25 million used batteries were recycled last year thanks to WEEE Ireland’s ‘Spread a Little Sunshine’ campaign, which saw used batteries collected in retail outlets, offices and schools.
The recycling compliance scheme, which began in Wicklow in 2012, raised €90,000 by promising a contribution to LauraLynn’s Children’s Hospice for every battery returned.
The scheme used television puppet Bosco to appeal to children and according WEEE Ireland’s research households with children are more likely to recycle batteries than those without children.
The 25 million 532 tonnes of batteries recycled last year saw an increase of 3 million in the amount of batteries recycled. Ireland’s take back rate is now 35%, an increase of 5% on last year. The EU has legislated that all its countries should have a take back rate of 45% by the end of 2015.
Elizabeth O’Reilly, WEEE Ireland, said: "We want to thank everyone who helped us to reach this target and want to recycle even more in 2014 and beyond so that we can further help this incredibly worthwhile cause while helping Ireland meet its EU battery recycling targets.”
All money raised from the Spread a Little Sunshine campaign will go toward the upkeep and development of the hospice, which requires €2.4 million to operate annually.
