Gwangju City Offers New Batteries in Exchange for Used Batteries

Exchange Used Batteries for New Ones at City, District, and Welfare Centers from May 12 to 23
Bring 10 Used Batteries and Get 2 New Batteries

Used Battery Collection Box.

The Gwangju City Government announced on May 8 that it will operate the "First Half-Year Intensive Used Battery Collection Period" from May 12 to 23.

This collection period has been organized to encourage citizens to voluntarily practice resource circulation through item exchanges, to prevent environmental pollution, and to promote the recycling of metal resources.

During the intensive collection period, citizens who bring in 10 used batteries will be able to exchange them for 2 new batteries. Exchange locations include the Gwangju City Resource Circulation Division, the Cleaning Administration Divisions of the five district offices, and nearby neighborhood administrative welfare centers.

Used batteries contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which can cause soil and water pollution if disposed of with household waste. However, if separated and collected properly, they can be recycled into valuable metal resources, offering significant environmental protection benefits.

To support the used battery exchange program, the city provides exchange items to the district offices every year. Last year, a total of 152 tons of used batteries were collected. This represents an increase of approximately 16% compared to the 131 tons collected in 2023, reflecting the continued participation of citizens.

Jeong Mikyung, head of the Resource Circulation Division, said, "Proper separation and disposal of used batteries is the first step toward environmental protection," and added, "We hope that many citizens will actively participate during this intensive collection period."