Author: JMCE

35 Reduce, Reuse Repurpose and Recycling Tips

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Go Green for Life

Recycling is an easy way to protect our environment and climate while ensuring the wellbeing of our community for the next generation. However, the success of recycling depends on the active participation of every member of the community including kids of all ages.

Homemade Bird Feeder

By everyone doing a little, we all can reduce the amount of waste that is deposited in the landfill or incinerated. Thinking about the reuse of materials made from recycled materials helps maintain the recycling circle and its part in the circular economy.

Reuse fosters creativity and innovation, encouraging individuals and communities to find inventive ways to extend the lifespan of products before finally recycling safely. Reuse promotes a culture of sustainability and responsible consumption, empowering people to make environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives

Eco-Friendly Reuse.

35 reuse and recycling tips

  1. Use both sides of the page when writing or drawing
  2. Give your kids or local schools part used printed paper for drawing
  3. Bring your food to school or work using a reusable tubs
  4. Books can be reused by donating them to libraries, schools, or community centers.
  5. Rent or hire school books and other school supplies (yearly reuse)
  6. Hire gardening tools that you only use occasionally
  7. Reclaim your plastic bottle deposit by recycling for reuse.
  8. Think about getting a sparkling water maker to reduce plastic bottles
  9. Make a bird feeder by reusing any medium size plastic bottles you have at home.  
  10. Opt for low-energy light bulbs
  11. Give your unwanted clothes a second life
  12. Reuse and repair as much as possible – shoes, clothes etc.
  13. Offer seasonal kids costumes to clothes to others as your kids grow!  
  14. Choose to buy bars of soap
  15. Choose long life or durable products e.g. reusable razors or ink pens
  16. Use rechargeable batteries in home appliances
  17. Avoid unnecessary purchasing of occasion products, e.g. Christmas, Easter
  18. Offer gifts, such as tickets for a show, sports event or concert leading to reduce material content
  19. Choose eco-friendly products – read the labels
  20. Buys product with less packaging
  21. Buy regularly use products in bulk, e.g. canned and jarred products.
  22. Reuse shopping bags
  23. Use refillable products e.g. coffee, loss tea
  24. Drink tap water from a reusable glass, cup or bottle
  25. Prepared food at home for picnics while reusing flasks, tubs, knives, forks, and reusable carry bags
  26. Choose fresh food rather than processed food, healthier and less packaging
  27. Bake cakes and muffins instead of buying! 
  28. Limited home and office printing, share files over email or file sharing tools e.g. dropbox
  29. Recycle ink cartridges – where you purchased your ink! 
  30. Bring a mug and glass to work to refill coffee, tea or water during the working day
  31. Approach office supply companies about purchasing used office equipment
  32. Cycle to work or college rather than taking the bus or car
  33. Car share where distances are longer and where public transport is not accessible.
  34. Take your uneaten food home from restaurants in a doggy bag.
  35. Composite garden cuttings to create a natural fertilizer

The 4 Rs

In Ireland and across Europe, the focus on the 3 R’s has increased over recent years As recovery of resources through, reduce, reuse, repurposing and recycling has increased it has become increasingly important for consumers to take ownership and steps themselves to ensure products purchases can be reused, repurposed or recycled using accessible and economically sustainable solutions.

Reuse In Ireland – Click here to go larger

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT offer recycling opportunities to home and business customers for all types of electronics equipment. AT Recycle IT, recycling is available using free, drop-off, free community collections or through a cost-effective personal or business collection. Our team will accept any old household or small office electrical items alongside all types of metal and electrical or rechargeable garden equipment.

Recycle IT as a social enterprise works in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office.

To learn more about recycling electrical equipment please call Recycle IT on 01 4578321, email us or visit www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT – Truck

Easter Packaging Control – We can do it!

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Family, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

Easter 2024

For the many families that celebrate Easter and for those who don’t we wish you all the best over the coming days. Easter is usually a time when families come together and enjoy good food, mark the end of Lent or simply make the most of a day or two off work with some gardening or rest.

