Recycling batteries is not only a matter of environmental consciousness. It is also a tangible example of the direct impact that environment pollution may have on humans.

Batteries, although small and innocent in their daily use, contain highly toxic substances that are very harmful to health and the environment, when thrown either directly to the environment or in landfills, says in an interview with the Cyprus News Agency director of AFIS Organization, Chris Christodoulou.

Although batteries account for only 0.02% of the volume of municipal solid waste by weight, they contain 20% of the toxic substances, Christodoulou pointed out.

"The toxic substances contained in the batteries return to us through food, water and air. These substances have the ability to accumulate in our tissues and to stay in our body and grow, for many years. By increasing their quantity in our bodies, there are also growing chances for very serious problems in our health, very often irreversible, " Director of AFIS explained.

"Consequently, the results of the pollution are not far away from us in time or space, but return to us in various ways. It is therefore very important to recycle our old batteries, " he said.

AFIS is a non-profit organization, created at the initiative of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), as an umbrella organization, and today shareholders are companies - importers of batteries in the Republic of Cyprus. More specifically, all importers of batteries or batteries incorporated into appliances in the Republic are obliged to recycle.

The contribution of the member - companies, that pay fees for each battery placed on the market meet the costs required for the collection, transportation and recycling of batteries, the information program and public awareness.

In Cyprus, AFIS Organization has undertaken the disposal of household batteries up to 2 kg. Specifically, it collects and recycles all portable batteries found in recorders, radios, portable audio devices, all types of games, mobile and cordless phones, laptop, cameras, camcorders, all types of portable tools, and more.

As Christodoulou explained, batteries are collected in 3,200 battery recycling bins that are located in high-traffic locations throughout Cyprus. The public can find the bins mainly in telecommunications and electronics stores, supermarkets, shops, schools, public buildings and bank branches.

He added that the organization can place recycling bins wherever requested, with the exception of houses and residential complexes throughout Cyprus.

"There is already a bin every 265 people, that is a very good density. There are 1400 bins in Nicosia, 790 in Limassol, 450 in Larnaca, 370 in Paphos and 210 in Famagusta. There are also bins in all schools.

Cyprus does not meet all its objectives but is steadily improving
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AFIS from mid-2009 to date has collected and recycled 230 tons of batteries that would otherwise end up in landfills and the environment.

The batteries, once collected, are stored and shipped abroad and specifically to Belgium to a licensed recycling plant. The first exports took place in September 2011.

As Christodoulou explained, the batteries are managed by the process of hydrometallurgy in which the main components are recovered, to be reused in the production of new batteries. He added that 340 new battery bins were place in 2015, and that for the first year, AFIS managed to collect 55 tons of batteries.

"Although Cyprus has not met all of the objectives, it is showing a continuous and steady improvement in the recovery of batteries. The performance of 2015, covered the objectives until 2015, but by the end of 2016 there will be new, higher objectives ", said Christodoulou.

As he said, if recycling continues at the same rate of improvement, it is not expected that there will be problems with achieving these targets. He added that the EU assessment is on the basis of the effort and the improvement each country shows, not only in absolute rates. However, in case of serious deviations from the targets and non-response from a member state, the EU can impose fines, for the failure of a member-state to meet the objectives. He also noted that AFIS tries to raise awareness of the public at large and especially of young people about the importance of their participation in recycling batteries, with many events and actions, especially with the use of social media.

Unfair competition from companies that do not participate in AFIS
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The non-participation of some obligated by the law firms in the system creates unfair competition for the companies-members of the Organization, as members of AFIS sell more expensive products having to pay recycling fees and include those costs in their prices, said AFIS Director.

This benefits and rewards those who break the law, rather than the opposite," he noted, adding that the authorities are responsible to ensure that they impose the law on all producers.

"To this end, the procedures have been completed and soon all imports will be checked by the port authorities, so that each importer is forced to comply with the environmental legislation. Those who break the law will soon have to face the consequences of the law, "he said.

To find a battery recycling bin and other information, the public can download the free application `ReCYcling Cys” for mobile or tablet, or visit the website www.afiscyprus.com.cy, or contact by phone in 7000 2347.