Longford schools recycled thousands of used batteries to make a difference

Schools across Longford recycled thousands of used batteries during the last school year, showing how local students, families and teachers can make a real difference.

A total of six schools in Longford took part in WEEE Ireland’s Schools Battery Recycling Competition, collecting the equivalent of 15,100 used AA batteries - preventing valuable materials like lithium, cobalt and nickel from being lost to landfill.

Read more: Local authority says abandoned vehicles issue not parked to one side in Longford

In total, students in Ireland recycled the equivalent of 1.5 million AA batteries last school year - the weight of close to four school buses.

This year’s campaign launches as new EU Batteries Regulation come into full effect, bringing higher waste battery collection, recycling and recovery targets. 

WEEE Ireland is calling on schools, families, and communities nationwide to get involved in its annual Schools Battery Recycling Competition and help Ireland meet these ambitious goals - while supporting environmental protection and the programme’s charity partner LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

The competition is open to all primary and secondary schools in WEEE Ireland’s battery recycling counties that collect at least 10 full 5kg battery boxes.

“The new EU Batteries Regulation raise the bar for all of us, and It’s fantastic to see so many schools in Longford stepping up to meet the challenge,” said Elizabeth O’Reilly, Head of Environmental Compliance at WEEE Ireland.

“The incredible efforts of students, teachers, families and local communities in Longford 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.”

Winning schools from the last school year hailed from Galway, Carlow, Roscommon, Waterford and Donegal, with each awarded a €2,000 sports voucher for their efforts.

“The funds we have received from WEEE Ireland as a result of battery recycling programme over the last 14 years of this partnership have had such a positive impact on the children and families who avail of LauraLynn's specialised care and supports all across Ireland.” said Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn.

“This year’s donation brings the total fundraising to an incredible €610,000.  LauraLynn would also like to say a huge thank you WEEE Ireland for the support across this campaign over the last number of years and to everyone who took the time to recycle their batteries. 

Read more: Longford County Libraries launch Art Competition for Secondary School Students

“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.”

Schools can find more information and order WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes at www.weeeireland.ie.