One of the key message this Easter is “Reduce Packaging Waste” Choose Easter Eggs with little packaging or better still, consider alternative Easter gifts with less or repurposed packaging.

One simple alternative are homemade Easter bunny biscuits, you can test out. They would be valued gift for family and friends. Here is an easy Ballymaloe recipe you can try at home. Enjoy!

Easter bunny biscuits

The Occasion

Inevitably lots of food, drinks and snacks are bought some of which go to waste. Ireland produces over one million tonnes of food waste yearly, with approx. one-third collected from households. That is a lot of money wasted, and waste created.

The Irish EPA say Irish households threw away an estimated 218,000 tonnes of food (29% of the total) in 2021. This includes food waste collected in kerbside collections, brought to civic amenity sites and disposed of in home composters. Food waste costs the average Irish household about €60 per month or €700 per year. That’s an annual national cost of €1.29 billion. Would you burn €60.00 every month?

Photo by George Dolgikh on Pexels.com

While it’s important that we all eat well and stay healthy we can also take some steps to help reduce waste and save money starting with the introduction of mindfulness into our shopping!

The Steps

1: Think

As much as you can, think about what you buy this Easter. Consider reuse, repurposing or make your own food and gifts. Start with easter baskets full of chocolate-filled hot cross buns and mini homemade bunny biscuits .

2: Reduce

When buying Easter food, try to reduce the amount of packaging. You’re paying a premium for fancy packaging and cardboard boxes for the chocolate eggs.

Plans your Easter Sunday meal in advance, get portion sizes right and make use of the leftovers on Easter Monday. This can all reduce waste and save you money.

Photo by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels.com

3: Reuse

Look for products and packaging made from recycled paper and cardboard. Buy second-hand from charity op shops. Going for reusable alternatives over disposable single-use products can greatly reduce your waste footprint. (Real glass over paper cups).

4: Repurpose

Repurpose leftover boxes, containers or fruit punnets into kids’ art supplies or handy containers to hold pens or pencils. Get the family involved.

5: Recycle

Despite our best efforts, most of us will still end up with waste which should be separated and recycled safely. Holidays may be a great time to sit back and unwind, but recycling rules don’t change over a long weekend. Do your best and others will follow!

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop-off service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Recycle IT provide drop off and collection services to thousands of homes and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of laptops, computers, cookers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TVs.

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 in the Eastern-Midlands Waste Management Region.

Recycle IT – Truck

Visit our website for further details.

Circular Economy and My Social Enterprise Event – March 5th

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Local Enterprise Week 2024 Event

The event is being hosted as part of Dublin’s involvement in the European Commission’s: European Social Economy Regions – Project & Network and Dublin’s support of the implementation of the Transition Pathway for Proximity and Social Economy. The objective of the ESER project is to build networks of Social Economy actors, encourage collaboration and to raise awareness about the social economy at regional and local level. 

The event will focus on embedding the Circular Economy, the practical steps, examples and resources available for enterprises and social enterprises. There will be networking, panel discussion, presentation, Q&A and a fireside chat so a varied evening.

Focus on the social economy and circular economy.

The event will:

  • Highlight the overarching context (Social and circular economy trends, policies, updates), feature examples from social enterprises, circular economy enterprises and regular enterprises that have adopted sustainability / circular economy practices.
  • Promote resources and supports that can help enterprises and social enterprises to learn about, embed, enhance sustainability and circular economy practices in their operations etc. as well as key social enterprise resources including the Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards 2024.

The event will take place in the Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor’s Ln, The Liberties, Dublin 8 on Tuesday March 5th 2024 between 6pm and 9am. To learn more and book please click here.

Supporters

This event is taking place in partnership with CIRCULÉIRE as part of their focus on Circular Economy development in Local Enterprise week 2024.

The event is collaboratively hosted by Dublin City Council, LEO Dublin City, CIRCULÉIRE, Irish Manufacturing Research and the Dublin City Social Enterprise Committee with support from Guinness Enterprise Centre, EMWR Office, CRNI, Social Enterprise Dublin, Irish Social Enterprise Network, Dublin Place Brand, Dublin Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 and MODOS.

