Co Monaghan influencer and TV personality Kayleigh Trappe has lent her support to the launch of the 2026 Batteries for Barretstown Schools Challenge.
The scheme was launched by European Recycling Platform (ERP), Ireland’s only pan-European compliance scheme for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and waste batteries.
The local teacher, who featured on RTE's Dancing with the Stars is currently taking a break from the classroom.
Despite this, Kayleigh is calling on children from schools across Ireland to get involved in this year's initiative.
To kick off the campaign, the Co Monaghan native returned to her former school, St Mary's NS in Threemilehouse, where she encouraged students and families to give their used batteries a new purpose by collecting them as part of a wider spring clean effort.
The TikTok sensation also used the visit to remind everyone of the importance of proper battery disposal.
The Batteries for Barretstown Schools Challenge teaches students why it's important to collect used batteries for recycling - and reminds everyone of one simple rule: batteries never go in the bin! According to research, global demand for batteries is set to increase 14 times by 2030, with estimates suggesting that the EU could account for 17% of that demand alone.
Schools that register for the campaign will receive free recycling kits, including battery tubes, posters, reusable battery bags and stickers for recycling champions.
Free online educational resources are also available to support teachers in delivering lessons on the importance of battery recycling and its impact on the circular economy.
It's estimated that almost half of the batteries sold in Ireland still end up in landfill. When batteries are mixed in with regular waste, the valuable materials inside are not recovered. There have also been incidents where batteries or other e waste items have sparked small fires in bin trucks or at waste management facilities.
Speaking about the campaign, social media influencer and TV star Kayleigh Trappe said: "I am delighted to launch this year's Batteries for Barretstown Schools Challenge. As a former teacher, I love helping children learn about the importance of recycling batteries, and I'd encourage as many schools as possible to join in. And as everyone starts their spring- clean at home, don't forget to power positivity and never put batteries in the bin."
