As stated with the print on the front of the bin, the bin seems to be exclusively made for the disposal of cell phone, lithium-ion, cadmium and lead-acid batteries, as well as energy-saving (CFL) light bulbs. According to My Office News (www.myofficemagazine.co.za), elements that are used to prolong batteries and energy-saving light bulbs can contain heavy metals such as cadmium and mercury, but these heavy metals are harmful to both humans and the environment. Moore, Arefin and Rosenfeld (2018:1082,1087) state that lithium-ion batteries are known for unexpectedly combusting, and faulty lead batteries are known to cause brain and kidney damage in humans. Justin Smith, Head of Sustainability at Woolworths states that “in efforts to reduce our impact on the environment, we have installed recycling facilities at selected Engen service stations in the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Customers can dispose of used fluorescent light bulbs and batteries safely and responsibly.” At face value, this initiative seems like a positive action, allowing the general public to bring along their old batteries and lightbulbs, having peace of mind that their recycling will do good for the environment. My mother has always brought along old lightbulbs whenever we visit this specific store. However, these bins are only limited to certain branches, and I have only encountered two in the past.

 

This means that firstly, the bin is only available to those who know about it, and secondly, those who know about the bin might have to travel out of their way, potentially using more fuel than usual, in order to dispose of their old batteries and lightbulbs. Woolworths could advertise more on social media and news media about this initiative, allowing for more people to know about these bins and their location. Unfortunately, by scrolling through www.woolworths.co.za, there is currently no information about these bins. Woolworths is a well-established international franchise that can afford to have these bin facilities at each of their stores. Moore et al (2018:1082) state that the battery industry produces “significant waste and excesses that are symbolically erased in total management narratives,” therefore by having constant reminders of these bins at all of their locations, consumers might remember to bring along their old batteries and lightbulbs on their next visit.