IBM, AT&T and Sprint have stopped exporting used lead batteries to Mexican recyclers.
The US technology and communication firms have concerns that battery recyclers in Mexico fail to meet adequate health and environmental standards.
Robert E. Finn, president and CEO of US lead-acid battery recycler RSR, has commended companies for the decision. “IBM, AT&T, and Sprint deserve praise for their decisions to stop exporting lead-acid batteries to Mexico,” said Finn.
RSR criticised Mexico’s lead battery recycling operations before and said that lead smelting regulations are too weak in the country.
“Until Mexico improves the oversight of its smelters, the practice of exporting spent lead acid batteries to Mexico must end,” added Finn.
According to RSR, 1 billion pounds of spent lead acid batteries are shipped from the United States to Mexican smelters. Exploiting Mexico’s weaker standards for the environment and the health of workers and communities.
“RSR Corporation has worked with the CEC and other groups to push for an end to exports abroad and for tougher lead regulations here at home,” said Finn.
The battery recycler aims for a complete ban on lead-acid battery exports from the United States to Mexico and other developing countries.