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PRESS RELEASE
Information NoteWorkshop on assessment of environmentally sound recycling technologiesManila, 22 - 25 February Technology transfer is an essential element for national development, but a key issue is how to recognise the most environmentally sound options among existing and emerging technologies. For example, some of the industrial processes now available for recycling of used lead-acid batteries produce considerably less pollution and reduce exposure of workers and the community to health risks. In order to improve national capacity to choose appropriate technologies, the first regional workshop on Environmental Technology Assessment (EnTA) applied to industrial technologies was held in Manila, 22 - 25 February. The workshop was held under the joint sponsorship of UNEP, the Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft (CDG), and the International Lead Management Center (ILMC). This workshop had the dual objective of studying the health risks and environmental consequences of current and emerging battery recycling processes, and evaluating the application of EnTA to industrial technology generally. EnTA is used for comparing environmental, social, safety and other aspects of different technology options. Based on the methodology outlined in UNEP's new EnTA workbook, the workshop was able to provide a systematic overview of the technical aspects of battery recycling, examine the potential environmental impacts of various technologies, and review the wider societal implications. Alternative technologies were examined from the point of view of identifying options that produce less pollution and avoid other adverse impacts. Current legislation around the world restricting the export of batteries for recycling provided an international context for the workshop. During the workshop, 45 participants from industry, governments, NGOs and technical institutes in southeast and other parts of Asia received hands-on training on how to use EnTA. A practical focus of the exercise was kindly provided by Philippine Recyclers Inc, who made available their battery recycling facility in Bulacan for a case study. The workshop participants agreed that EnTA should apply early in the development trajectory of a technology so that environmental, social and health consequences can be predicted well in advanced and appropriate action taken. Participants indicated their intention to apply the EnTA methodology in future in their own national contexts, including further training in other countries in the region. For more information, please contact: F. Balkau, UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics, Paris, fax 33 1 4437 1474, fbalkau@unep.fr N. Svenningsen,UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, fax 66-2-280 3829, svenningsen.unescap@un.org |
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