Computers – the end-of-life options! 

Advanced hardware and software on computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones help quickly make IT equipment go out of date. The United Nations University (UNU) found that more than 44 million metric tonnes of electronic waste were generated globally in 2016, with just 20% documented as recycled. According to a 2019 UN report, Global e–waste production is on track to reach 120 million tonnes per year by 2050 – Time to act!

As technology continues to change it brings us faster and increasingly efficient models of computers. These new models are released replacing existing models. As you keep up with the latest technology, you likely have old computers. Old IT equipment can’t be disposed of with other waste and as they get older reuse gets harder!

If you plan to replace a computer, tablet or phone at home or in the office make sure you keep all the leads, discs and instruction manuals to allow easier reuse. Have a read below to learn more about reducing, repairing, reusing and recycling 

Reduce

• Use your current computer equipment for as long as possible.
• Prior to new purchases research, your IT needs. You should really know what you want from your computers, who will use the computer and for what purpose.
• This makes it easier to buy the right computer or laptop with the correct software installed. meaning the computer can serve your needs over a longer period.
• Check that your new computer can easily be upgraded without needing to be replaced.

Repair

• Get support with your IT challenges using online technical support groups.
• Find a computer shop or repair service close to you. A helpful link – repairmystuff.ie
• Take your computer or laptop back to the store where you bought it for warranty support.
• Once informed about choices, ask yourself; Is repair worthwhile?

Reuse

• Approach a local community group, preschool or school and ask if they could benefit from reusing the item.
• Offer a useful computer to a younger member of the family.
• Donate to a charity. Call before taking computers to a charity shop as not every shop can accept electrical/electronic equipment.
• Remove personal data and passwords safely prior to reuse.

Recycle

• Drop off your old computer to Recycle IT in Dublin for free and safe recycling.
• Place your laptop or tablet in a box and post it to Recycle IT for safe recycling.
• Have computers and all related equipment collected for recycling. (free or fee-based collections offered).
• Recycle your really old IT for component reuse.

Recycle IT – Creating Training and Jobs

Electronic items including computers which are too old to be refurbished and reused can be sent to Recycle IT at our Dublin-based electronic recycling facility.

IT equipment of all shapes and sizes is broken down for component parts and metal reuse. If more people, follow use this route to recycling our organization can increase its overall sustainability and efforts to recycle. For more information on computer recycling please click here

Choosing IT or computer recycling options through Recycle IT supports real jobs and training opportunities in our community and helps with safe environmentally friendly recycling in partnership with WEEE Ireland.  Please call our team on 01 4578321 to learn more!

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT  are an award-winning community enterprise providing recycling collection and drop-off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.

During 2018 Recycle IT offered to drop off and collection services to tens of thousands of homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and screens

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.