Bateriku has built an automotive battery distribution network that extends beyond sales and replacement. The aim is to address a critical environmental challenge which is every battery replacement creates waste that, if not managed responsibly, threatens both the environment and human health through exposure to lead, acid, and other contaminants.

To tackle this issue head-on, Bateriku established Briged Hijau, an initiative designed to handle battery waste from every trade-in transaction. The program ensures that replaced batteries enter a circular economy system where their components can be reused, minimising waste and environmental impact.

Briged Hijau Aligns with Government Green Economy Initiatives

Bateriku's initiative aligns with the Malaysian Green Technology Master Plan 2017, which promotes the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This framework encourages manufacturers to integrate environmental considerations throughout a product's lifecycle rather than treating them as an afterthought.

The Malaysian government also emphasises resource efficiency to keep product costs reasonable. Agencies like MITI, through MIDA, are promoting the Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste (2025–2035), aiming to minimise environmental pollution through reuse, recycling, upcycling, and repurposing. This Circular Economy approach focuses on “closing the loop,” keeping materials in circulation for as long as possible, creating a more sustainable system.

From Pitstop to Purpose

Briged Hijau completes the battery lifecycle within Bateriku's network. When customers agree to trade in their car batteries, the Briged Hijau team (BHero) collects them and brings them back to Bateriku Pitstops. These batteries are then assessed and sorted into one of two categories:

• Reuse: Batteries with remaining lifespan are refurbished and resold as temporary solutions for customers seeking affordable options.
• Recycle: Batteries that can no longer hold a charge are sent to recycling facilities where valuable materials are extracted and recovered.

Briged Hijau accepts all automotive batteries as well as lithium and nickel-based batteries from electronic devices such as phones and computers. Consumers unsure about proper disposal locations can drop off their batteries at any Bateriku branch. The program currently handles approximately 40,000 battery units per month, equivalent to around 500 metric tons of battery-related waste.

Automotive and lithium/nickel batteries follow different disposal pathways. For electronic batteries, Bateriku has partnered with Econili Battery New Energy, which operates specialized facilities for processing lithium and nickel-based batteries. Through this strategic partnership, Briged Hijau minimizes the environmental impact of battery waste across all categories.

Malaysia's Car Battery Waste Challenge

According to Malaysian government data on vehicle registrations, nearly 15 million passenger vehicles were registered between 2000 and November 2025. This figure covers only private cars and excludes motorcycles, commercial trucks, vans, buses, and other vehicles like tractors, all of which use automotive batteries.

With an average car battery lifespan of four to six years, approximately 3.2 million car batteries require replacement annually. Without efficient recycling initiatives, this volume of automotive battery waste would have devastating environmental consequences. Briged Hijau aims to be part of the solution by diverting batteries from landfills and giving them a second life through proper recycling or refurbishment.

Why Recycling Batteries Matters in Malaysia

Battery recycling addresses multiple critical issues for Malaysia, from resource scarcity to public health, and ties directly into sustainability and economic objectives.

1. Resource Recovery

Malaysia has no lead mining operations, making battery recycling the sole domestic source of lead for the local market. The automotive industry accounts for 75% of domestic lead demand. For over 25 years, automotive battery recycling has been essential for meeting this demand and reducing dependence on imports.

2. Environmental Protection

Automotive batteries generate substantial quantities of hazardous waste. With an estimated 3.2 million battery replacements occurring annually, Briged Hijau helps mitigate the environmental impact of battery waste, particularly preventing lead contamination of soil and water sources.

3. Public Health Safety

Lead is highly toxic and can affect nearly every organ in the body, especially the nervous system. Improper recycling practices in some parts of Asia have had severe health consequences for surrounding communities. Licensed and monitored processing facilities are essential to prevent such outcomes and protect public health.

4. Economic Growth

The "Waste to Wealth" concept outlined in the Green Technology Master Plan (GTMP) 2017-2030 recognizes that circular economy practices create profit-generating opportunities. Battery recycling keeps valuable resources circulating within the economic system while reducing reliance on imported materials. It also helps businesses meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, maintaining their competitiveness in today's market.

5. Policy Compliance

Battery recycling helps Malaysia fulfill commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals regarding responsible production and consumption. It also supports the objectives of the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP), positioning Malaysia as a leader in sustainable industrial practices.

Bateriku as a Facilitator of Lead-Acid Battery Recycling

Bateriku plans to expand Briged Hijau’s network to make battery recycling more accessible, aiming for a fully integrated ecosystem where every battery has a second life, supporting sustainability and responsible consumption.

All Bateriku outlets accept used lead-acid batteries for disposal. For lithium-ion batteries, collection points are available at the following locations:

• Bateriku Saujana Utama
• Bateriku Seksyen 7
• Bateriku Kepong
• Bateriku Sri Muda
• Bateriku Ampang
• Bateriku Bandar Saujana Putra
• Bateriku Equine
• Bateriku Permaisuri Cheras
• Bateriku Taman Medan
• Bateriku Sungai Besi

For your next car battery replacement, Bateriku offers the smart choice. We ensure your old battery is disposed of responsibly while contributing to a more sustainable future for Malaysia.