MORE than 50 tonnes worth of car batteries per year has been saved from landfill in the last

14 years thanks to a recycling initiative launched by Battery World Ipswich.

Every year, as many as 18,000 tonnes of batteries make their way into landfill, but Battery World Ipswich franchise partner Ruthie Farrar said her team took the war on waste very seriously.

“We take immense pride in our community, and we work hard to keep it clean and safe for future generations,” she said.

Since 2009, Ruthie, her husband Howdie, and the Ipswich team have consistently recycled a tonne of batteries a week. This has resulted in a mammoth fundraising effort that has earnt them more than $350,000 through the recycling program.

“When we initiated the program 14 years ago, it was driven purely by our love for the community,” Mrs Farrar said.

“We never anticipated it being such a tremendous success.

Mrs Farrar said most of the money earned through the recycling program went back into supporting local initiatives.

She said her team’s involvement in the flood appeal was a standout. The franchise raised more than $5,000 to assist a family whose house had been severely damaged.

“Witnessing the sheer gratitude on the faces of the family when we presented them with the funds was truly priceless,” she said.

The Farrars have supported more than 15 local groups and sporting teams over the years, including Western Pride Football Club, Ipswich Girl’s Grammar School, West Bremer Radio, Ipswich Hospice Care, Ipswich Relay for Life, Ipswich Symphony Orchestra and support fundraising for Cupcake Inc cancer charity.