Pupils charged up to win recycling competition

SCHOOLS and students across the country are being challenged to become battery recycling champions as part of a nationwide initiative that will also help children with life-limiting illnesses.

The WEEE Ireland Schools Battery Recycling Competition returns this year, offering schools the chance to win one of six €2,000 sports equipment vouchers.

Running from October 1 to March 31, it is open to all primary and secondary schools that collect at least ten full 5kg battery boxes. TV host Mairéad Ronan was on hand to urge schools to get plugged into the countrywide drive, which helps raise funds for children’s hospice LauraLynn.

The Ireland’s Fittest Family host said at the launch yesterday: ‘This helps raise funds and awareness for LauraLynn and all the wonderful children and families who rely on their services and support.

‘It’s heart-warming to see schoolchildren getting involved in projects like this and helping other children while doing so. Best of luck and well done to all the schools taking part across the country.’

The competition has a following of over 2,000 schools nationwide and encourages the involvement of teachers, families and wider communities to help students collect as many used batteries as possible.

When the competition last ran, schools across the country collectively diverted from landfill the equivalent of almost a million AA batteries.

A donation is made to the charity for every battery recycled by WEEE Ireland.

Head of WEEE Ireland Leo Donovan said: ‘Many still don’t realise binning batteries leads to a loss of really valuable resources that are increasingly in short supply, as well as harming the environment.

‘We are delighted to be able to return with this really important programme and expect a great response from students, teachers and communities, while encouraging some healthy competition.

‘There’s something so special about children helping children and this campaign is all about that.

‘The funds that we have received through our partnership with WEEE Ireland over the last 11 years have had such a positive impact on the children and families who avail of LauraLynn’s care.’

LauraLynn chief Kerry McLaverty said: ‘We recently reached the €500,000 mark and we are so grateful to WEEE for this partnership.’