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The winners of a council-run recycling competition for primary schools have been crowned.

Llanfabon Infants School, in Nelson, recycled an impressive 203.4kg worth of batteries over the 2023/24 academic year – with schools across the borough recycling a combined 1,746kg; which is heavier than the average blue whale.

Llanfabon won the small schools category, as well as winning the overall competition.

Runners up were Fochriw Primary, while and Tŷ Isaf Infants and Nursery, in Risca, came third.

Meanwhile, Gilfach Fargoed Primary won the medium schools category, while Plasyfelin School, in Caerphilly, won the large schools category.

The aim of the competition, which the council runs alongside the European Recycling Platform UK (ERP), is to cut waste and carbon emissions and inspire the next generation to recycle more.

It’s also aimed at helping the borough meet Welsh Government recycling targets. For the 12 months to March 2024, Caerphilly was recycling 60.2% of its waste, the second-lowest rate in Wales.

Cllr Chris Morgan, cabinet member for waste, said: “Congratulations to the pupils of Llanfabon Primary School for their efforts in recycling so many batteries this term. They are worthy winners of this year’s school recycling competition and are an example to follow.

“Thank you to our partners ERP who have been supporting this initiative for many years and championing the message of managing waste more sustainably.”

The council has confirmed the competition will be running again in 2025.