Battery Recycling Contest Inspires Students to Promote Sustainability and Recover Valuable Materials
ATLANTA, Ga. — Call2Recycle, the nation’s largest consumer battery stewardship and collection program, is partnering with the Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) and Earth Rangers to host a battery collection contest for schools across Vermont. The Battery Blitz School Mission combines environmental action with friendly competition to bring together young students, teachers, and community members with the united act of collecting and recycling used batteries from home and school. The contest begins on January 20, 2025, and runs until February 18, 2025.
As of July 1, 2024, all batteries are banned from the landfill in Vermont. The Battery Blitz School Mission aims to raise awareness about the impact of battery waste on the environment. Batteries that aren’t properly recycled can leak toxic materials, endangering local wildlife and ecosystems. By collecting used batteries—whether single-use or rechargeable and under 11 pounds—students and community members can help protect their environment and waterways all while recovering valuable materials that can be reused in creating new products like batteries, golf clubs, and stainless steel cookware.
“This contest is about more than just recycling,” said Leo Raudys, President & CEO of Call2Recycle. “By participating in this mission, students are stepping into the role of environmental stewards and learning how a circular economy works. Small actions like battery recycling keep hazardous materials out of the environment and show students how valuable materials can be continuously repurposed. We hope this program inspires the next generation to carry these practices forward.”
“The collaboration between CSWD, Call2Recycle, and Earth Rangers underscores our unwavering commitment to exploring innovative solutions that make it easier for our community to recycle responsibly and manage waste effectively,” said Sarah Reeves, CSWD Executive Director. “By joining forces, we’re not only addressing critical environmental challenges but also empowering students to be active participants in protecting our planet for future generations.”
Responses from a survey of Vermont schools showed that 96 percent of students currently recycle paper, plastic bottles, and metal cans, but only half recognize the importance of recycling batteries. Additionally, students expressed interest in learning more about environmental issues, recycling, and batteries specifically.
81 percent of teachers also noted that their students are “very interested” in environmental topics, with many incorporating sustainability into their daily lessons. “I believe that part of my job as a teacher is to teach my students how to be Global Citizens,” said a teacher from Underhill Central School. “Part of being a Global Citizen is learning how to be an Earth keeper. The Battery Blitz Challenge will teach my students a lifelong skill of how to properly dispose of, recycle, and reuse items that are used on a daily basis. I hope that all of my students spread their knowledge with others!”
Participating schools will receive battery collection boxes, and students will be encouraged to bring in their used batteries from home, including those found in power tools, video game consoles, digital and video cameras, and watches. For safety, families are asked to place batteries in a clear plastic bag or cover the battery terminals with tape (electrical, duct, or packing) to prevent sparks during transport. More information on safe handling can be found at bit.ly/3P4eSNv.
At the end of the collection period, all batteries will be weighed, and the schools with the most batteries collected by weight will win cash prizes. The top-performing team or class from each school will also enjoy a pizza party to celebrate their hard work and dedication to recycling.
Participating schools include Shelburne Community School, Underhill Central School, Williston Central School, Thomas Fleming School, Champlain Elementary School, Browns River Middle School, and C.P. Smith Elementary School. Winners will be announced in mid-March or April 2025 after the final weigh-in, with follow-up surveys for teachers to gather insights that will guide future environmental initiatives.
The Battery Blitz School Mission inspires teamwork, fosters community, and empowers students to take actionable steps toward a sustainable planet. By making battery recycling fun and educational, this contest aims to inspire lifelong habits in environmental stewardship among Vermont’s youth.
For more information on the Battery Blitz School Mission Contest, visit bit.ly/3UTrmKt.
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Call2Recycle, the nation’s leading battery recycling nonprofit and stewardship program, is committed to protecting the environment and fostering a circular economy by facilitating the recycling and end-of-life management of batteries that power our everyday lives. With more than 30 years of experience collaborating with state regulators, manufacturers, and the recycling industry, Call2Recycle strives to make battery recycling convenient and accessible for all U.S. consumers. Learn more at call2recycle.org and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
The Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) is a municipality created by member Towns and Cities to reduce and manage the solid waste generated within Chittenden County in an environmentally sound, efficient, effective, and economical manner.
For more information, contact:
Call2Recycle Contact: Dori Mendel – [email protected] – Marketing Contact: 404-804-2446
CSWD Contact: Beth Parent – [email protected] – 301-602-6693
Media Contact: Sophia White – [email protected] – 802-578-2776
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