Westford Elementary School led the initiative, securing first place by collecting 3,268 pounds of batteries alone. The program engaged students from a diverse group of institutions, including South Burlington High School, Colchester High School, and the Lake Champlain Waldorf School, tasking them with both classroom education on battery chemistry and the hands-on collection of discarded power sources.
Chittenden County Students Divert Four Tons of Batteries from Landfills
Fifteen schools across Chittenden County gathered more than 9,000 pounds of used household batteries in a two-week recycling sprint this April. The Battery Bonanza competition, organized by The Battery Network and the Chittenden Solid Waste District, aimed to teach students about environmental stewardship and the hazards of improper battery disposal.
Leo Raudys, president and CEO of The Battery Network, highlighted the impact of the initiative, noting that the volume collected in such a short window underscores the potential for youth-led environmental action. Sarah Reeves, executive director of the Chittenden Solid Waste District, added that the competition fostered a community-wide effort to reduce waste and conserve resources. As household reliance on batteries grows, officials emphasize that these programs are vital for recovering valuable materials and mitigating fire risks associated with improper disposal.
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