CCBC Schools Recycle Nearly 800kg of Batteries

Schools across Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) have charged ahead in the fight against waste, recycling nearly 800kg of used batteries.

This impressive total comes from schools participating in the annual School Battery Recycling Competition, saving 792.6kg of used batteries from the waste stream — that’s roughly the weight of a Highland bull!

The initiative, hosted by CCBC’s Waste and Recycling Team in partnership with the European Recycling Platform UK (ERP) encourages pupils, parents, and staff to collect and recycle domestic batteries throughout the school year.

The competition splits schools into small, medium, and large categories, with prizes awarded to the top recyclers in each group. This year’s overall winner and 1st place in the small school category was Llanfabon Infants, who alone recycled an incredible 330kg of batteries!

Other winning schools included:

• Glyn Gaer Primary
• Ystrad Mynach Primary
• Cwmaber Junior
• Pengam Primary
• Ty Sign Primary School

The competition aims to help the county meet its recycling targets, reduce waste and carbon emissions, and most importantly, inspire the next generation to think green.

Cllr Chris Morgan, Cabinet Member responsible for waste and recycling said: “Congratulations to all winners of this year’s battery recycling competition and well done to all pupils, parents and staff who have been involved in helping to collect and recycle a staggering number of batteries again this year!”

The competition will return for the 2025/2026 school year, with participating schools receiving a free battery collection box. Pupils will be encouraged to bring in batteries from home—including AA, AAA, button cells, tool power packs, and mobile/laptop batteries. Winners will be those who collect the most by weight, proportionate to school size, and will receive exciting prizes.

For more information on CCBC’s recycling and reuse services, visit: www.caerphilly.gov.uk/services/household-waste-and-recycling