On the territory of one of the industrial facilities in Shymkent, signs of a full-cycle illegal processing operation for used batteries have been discovered — from storage to the smelting of lead. The situation poses a potential threat to the environment and public health.
WHAT THE VIDEO FOOTAGE SHOWED
Journalists at «HALYQSTAN» have obtained video footage from the site. The footage shows that part of the used batteries is neatly stacked and wrapped in film, but nearby a large dump of similar waste was recorded, placed directly on the ground without any containment.
Beneath this mass, a dried puddle of grey liquid is visible. It is noted that this could indicate a prolonged accumulation of electrolyte, which has then soaked into the ground.
HOW THE PROCESSING IS ORGANISED
Additional footage shows the presence of lead ingots on the site — around two dozen massive blocks. This points to the batteries being processed on the premises.
On the adjacent area, covering roughly two to three hundred square metres, broken battery casings were found. The batteries have been opened and their contents removed. A furnace has been installed nearby, which, according to the video recording, is used for smelting the metal.
Thus, a full cycle of operations has been documented at the site — from storage and dismantling to the production of finished lead.
WHICH REGULATIONS MAY HAVE BEEN VIOLATED
According to established requirements, used batteries are classified as Class I hazardous waste. Their storage is only permitted on specialised sites with protective surfacing and in sealed containers that prevent chemical substances from coming into contact with soil and water.
In the footage provided, these conditions are not being met: the waste is placed on open ground, and signs of chemical leakage have already been visually confirmed.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
Such facilities pose a potential threat to the environment, as battery electrolyte contains chemical substances capable of contaminating soil and groundwater.
At the time of publication, no official responses from the relevant authorities have been received.