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Recycling in Yerevan

Starting from August 10, 2024, the Vega store network is launching battery and accumulator collection. At the moment, this is the only company with a license to collect, store, and recycle hazardous waste, including batteries.

Battery collection containers are installed in all Vega stores in Yerevan, with plans to install containers in other cities of Armenia in September.

VEGA Store Network

VEGA Store Network

OK

  • Alkaline, saline, and lithium batteries of any form factors: AA, AAA, 9V, and others
  • Button cell batteries: lithium (Lithium, CR), alkaline (LR), silver (Ag), silver-zinc (SR), zinc-air (PR), mercury-zinc (MR)
  • Lithium-ion batteries (Li-Ion, Li-Pol, Ni-MH, Ni-Cd, Ni-Zn, and others) from mobile devices: phones, laptops, disposable e-cigarettes, and others
  • Power tool batteries (Li-Ion and others) from drills, screwdrivers, and other tools

NOT OK

  • Lead-acid batteries: automotive, motorcycle, and UPS batteries
  • Assembled electronic cigarettes
  • Devices with built-in batteries

How to prepare for recycling

  • Batteries and accumulators should be placed in special containers located in stores from the list.
  • Accumulators and batteries should only be disposed of separately from devices.
  • For your safety, do not attempt to remove batteries that are difficult to extract!
  • If you lack the necessary skills to remove the battery, contact a service center or a workshop.
  • If you have a swollen battery, do not puncture it, do not attempt to charge or use it in any way.

Why is there no battery collection at the Ecocenter?

Unfortunately, battery collection by activists without a license is subject to administrative penalties. Green Green was fined 550,000 drams for collecting batteries based on a report by "eco-activists", and the collected batteries were confiscated and, most likely, discarded by the authorities. Therefore, we are currently unable to organize battery collection on our own, even for transferring them to Vega.

We urge the Armenian authorities to allow activists to collect batteries and similar waste, similar to how it is organized in Russia, where short-term storage of such waste does not require a license, allowing activists to independently organize the collection and transfer of batteries for recycling.

What will happen to the collected batteries?

Vega will sort and store the collected batteries in a special licensed facility. Once a sufficient amount of batteries for processing has been accumulated, equipment for recycling will be purchased or rented. The pace of accumulating recyclable materials will be the determining factor.