16 batteries per person in Carlow and 13 in Kilkenny were saved from landfill last year.
Data from WEEE Ireland shows Ireland achieved a 46% battery recycling rate in 2021, reaching its EU directive obligations.
Carlow was above the national trend of 15 per person with a recycling rate of 16 batteries.
Kilkenny was just below average at 13.
A survey of 1,000 people, conducted online by Empathy Research, reveals that 28% of people are unaware that batteries contain valuable resources which can be used again.
Over 55’s are the most eco-conscious, with just 9% binning batteries – the lowest of all age categories – while 81% know they contain valuable materials.
Only 2% of over 55’s hoard them, but this rises to 26% for 18-34 year olds.
Data across all age groups shows a total of 16% of the population binning and 6% hoarding batteries.
While the vast majority who do recycle them, use retailers (47%), recycling centres (17%), WEEE Ireland collection events (16%) and local schools (11%).
