A nation-wide initiative to encourage more battery recycling has recently been launched in Ireland. This follows a survey that found 90% of Irish people were unaware that irresponsible disposal of batteries may have negative environmental consequences.
The scheme will be facilitated by compliance schemes WEEE Ireland and the European Recycling Platform, through their extensive network of battery collection boxes in retail outlets, recycling centres and other collection points.
Estimates reveal that if each person in Ireland were to bring just one battery back for recycling to their retailer, even without purchasing new ones, or to their local recycling centre, 100 tonnes would be diverted from landfill.
Speaking at the campaign’s launch, Environment Minister Phil Hogan said: “Ireland has a strong reputation among its European neighbours for being environmentally aware but we can certainly do more when it comes to the responsible recycling of batteries.
“Considering the negative impact that waste batteries has on the environment if disposed of incorrectly, it is concerning that such a high percentage is still being sent to landfill.”