Nearly 100 schools participated in the challenge and collected over 2,000 kg of used batteries to be safely processed and reintroduced into the circular economy, tackling the challenge of improper disposal in landfills
Sharjah, UAE, 18 November 2024 – BEEAH and Duracell proudly hosted the finale of the 5th edition of The Great Battery Challenge at BEEAH’s state-of-the-art headquarters, where participating schools collected over 2,000 kilograms of used batteries that will be processed and reintroduced into the circular economy. Delivered by BEEAH’s Academy of Sustainability programme and in partnership with Duracell, The Great Battery Challenge is an annual, highly anticipated competition in its fifth year running, engaging students and schools in positive environmental change.
This year’s edition saw strong participation, with 91 schools from across the UAE joining the initiative to collect and recycle used batteries. Special collection bins were distributed to participating schools, and together, the schools collected over 2,063 kg of used batteries, which is guaranteed to be safely processed. The Great Battery Challenge aims to raise awareness and inspire action to tackle the challenge of improper battery disposal, which can lead to toxic chemicals leaking into the natural environment, including soil and water bodies, posing health hazards.
During the finale event, a total of nine schools were awarded for their positive contributions to circularity. Three schools each, from the small, mid-size, and large categories, were awarded based on the most batteries collected by weight.
1st Place
Small Schools: Al Noor International Private School Sharjah
Mid-Size Schools: Al Hijra School, Kalba Sharjah
Large Schools: India International School Sharjah
2nd Place
Small Schools: Al Nouf School Cycle 2 Sharjah
Mid-Size Schools: Zayed Educational Complex Fujairah
Large Schools: Gulf Asian English School Sharjah
3rd Place
Small Schools: Al Qarya School Cycle 1 Sharjah
Mid-Size Schools: Al Sahwa School Cycle 2 + 3, Nazwa Sharjah
Large Schools: Pakistan Islamia Higher Secondary School Sharjah
Speaking at the competition finale, Hind Al Huwaidi, Chief Executive Development Officer at BEEAH, addressed the audience, saying, “The continued popularity of The Great Battery Challenge is underscored by our strong partnership with Duracell for six continuous years, and the increasing awareness among schools on the importance of engaging students and teachers in taking small but impactful steps towards circularity and positive climate action. This challenge is also shaping inspired youth into ambassadors for the environment, who can play their part in making a zero-waste to landfill future a reality. Through the partnership between BEEAH and Duracell, and the platform of the Academy of Sustainability programme, we look forward to increased participation in this challenge in the coming years.”
The Great Battery Challenge has seen steady increase in interest over time, from its beginnings as a competition based in Sharjah, to now attracting around 130 schools from across the UAE every single year. In just five years, the competition has collected nearly 10,000 kilograms of used batteries, which are processed and reintroduced into the circular economy, ensuring they don’t end up in landfills due to improper disposal. The competition, organised and delivered by the Academy of Sustainability, is aligned with BEEAH’s commitment to achieving a zero-waste to landfill future. The competition complements BEEAH’s integrated waste management, recycling and waste-to-energy ecosystem, which has so far enabled an over 90% landfill diversion rate in Sharjah, one of the highest in the world.
Nihan Belik Guneri, General Manager Asia/Middle East at Duracell added, “Duracell is honoured to partner with BEEAH on The Great Battery Challenge, an innovative campaign that encourages students throughout the UAE to engage in responsible battery recycling and undertake significant environmental actions. We believe that educating youth about circular practices is crucial for a healthier future. Together with BEEAH, we are dedicated to expanding this impactful initiative to further promote sustainable practices within the community.”
Looking ahead, the competition is set to expand participation further for its sixth edition in 2025. For more information about The Great Battery Challenge and to register for the 2025 edition, please visit Competitions | Academy of Sustainability or contact us at contact@academyofsustainability.com.
