How do we dispose of IT Equipment?

In 2022, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) published its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Household Survey.

They asked survey respondents how they had disposed of their most recently disposed of/replaced ICT device. The types of ICT devices is broad and includes laptops, tablets, mobile phones, smartphones, desktop computer, console, printer, speaker, camera, etc. They also asked what factors influence their purchase of devices.

Some Survey Results

Six in ten (62%) internet users said that their most recently disposed of mobile phone or smartphone is still at home. This old phone is either out of use or is being used by another person in the household.

The survey also reports one in six (16%) had sold their old phones or given it to someone outside the household.

Almost one in eight (13%) internet users had disposed of their most recently disposed of/replaced mobile phone or smartphone at an electronic waste collection/recycling.

When it comes to laptops, one in seven (15%) disposed of their laptop or tablet using a WEEE recycling/e-waste collection point.

Nearly half (47%) said that the old laptop or tablet was still at home, either not being used or being used by someone else in the house, and over one in ten (11%) had sold it or given it away.

Desktop computers tend to be less frequently replaced. Over half (53%) of respondents said that they had never replaced their desktop PC. This compares with just over one in five (21%) internet users who have never replaced their laptop or tablet and have always used the same one.

When buying a ICT equipment, eco design of the device was only important for one in eight (12%) internet users.  The eco design of an ICT device relates to how sustainable it is. It includes its durability, does it have an easily upgradable or repairable design that require fewer materials, are environmentally friendly materials used for packaging and is it designed for a longer life.

What Next?

At the end of long and useful life all ICT equipment should be safely disposed off. The alternative is hoarding which means keeping things that have outlived their usefulness or are no longer helpful in your daily life.

Today most homes have a smartphone or four, a laptop as well a PC, games console, two TVs, and wireless hubs that help you and your family with work and/or entertainment. These devices are recently acquired— but are you keeping the older, outdated equipment you don’t need!  

At the end of their life, all household and office ICT products require careful handing and treatment in order to ensure the recovery and reuse of their components or safe disposal of those parts which cannot be recycled.

Safe Recycling

There are free household Waste Electrical and Electronic (WEEE) recycling/e-waste collection points in most towns across Ireland. Recycle IT is one such location which offers a range of safe and secure value-add services for ICT equipment.

Its better to make sure no personal data is left on your old computers, laptops, smartphones, tablet or any other devices. Id there is data stores on your equipment, you might consider using deletion software, or asking an organisation like Recycle IT to safely and cost effectively destroy the data store beyond reuse.

Other recyclng options including returning old devices, to a retailer. The retailer take-back system is free. It operates on a one-for-one and like-for-like basis – the appliance you are returning must be of a similar type or perform the same function as the one you are buying

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, is an award-winning social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop off and collection. Recycling services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and South Dublin County Council.

Recycle IT is supported by Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across the east midlands waste region.

Our goal is to create training and employment opportunities through the provision of waste management services. Surplus earned income is reinvested in operational, and employment-related costs.

For more information on Recycle IT please call 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit our website http://www.recycleit.ie