Cork schools save 145,950 used batteries in recycling comp

The kids are doing their best! Schools in Cork managed to save a record number of used batteries for recycling during the last school year.

Schools across the county participated in WEEE Ireland’s Schools Battery Recycling Competition, collecting the equivalent of 145,950 used AA batteries.

Nationally, the equivalent of 2 million used AA batteries - the weight of around five school buses – has been diverted from landfill and recycled thanks to the nationwide schools battery initiative.

A record amount of waste batteries were collected from last October to March this year – and their precious materials recovered for re-use.

And as it enters its 12th year, the country’s largest ewaste and battery recycling scheme is once again calling on primary and secondary students throughout Ireland to participate in the vital initiative, which also supports LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

The drive is being backed by TV and radio presenter Laura Woods, who was joined by one of this year’s winners – Scoil Naomh Pádraig in Ballyroan Dublin – to launch this year’s contest.

“As a mother to two school-going children, it’s great to see this generation take on such an important challenge with enthusiasm and break all previous records,” she said.

“Not only are their recycling efforts making a massive contribution to a greener environment, they’re also helping all the children and families who rely on LauraLynn’s services and support.”

The initiative encourages the involvement of teachers, families and wider communities to help students collect as many used batteries as possible.

Returning for a new school year from October, the competition is open to all primary and secondary schools which collect at least 10 full 5kg battery boxes in WEEE Ireland battery recycling counties.

“Binning batteries is a big problem because the materials lost to landfill are increasingly in short supply,” said Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland. “Plus, the harm to the environment, including animals and plants, can often be severe.

“This really important programme means students can play their part in preventing this. It always gets a great response from them, their teachers and the wider community, and I’d urge more to get on board this year,” Mr Donovan added.

As well as benefiting the environment, every battery recycled with WEEE Ireland also goes towards a donation fund for LauraLynn.

Interested schools can visit weeeireland.ie for more information on the competition and to order WEEE Ireland Blue Battery boxes.