Today we’d like to introduce you to Sri Nihal Tammana

Hi Sri Nihal, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

A few years ago, I noticed that people weren’t recycling their batteries, and many of them ended up in landfills, leaking chemicals that harm the environment. I felt like I needed to do something, so when I was 10 years old, I started Recycle My Battery (RMB), a youth-run nonprofit. Over time, RMB has grown into a team of 850+ kids, and together we’ve recycled over 585,000 batteries and taught more than 38 million people how to recycle batteries safely.

But as I kept working on this, I realized that many batteries still have leftover energy (up to 20%) when people throw them away! That got me thinking: Why can’t we reuse that energy instead of wasting it? Right now, I’m working on a prototype to extract that leftover energy and put it to good use, which could make a big difference in reducing waste even more. I have already finished building a digital prototype of the machine and it was approved by a University of Waterloo expert! I hope to have the physical model within a couple of months!

It’s been an amazing journey so far, and I’ve learned that even small actions can lead to big change if you keep pushing forward. I hope to keep finding new ways to help the planet and inspire others to take action too.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Starting Recycle My Battery wasn’t easy. Initially, we didn’t have a battery recycling organization to help support our mission. I had to figure out how to collect, store, and properly recycle batteries on my own, which was challenging because I was just a kid learning everything from scratch. Finding organizations willing to take the batteries we collected was tough, and we had to rely on a lot of research and persistence to make connections.

Another challenge was convincing people that battery recycling was important. Many didn’t understand how harmful batteries could be to the environment if not disposed of properly. It took a lot of effort to educate people and show them why they should care.

Even now, funding can be a challenge. For example, battery bins can be expensive, and we’ve had to come up with creative ways, like fundraisers, to keep going. But every obstacle has taught me something new, and it’s made me more determined to make a difference. Obstacles lead to motivation!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I am the founder of Recycle My Battery (RMB), a youth-led nonprofit focused on reducing battery waste and promoting environmental sustainability. My work involves running awareness campaigns, partnering with schools and businesses, and organizing battery recycling drives. With the help of 850+ volunteers, RMB has recycled over 585,000 batteries and educated over 38 million people globally.

What makes my work unique is how we focus on creating solutions. Right now, I’m developing a prototype to extract and reuse leftover energy from discarded batteries. This project is something I’m especially proud of because it could make a huge impact on reducing waste even further.

What sets RMB apart is our ability to inspire young people to take the lead on environmental challenges. Through our efforts, I’ve learned that even small actions can lead to big changes when people work together. I’m proud that RMB isn’t just a recycling initiative but also a movement to empower others to protect the planet.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?

One thing I’d like to share is how much this journey has taught me about the power of teamwork and persistence. Recycle My Battery started as an idea I had as a kid, but it’s grown into something so much bigger because of the support of other young people and the communities we’ve worked with. I’ve learned that even when things feel overwhelming—like finding partners or funding—you can always figure out a way if you stay focused and keep trying.

Also, I want people to know that small actions really do add up. Whether it’s recycling a single battery or spreading awareness to just one person, every little step makes a difference. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that anyone, no matter their age, can create change if they care enough to start.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://recyclemybattery.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/srinihaltammana/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recyclemybattery/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/srinihaltammana
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@recyclemybattery1690