Powys pupils collect over three tonnes of batteries in recycling challenge

The competition was open to all primary schools within the county and encouraged pupils to collect used batteries and bring them into school to be recycled. Between December 2023 and July 2024, the 48 participating schools collected a staggering number of batteries between them.

With an impressive 6.03kg of batteries per pupil, Radnor Valley County Primary School came out on top and are now the worthy recipients of a £300 Amazon voucher.

Second place went to Ysgol Dôlafon in Llanwrtyd Wells who will receive a £150 Amazon voucher after collecting 4.04kg of batteries per pupil. Ysgol Meifod will receive a £50 Amazon voucher for finishing third after collecting 2.02kg of batteries per pupil.

The competition was sponsored by the European Recycling Platform (ERP UK), the council’s compliance scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment and batteries, who kindly donated the Amazon vouchers to the winning schools.

Councillor Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys thanked all the schools who took part in the challenge.

“Recycling batteries is good for the environment as this conserves resources and saves energy by reducing the need for new raw materials,” Explains Cllr Jackie.

“Batteries are made from recyclable metals including lead, cadmium, zinc, lithium and mercury. Each recycled battery is taken apart and the recovered materials used to make new batteries and other items, rather than being lost forever.

“Children are often real advocates for recycling, and it is heartening to see so many Powys pupils show such enthusiasm and commitment to this competition. Their willingness to collect batteries for recycling gives us hope that the future of our local environment is in the safe hands of the next generation.

“We would like to thank all the schools and pupils who took part in the competition which helped recycle over three tonnes of batteries. Of course, a special congratulations must go to Radnor Valley County Primary School for winning the competition.”

Jenny Turner, ERP UK’s Regional Account Manager, came along to meet the Eco Committee at Radnor Valley County Primary School and present the winning prize.  “ERP UK are delighted to see that schools continue to enthusiastically participate in the battery recycling competition. It was a pleasure to meet the children who helped their school collect the most batteries and hear them talk so enthusiastically about recycling. We are extremely proud of Powys’ recycling heroes and look forward to seeing how well they do in the next competition.”