Laois pupils save 21,350 used batteries from landfill in school recycling competition 

Five schools in Laois participated in WEEE Ireland’s Schools Battery Recycling Competition, collecting the equivalent of 21,350 used AA batteries for recycling.

Nationally, the equivalent of 1.5 million used AA batteries, which equates to the weight of almost four school buses were collected and recycled by primary and secondary students during the last school year thanks to their overwhelming participation across Ireland.

Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment Ireland (WEEE) will run this year's competition in October and it is open to all primary and secondary schools in WEEE Ireland battery recycling in counties that collect at least ten full 5kg battery boxes.

TV and radio presenter Laura Woods launched this year’s campaign, which also support LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, calling on schools and students across Ireland to register for the competition as it enters its 13^th year.

"The recycling efforts from every participating school not only make a significant environmental impact but also provide essential support to LauraLynn's children’s hospice," said Laura.

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Last year’s competition marked a new milestone, with a record number of primary and secondary schools participating from October 2023 to March of this year.

By actively encouraging the involvement of teachers, families, and the broader community to collect used batteries for recycling, students can ensure that valuable materials like lithium, nickel, cobalt and copper are recovered and reused, rather than lost to landfill.

“The new European Battery Regulations, applicable from earlier this year, introduce comprehensive rules to manage the entire lifecycle of batteries within the EU,” said Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland. 

“These new targets will require increased participation in battery recycling across all sectors, so we’d urge even more to join the drive this year and make a real difference to saving materials that are increasingly in scarce supply."

Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn, expressed her gratitude as each battery recycled through WEEE Ireland contributes to a donation fund for LauraLynn.

“The funds we have received from WEEE Ireland as a result of the battery campaign have had such a positive impact on the children and families who avail of LauraLynn's care and specialised supports all across Ireland,” she said.

“This year’s donation brings the total fundraising to €590,575 - an incredible level. WEEE Ireland has been partnering with and supporting us since day one and we are grateful for their continued support as we grow our community of care and support more children and families than ever before. 

“We’d also like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to recycle their batteries. It may seem like something small, but for the children and families who rely on LauraLynn, and for the environment, it is huge and very impactful.”