Domestic batteries and the environment: a life-cycle approach to consumer electronic products

This paper describes a project completed with the Environment Education Department of Leicester City Council, when a questionnaire was prepared in the City of Leicester, asking citizens about their recycling habits. The paper is based upon a study produced during 1994/95 which included designs for a public campaign about a domestic battery collection scheme for the City of Leicester. The campaign was targeted at population segments of Leicester´s citizens. A booklet was produced for people who use and work with domestic batteries; a leaflet was designed for the general public; and a leaflet/poster produced for children and teenagers. The information presented concerned the main domestic batteries currently on sale on the market, their main features, why they are harmful if not carefully disposed of, what should citizens do to protect the environment (and themselves), and disposal points were simulated to pilot test a collection campaign in Leicester. All designs were evaluated. It was found that people cannot differentiate between domestic batteries and they are confused by the information provided. The electronic industry should make more effort to consider the needs for batteries and their use when developing a product