A Billion Batteries

US schoolboy Sri Nihal Tammana launched a battery recycling campaign when he was 10-years-old after seeing TV news images of an explosion caused by a lithium-ion battery.

Four years on, he has formed a partnership with the largest battery recycling non-profit in North America, mobilised hundreds of kids to place over 500 battery bins across the US and recycled over 265,000 batteries. He also uses digital platforms to educate children, business leaders and decision makers around the world.

This documentary for the BBC World Service follows his journey. Experts say currently only 5% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries are being recycled. We ask why and explore how children in different parts of the world are channelling their eco-anxiety by taking local action. (Image credit: Vamsi Tammana)