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When Sri Nihal Tammana was just 10 years old, he saw news coverage of a lithium-ion battery explosion at a waste disposal plant in California. This incident made him realize that batteries are often discarded improperly, leading to significant environmental risks. Driven by a desire to make a difference, he researched the issue and discovered that over 15 billion batteries end up in landfills each year.
With the support of his family, he launched Recycle My Battery (RMB) in 2019, aiming to promote proper battery disposal and recycling. To help him reach as many people as possible, as fast as possible, he gathered a passionate team of over 850 young volunteers and set out to educate communities about the importance of responsible battery disposal. Together, they organized battery drives, educational workshops, and outreach campaigns across schools and communities.
So far, they have recycled over 585,000 batteries and educated more than 38 million people about the importance of battery recycling. Their efforts have not only raised awareness but have also empowered young people to take action. Many kids inspired by the initiative have started their own projects, contributing to a broader movement for environmental stewardship.
One of Nihal’s most significant achievements is driving his team to break a Guinness World Record for the longest line of batteries. This accomplishment helped the Nihal and his team gain recognition, leading to numerous awards, including being a top three finalist for the International Children’s Peace Prize and receiving a personal letter of appreciation from US President Joe Biden, along with a phone call from Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy.
Nihal is now working on an innovative project to develop a machine that extracts residual energy from used batteries. Research shows that many batteries that are thrown away still hold up to 20% of their energy, and this energy is often wasted. By capturing this energy, Nihal aims to provide a sustainable solution that can be used in recycling facilities, allowing for efficient energy use and waste reduction.
Through Recycle My Battery, Nihal is committed to fostering a culture of sustainability and inspiring the next generation of change-makers. Together, they can reduce battery waste and promote environmental responsibility, creating a cleaner and healthier planet for all.
