ASSIGNMENT NUMBER 01
Name: Syed Saim Hussain
Reg. ID: 55070
Course: Operations Management
Slot: Tuesday 11:45 – 2:45
SAP ID: 021000032744
Instructor: Prof. Kashif Shafiq
The American car battery industry boasts that its recycling rate now exceeds 95%, the highest rate
for any commodity. However, with changes brought about by specialization and globalization,
parts of the recycling system are moving offshore. This is particularly true of automobile batteries,
which contain lead. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is contributing to the offshore
flow with newly implemented standards that make domestic battery recycling increasingly difficult
and expensive. The result is a major increase in used batteries going to Mexico, where
environmental standards and control are less demanding than they are in the U.S. One in five
batteries is now exported to Mexico. There is seldom difficulty finding buyers because lead is
expensive and in worldwide demand. While U.S. recyclers operate in sealed, mechanized plants,
with smokestacks equipped with scrubbers and plant surroundings monitored for traces of lead,
this is not the case in most Mexican plants. The harm from lead is legendary, with long-run residual
effects. Health issues include high blood pressure, kidney damage, detrimental effects on fetuses
during pregnancy, neurological problems, and arrested development in children.
Given the following scenario below, what action do you take?
You own an independent auto repair shop and are trying to safely dispose of a few old batteries
each week. (Your battery supplier is an auto parts supplier who refuses to take your old batteries.)
ANSWER
The scenario you are facing is a dilemma between environmental responsibility and economic
feasibility. You want to dispose of your old batteries safely, but your battery supplier does not
accept them. It's important to approach the disposal of old batteries in a responsible and ethical
manner, considering both environmental and health concerns. You have a few options to consider:

Option 1: You can find a certified recycling center that accepts used batteries and take them
there yourself. This option is environmentally friendly, as it ensures that the batteries are
recycled properly and do not harm the environment or human health. However, this option
may be costly and time-consuming, as you have to transport the batteries yourself and pay
for the recycling fee. You may also need to store the batteries in a cool, dry place and cover
the terminals with tape to prevent leakage or short-circuiting.

Option 2: You can sell your old batteries to a scrap metal dealer or a battery exporter who
will pay you for the lead content. This option is economically beneficial, as you can earn
some money from your waste and save on the disposal cost. However, this option is
environmentally risky, as you have no control over how the batteries are handled or where
they end up. They may be shipped to countries with lower environmental standards, such
as Mexico, where they may be recycled in unsafe and polluting ways. This may expose
workers and communities to lead poisoning and other health hazards.

Option 3: You can join a battery exchange program that allows you to swap your old
batteries for new ones at a discounted price. This option is convenient and cost-effective,
as you can get rid of your old batteries and get new ones at the same time. However, this
option may not be widely available, as not all battery manufacturers or retailers offer such
a program. You may also need to check the quality and warranty of the new batteries you
receive, as they may be refurbished or recycled from old ones.
You can also consider Looking for local recycling centers that accept car batteries. These facilities
are equipped to handle the recycling process in an environmentally responsible way. They often
work with materials recovery processes to extract valuable components like lead.
Based on these options, I would recommend Option 1 as the best solution for your situation.
Although it may be more expensive and time-consuming than the other options, it is the most
responsible and ethical choice. By taking your old batteries to a certified recycling center, you are
ensuring that they are recycled in a safe and environmentally friendly way. You are also complying
with the EPA regulations and avoiding the potential legal and reputational risks of selling or
exporting your old batteries to unregulated parties. You are also contributing to the sustainability
of the car battery industry and the protection of the environment and human health.