Most drivers don't think twice when they swap out a dead car battery. You call the shop, have it replaced, and drive off. The old battery disappears into the back room. But that old battery doesn't vanish. It contains lead and acid. They are materials that can poison soil and water if dumped carelessly.
Malaysia replaces about 3.2 million car batteries every year. Without proper handling, that's a lot of potential harm. That is why there is a program called Briged Hijau to deal with this problem. The idea is simple: collect every old battery, check its condition, then either refurbish it or send it to licensed recyclers.
How Briged Hijau Works
When you trade in your old Astra battery at any Bateriku outlet, it goes through a sorting process. Batteries that still hold some charge get refurbished and resold as budget options. Those that are completely worn out go to recycling facilities where the lead and other materials get extracted and reused.
Right now, Briged Hijau handles around 40,000 batteries monthly. That's roughly 500 metric tons of battery waste every month.
The program also takes lithium-ion and nickel-based batteries from phones and laptops. These go to a specialized recycler called Econili Battery New Energy.
Briged Hijau resonates with Malaysia green policy
Malaysia does not mine lead. The only local source is recycled batteries. The automotive sector uses about 75% of the country's lead supply, so recycling isn't just about the environment. But it is also about keeping materials in circulation.
The government has been pushing for this kind of system. The Green Technology Master Plan and the upcoming Circular Economy Blueprint (2025–2035) both encourage companies to manage their products from start to finish, not just sell and forget.
MITI and MIDA support these circular economy goals. Briged Hijau fits directly into that framework.
The Scale of the Problem
Malaysia has nearly 15 million registered passenger vehicles. Most car batteries last four to six years before needing replacement. Do the math, and that adds up to millions of dead batteries each year.
Without organised collection and recycling, many of these batteries could end up in landfills or be dismantled in unsafe backyard operations. Both options risk releasing toxic materials into local communities.
Any Bateriku outlet will accept your old car battery. You can also drop off used phone or laptop batteries. Let’s work together to turn waste into resources instead of problems.
Not Sure Which Astra Battery Fits Your Car?
If you’re not sure which Astra battery is suitable for your vehicle, you can refer to the AstraMan catalogue, Bateriku’s official battery selection guide. Simply use the built-in search feature and enter your car’s brand and model.
The system will automatically display the Astra battery options that are compatible with your vehicle, making it easier to choose the right battery without guesswork.
