Recycle to Read batteries campaign

Collect old batteries, earn books and inspire young minds to recycle smarter

Find your nearest recycling point

Join the Recycle to Read battery recycling initiative for schools

Recycle batteries, earn books, and inspire pupils to protect the planet

Millions of batteries are thrown away in general waste every year, where they can leak, cause fires, and harm the environment. The Recycle to Read initiative brings school battery recycling to life, helping pupils learn about sustainability while earning free books for their classroom or library.

 

Video thumbnail of the Wastebusters Recycle2Read video

What is Recycle to Read?

Recycle to Read is a national schools programme from WasteBuster, supported by Valpak, designed to make battery recycling simple, safe, and engaging.

Schools collect used household batteries and exchange them for books, turning everyday recycling into a fun learning opportunity. The more batteries your school recycles, the more books you can earn.

Watch WasteBuster’s video to discover what happens to batteries after collection and how your school’s efforts help the planet, and learn more about battery recycling and safe disposal.

How it works

Taking part is quick, easy, and completely free:

  1. Sign up your school
    Register to join the Recycle to Read initiative
  2. Receive your free campaign kit
    Get a collection box, campaign guide, posters, parent mail templates, and curriculum-linked lesson plans
  3. Run your campaign
    Encourage pupils and parents to bring used batteries from home
  4. Send in your full box
    Once it’s full, it will be collected and recycled safely
  5. Earn book rewards
    Your school collects points to exchange for brand-new books

Why take part?

  • Make a real difference: Reduce waste and help protect the environment
  • Earn free books: Reward pupils while promoting positive recycling habits
  • Curriculum-linked resources: Access educational materials, posters, and assemblies
  • Build community involvement: Bring together pupils, parents, and teachers around a shared environmental goal

 

Valpak is supporting us to provide resources that can educate, inspire and empower over 23,000 schools and 5 million children in our free environmental education programme. It is fantastic to see the difference this programme is making.

Katy Newnham

Director, WasteBuster