A discarded battery collection bin installed at an apartment complex in Seoul. Korea Times file
Jung District in central Seoul has sharply expanded its network of collection bins for discarded rechargeable batteries, betting that a simple change in disposal habits can help prevent fires before they start.
The district said Monday that it increased the number of dedicated battery collection bins from 49 to 169 by installing 120 additional units.
The expansion is intended to reduce fires linked to discarded lithium batteries while improving the recycling of valuable materials.
Rechargeable batteries are widely used in power banks, mobile phones, electronic cigarettes, wireless earbuds, smartwatches and tablet computers.
