WEEE Ireland galvanised schools throughout the country as active citizens in stewardship of the environment through their competition in collecting used AA batteries-from October 2023 until March this year. Collectively, the campaign collected more than 1.5 million used AA batteries across the country, equivalent to the weight of four school buses. The competition is expected to take off again this October for all the primary and secondary schools within the battery recycling counties WEEE Ireland covers.
But schools need to collect no fewer than 10 full 5kg battery boxes to enter the competition, which features the official launch by TV and radio presenter Laura Woods speaking about the partnership with LauraLynn Children’s Hospice. “This has a dual benefit,” Laura explained, “we’re recycling for their children, for their vital community outreach work.”. The collective recycling efforts of participating schools don’t only have a very positive effect on the environment, but will also contribute much-needed funds to LauraLynn that help rescue millions of batteries lying left behind in drawers or old devices,” Woods explained.
A record number of schools participated in the competition last year, actively encouraging teachers, families, and the broader community to collect used batteries for recycling. The initiative ensures that valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper are recovered and reused instead of winding up in landfills. “Minimum material recovery targets have been set to maximize the material recovered,” said Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland. He emphasized increased participation in battery recycling, in light of the new European Battery Regulations, compelling comprehensive lifecycle management of batteries, within the EU boundary.
LauraLynn Chief Executive Kerry McLaverty said the group was thankful to WEEE Ireland for supporting the initiative and helping raise a “phenomenal €590,575” so far. She described how the funds generated from battery recycling have helped make a huge difference in children and families being cared for.
Interested schools wishing to participate in the WEEE Ireland Schools Batteries competition should visit the WEEE Ireland website for further details and to order their free of charge Blue Battery boxes. It’s an opportunity for a school to make a crucial contribution toward sustainability while supporting a fantastic cause.
