Drinking Coffee

In 2021, research by Bewley’s revealed that 78% of adults drink coffee every day. The average number of daily cups stands at 3 cups per adult with 55% of coffee drinkers enjoying a morning coffee most.

The research also indicates that younger coffee drinkers (18-24) enjoy coffee for more than just the taste with two-thirds (66%) saying it makes them feel grown-up and sophisticated.

The Americano was voted Ireland’s favourite coffee and when it comes to preparing coffee at home 48% of us like using a coffee machine.

On the downside, coffee pods used in home coffee machines can be a significant contributor to waste and pollution if not handled correctly. Saving each pod for recycling allows the metal, plastic and actual coffee to be reused for good. To learn more about coffee pod recycling, click here – many pod makers offer takeback or recycling schemes

The Coffee Machine

Over recent times, there has been a lot of discussion about the impact of coffee on the environment, but little about how coffee drinkers can dispose of their household and office coffee machine once it’s poured its last Caffè Americano!

As you know electronics waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. E-waste generation has increased by 60% between 2010 and 2019. Globally, over 50 million tons of e-waste is generated each year, and by 2030, that number will grow to approx. 75 million tons.

With a focus on reuse and repair, we can help reduce the number of electronic items ending up in the bin including old coffee machines. If repair for reuse is not an option, safe recycling is next best.

Recycling

Some manufacturers will accept the coffee machine back if you are purchasing another. Retailers will also take coffee machines for recycling, or they can be dropped off at recycling centres as electrical equipment.

It is worth noting electronics equipment of all types including coffee machines can be complex and include a mix of plastics, glass, and metals. These materials must be handled carefully to avoid releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. Recycle IT as part of Ireland’s WEEE compliance scheme aims to safely recover valuable/reusable parts within electrical and electronic waste for recycling and reuse.

Recycle IT is happy to accept old coffee machines from homes and businesses in Dublin and surrounding areas. They can be cost-effectively collected for safe recycling After the breakdown, materials are separated and will go for reuse in new products. Households can also drop off domestic coffee machines at no cost.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning, not-for-profit, social enterprise established to create training, and employment and promote environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. We work in partnership with WEEE Ireland and have been authorized by your local authority to provide electrical, electronic and pure metal recycling collections across Dublin since 2007. Recycle IT is fully compliant with WEEE Recycling Requirements and permit details are available here.

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.