SMS Truly an Odyssey of Phoenixes When Caring for Planet Earth! Battery Contest Results – Over 1500 lbs. of Batteries for Recycling

Did you know that a large group of phoenixes is called an odyssey?Did you realize that a small group of phoenixes is called a venture?Well, today’s Battery recycling challenge, hosted by Mme Vezina’s Grade 6/7 class, has confirmed that SMS must truly be a full-fledged Odyssey in every way! 

In spirit, in community mind set, and in perseverance, SMS students, staff and families have stepped up to make a difference, even during this unusual time. Staff and students first embraced this contest with a plan to be proactive in addressing a local environmental issue that can affect everyone. Together as a thoughtful team of young scientists, activists and learners, the students have collected over 1500 pounds of used batteries. This 1500 lbs. of batteries will not go to the local landfill and we are celebrating.  We know this took a lot of parental support and we appreciate your help with this awesome effort!

Why is recycling batteries so important anyway?

Here is what we have found out here at SMS:

1) Batteries decay & rot! Batteries begin to rot in landfill sites quite quickly. The chemicals leak into the ground, which cause soil and water pollution. When chemicals contaminate soil and water then animals, humans and the environment can be seriously harmed.

2) Batteries can catch fire! If we send our batteries out in the trash they can cause a fire in the truck or in the landfill. Of course, landfill fires can cause serious large scale air pollution. By recycling our batteries through a battery recycler, we can avoid this fire risk for our community.

3) There are expensive materials in batteries!Recycling our batteries reduces the need for raw materials and conserves resources. Battery production relies on materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt. The iron in all battery types is recovered to make new goods. The cadmium recovered from nickel-cadmium batteries is used to make new batteries. The nickel in nickel-metal hydride batteries is recovered to make steel. Cobalt, nickel, and copper can be recovered from lithium batteries.

Congratulations everyone!

I am proud to be part of this caring community:)

Kind regards,

Sydney Griffith

Principal