Local Limerick students lead on e-waste recycling project

A LIMERICK secondary school has been announced as the winner of the Battery & WEEE Champion Award at the Repak Resource Awards 2025.

The Ireland National Environmental Awards was held at The Shelbourne Hotel and brought together leaders from across Ireland’s business, environmental, and community sectors to celebrate the positive impact of environmental initiatives nationwide.

Castletroy College was honoured with the Battery & WEEE Champion Award, on Tuesday October 28.

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They partnered with the University of Limerick and WEEE Ireland on the E-Mining@School project, teaching 220 second year students across five subjects about urban mining, sustainability, and the circular economy, with smartphones used as a central learning tool.

The initiative culminated in the school’s 5th WEEE collection event in April 2025, where students led awareness campaigns and collected over 12 tonnes of e-waste and batteries, an 18% increase on previous years.

By combining education, direct action, and community engagement, students became ambassadors for recycling, influencing households, local organisations, and the wider community to adopt more sustainable practices.

The project has now grown into an annual event, embedding recycling and sustainability into the school’s culture and community.

Speaking about Castletroy College’s recent win Repak CEO, Zoe Kavanagh said, “We are delighted to recognise Castletroy College as this year’s winner of the Battery & WEEE Champion Award.

“Their innovative E-Mining@School project is an inspiring example of how education and community engagement can drive environmental impact,” said Zoe.

The Repak Resource Awards, are Ireland’s National Environmental Awards and recognise exceptional achievements in waste prevention, recycling, reuse, and circular design.