Punta Arenas collects over 1,500 used vehicle batteries

The Municipality of Punta Arenas successfully collected more than 1,500 used vehicle batteries during its fifth “Leave us your car battery” campaign. Held at the Zona Austral parking area, the initiative provides residents with a free method to dispose of hazardous waste to prevent soil, vegetation, and groundwater contamination.

Mayor Claudio Radonich reported that prior to this session, the municipality had already collected 7,200 batteries, totaling 52 tons of lead and 35 tons of acid. The campaign, which began in 2024, relies on partnerships with companies such as Servimer, Resimat, and Zona Austral to facilitate the removal and transport of the waste.

Environmental engineer Catalina Higueras noted high community participation and advised residents to keep unused batteries protected from rain to avoid environmental damage while awaiting future collection dates.