected

23.06.2010

The second edition of the National School Battery Collection Campaign, an environmental initiative aimed at raising awareness amongst school children about the need for the proper disposal of used batteries, has led to the collection of a record 9 tonnes of used batteries. This campaign, which was launched last January and which ran until the end of March, was managed by WasteServ Malta Ltd and sponsored and supported by FIMBank plc as part of its corporate social responsibility programme. The first such campaign, which was held between March and May 2009, had led to the collection of 5.2 tonnes of used batteries by schoolchildren.

The campaign centred on the ‘Battery Buster Competition’, which was open to school children in state, church and private schools. As part of this campaign, students were encouraged to collect used batteries, place them in paper bags and deposit them in designated bins at their respective school. The batteries collected will subsequently be transported by WasteServ to properly equipped disposal sites overseas where they can be recycled and the dangerous chemicals neutralized.

The winners of the Battery Buster Competition received their prizes during an awards ceremony presided over by the Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs, the Hon. George Pullicino, WastServ Malta Ltd Chairman Perit Ben Farrugia and FIMBank plc President Margrith Lütschg-Emmenegger.

In his address, Minister Pullicino commented on the exemplary participation of the local student population in the National School Battery Collection Campaign, stating that the younger generation continues to be the best vehicle to get awareness messages across to the general public. He also thanked all heads of schools and their respective staff for their valued cooperation and their judicious insight in transforming this campaign into a success story for the benefit of the country and its environment. Minister Pullicino concluded by expressing his gratitude for FIMBank’s support and sponsorship of this initiative, while encouraging other private sector entities to emulate FIMBank’s example.

On his part, WasteServ Chairman Perit Ben Farrugia stated that the competition, which was an essential part of this campaign, should only be seen as a catalyst to make us more aware of our individual responsibility to leave an environment in a better shape than we found it. He said that this should instill in us an urge not only to persist but furthermore intensify our efforts to dispose and separate our waste to salvage and protect the environment we all live in.

Addressing the press conference, FIMBank plc President Ms Margrith Lütschg-Emmenegger underlined her satisfaction at the outcome of this two-year awareness campaign. She said that this year’s campaign results in terms of collected batteries were particularly significant since they reflect a progressive increase in awareness of the topic of used batteries amongst schoolchildren. Ms Lütschg-Emmenegger concluded by stating the Bank’s intention to continue contributing to the well-being of the Maltese people by supporting campaigns which have a positive impact on the local environment. The FIMBank President also thanked all those who had contributed to the success of the National Battery Collection Campaign.

The first three prizes of the Battery Buster Competition, consisting of Nintendo Wii’s, went to Angelo Muscat, Hannah Crossey and Nicole Brockdorff respectively. Runners-up Dylan Buttigieg, Mariah Cassar, Andrea Grech, Chantelle Zammit, Michela Caruana and Ruth Farrugia each received a Nintendo DS. Apart from the chance to win great prizes for themselves, this year participating students could also contribute towards improving the facilities available at their school. The school which collected the largest amount of used batteries by weight, St. Patrick's Salesian School, won €2,000 worth of gym and sports equipment. The sixty students at this school managed to collect a total of 167.55 kgs of used batteries.

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