Galway Schools Win National Battery Recycling Competition, Collect 62,700 Batteries

BREAKING NEWS: Two schools in Galway have achieved remarkable success in the National Battery Recycling Competition, collecting an astounding total of 62,700 batteries. Bearna Primary School led the charge by recycling over 50,000 batteries, while Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar contributed 11,700 batteries to this significant environmental initiative.

The competition, organized by WEEE Ireland, is designed to promote recycling and reduce landfill waste. The schools have each been awarded a €2,000 sports voucher for their impressive efforts, highlighting the importance of community engagement in environmental sustainability.

Approximately 1.5 million batteries were collected across Ireland during this initiative, amounting to a weight nearly equivalent to that of four school buses. The recycled materials will help conserve valuable resources, demonstrating the impact that collective action can have on our environment.

In addition to promoting recycling, WEEE Ireland uses the competition to raise funds for LauraLynn Children’s Charity, with over €610,000 donated over the past 14 years. Elizabeth O’Reilly, Head of Environmental Compliance at WEEE Ireland, emphasized the significance of the new EU Batteries Regulation, stating, “Schools are leading the way in sustainability initiatives like this.”

This urgent update underlines the critical role that educational institutions play in environmental stewardship. As the competition continues to grow, more schools are encouraged to participate, fostering a culture of recycling and environmental responsibility among students.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as schools across the nation strive to make a difference in battery recycling. The efforts of these Galway schools set a powerful example for communities everywhere.