The Battery Network, in partnership with the聽Chittenden Solid 黑料网 District (CSWD), today announced the winners of Battery Bonanza, a school-based battery recycling contest that engaged students across Chittenden County in learning about battery safety, environmental responsibility and proper recycling practices.
Held from April 6-17, 2026, Battery Bonanza brought together 15 schools from across Chittenden County in a friendly competition to collect and recycle used household batteries. Through classroom education and hands-on participation, students learned about different battery types, the importance of safe battery handling, and the role battery recycling plays in protecting communities and the environment.
Collectively, participating schools recycled more than 9,000 pounds of batteries during the two-week contest. The first-place winner was Westford Elementary School collecting an impressive 3,268 pounds on its own.
Contest Participants:
- Westford Elementary School
- South Burlington High School
- Colchester High School
- Saint Francis Xavier
- Lake Champlain Waldorf School
- Camels Hump Middle School
- Essex Middle School
- Browns River Middle School
- Champlain Elementary School
- Rock Point School
- Underhill Central School
- The Schoolhouse
- Tamim Academy of VT
- JJ Flynn Elementary School
- Edmunds Middle School
Battery Bonanza builds on the success of previous student battery recycling initiatives in Vermont and reflects a shared commitment among educators, students and community partners to advance environmental stewardship through education and action.
“Battery Bonanza demonstrates the powerful impact students can have when they’re equipped with the knowledge and tools to make a difference,” said Leo Raudys, president and CEO of The Battery Network. “Collecting over 9,000 pounds of batteries in just two weeks is an incredible achievement and a testament to the enthusiasm of students, teachers and families across Chittenden County. Beyond the pounds collected, this program helps build lifelong habits around battery safety and recycling that benefit entire communities.”
“We’re delighted by the enthusiasm shown by students, schools, and the wider community in the Battery Bonanza,” said CSWD Executive Director Sarah Reeves. “This true community competition sparked excitement both in the classroom and beyond, and shows that by working together we can cut waste, conserve resources, and build a cleaner, greener community for future generations.”