The competition is running again for the new school year.
Students and teachers across Limerick are making a significant impact on environmental sustainability, with 39 local schools participating in WEEE Ireland's Schools Battery Recycling Competition.
During the last school year, these schools collected the equivalent of 65,450 used AA batteries, preventing valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from ending up in landfills.
Schools across Ireland recycled the equivalent of 1.5 million AA batteries, a weight comparable to nearly four school buses.
The latest campaign comes as new EU Batteries Regulations are now in full effect, introducing more ambitious targets for waste battery collection and recycling.
Elizabeth O’Reilly, Head of Environmental Compliance at WEEE Ireland, praised the local commitment to these new standards.
"The new EU Batteries Regulation raises the bar for all of us, and it’s fantastic to see so many schools in Limerick stepping up to meet the challenge."
Via Andres Poveda Photography
"The incredible efforts of students, teachers, families, and local communities in Limerick help ensure we meet the minimum recovery targets for materials like cobalt, copper, lead, lithium, and nickel. This allows these materials to be recaptured for use again in manufacturing, as part of a more sustainable and circular battery economy."
The competition also supports the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.
WEEE Ireland is encouraging schools, families, and communities nationwide to get involved in this year’s competition to help Ireland reach its recycling goals.
The competition is open to all primary and secondary schools in Limerick that collect at least 10 full 5kg battery boxes.
Schools can find more information here.
