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Researchers from Nanjing University School of Engineering have created a device which can turn Ni-Cd batteries -- commonly used in electronic devices such as mobile phones -- into nickel alloy and cadmium.

The researchers are hopeful this could be a real money-spinner and on Tuesday they signed a contract with Changzhou-based Maosheng Alloy Manufacturing Factory to build a production facility.

As the latest all-singing, all-dancing mobile phone advertisements flash across our TV screens, many people may well be tempted to throw away their 2005-era relic and purchase something more modern.

However, as the mountain of discarded phones grows quicker than the number of available musical ring tones so does the challenge facing environmentalists and the authorities.

"With a total investment of 26 million yuan (US$3.5 million) the facility can get 1,800 tons of Nickel alloy and 1,600 tons of cadmium out of 6,000 tons of batteries every year which should mean an annual profit of 300 million yuan (US$37.5 million),"  vice-professor Luo Xinzhang told China Daily.

The project is reported to be the largest of its kind in the country and Maosheng Alloy Manufacturing Factory is now seeking cooperation with recycling companies and battery producers to ensure they get a steady supply of batteries.

However Luo doesn't plan to stop there as he expects the facility to expand next year and hopefully become a national base for battery recycling.

"Changzhou municipal government has already promised to give us the necessary help and we're now waiting for permission from the Ministry of Science and Technology to build the facility," said Luo.

According to Luo they're making adjustments to their current device so it can handle most types of batteries.

"The number of dumped batteries is increasing rapidly as more and more families update their electronics," said Luo. "Our recycling device must be up to date to deal with the demand," he added. 

Environmentalists gave the news a warm welcome as dumped batteries pollute the environment and can cause harm to people. .

"In the past we launched activities to recycle discarded batteries," said Wang Jun, a volunteer in environmental protection at Nanjing Univerity. "But we couldn't do anything with them and just disposed of them in a safe place. The harm is still there. But with this new method these potentially dangerous batteries will finally be properly disposed of," he added.

However, experts say the country needs a special law to regulate battery recycling in order to raise awareness. "It is a common practice in foreign countries that battery producers and consumers both shoulder the responsibility for recycling," said Zheng Zheng, dean of the School of Environment. "Only through joint efforts from the whole of society can people be safe from the harm done by this hazardous waste." 

(China Daily June 30, 2006)