Chittenden County Students Divert Four Tons of Batteries from Landfills

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.

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.