For information on local social and circular enterprises that you, your organisation or company can buy from and support, please see the SoCircular Brochure 

About Recycle IT

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

Over the last 20 year Recycle IT have happily offered safe electrical and electronic recycling services to households and small and medium size organisations across a range of sectors. We offer our services all over Dublin and in surrounding areas

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

Recycle IT Pakman Award Winner 2023

35 Easy Tips to Reduce and Save!

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Collections, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic Equipment, Family, Social Enterprise, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Going Greener – Making it Easy!

Recycling is an easy way to protect our environment and climate while ensuring the wellbeing of our community for the next generation. However, the success of recycling depends on the active participation of every member of the community including kids of all ages.

By everyone doing a little, we all can reduce the amount of waste that is deposited in the landfill or incinerated. Thinking about the reuse of items made from recycled materials helps maintain the recycling circle and its part in the circular economy.

Photo by Burak The Weekender on Pexels.com

We have listed 35 reuse and recycling tips – You might adapt some!

  • Use both sides of the page when writing or drawing.
  • Give your kids or local schools part used printed paper for drawing.
  • Bring your food to school or work using a reusable tub.
  • Rent or hire schoolbooks and supplies (reuse).
  • Hire gardening tools that you only use occasionally.
  • Make a bird feeder by reusing a medium size plastic bottle. 
  • Choose low-energy light bulbs at home and in the office.
  • Give your unwanted clothes a second life.
  • Reuse and repair as much as possible – shoes, clothes etc.
  • Offer seasonal kids costumes to clothes to others as your kids grow!  
  • Choose to buy bars of soap.
  • Choose long life or durable products e.g. reusable razors or ink pens.
  • Use rechargeable batteries in home appliances.
  • Avoid unnecessary purchasing of occasion products, e.g. Christmas, Easter
  • Offer gifts, such as tickets for a show, sports event or concert leading to reduce material content.
  • Choose eco-friendly products – read the labels.
  • Buys product with less or no packaging.
  • Buy regularly household products in bulk, e.g. canned and jarred products.
  • Reuse shopping bags.
  • Use refillable products e.g. pasta, rise, coffee, loss tea.
  • Drink taps water from reusable bottles.
  • Bring lunch to school, college, or work.
  • Prepared food at home for picnics while reusing flasks, tubs, knives, forks, and reusable carry bags.
  • Choose fresh food rather than processed food, healthier and less packaging.
  • Bake cakes and muffins instead of buying! 
  • Limited home and office printing, share files over email or file sharing tools e.g. Dropbox.
  • Recycle ink cartridges – where you purchased your ink! 
  • Bring a mug and glass to work to refill coffee, tea or water during the working day.
  • Approach office supply companies about purchasing used office equipment.
  • Cycle to work or college rather than taking the bus or car.
  • Car share where distances are longer and where public transport is not accessible.
  • Take your uneaten food home from restaurants in a doggy bag.
  • Composite garden cuttings and waste plant-based food to create a natural fertilizer.
  • Reuse school uniforms and junior football club kits – Kids grown fast!
  • Sort waste like plastics for reuse or safe recycling.
Photo by Krizjohn Rosales on Pexels.com

Reduce, Reuse, Repurposing and Recycling

In Ireland and across Europe, the focus on the 3 R’s has increased over recent years as recovery of resources through, reduce, reuse, repurposing and recycling has increased it has become increasingly important for consumers to take ownership and steps themselves to ensure products purchases can be reused, repurposed, or recycled using accessible and economically sustainable solutions.

Recycle IT – What we are doing?

Recycle IT offer electrical, electronic, and pure metal recycling services directly to people’s homes. We work with local area reps and residents associations to offer free residents recycling in estates in many areas of Dublin.

We encourage people to take advantage of this free drop off and cost-effective personal and business collections. We do offer and safely manage services to community groups, charity organisations, schools, and colleges so rest assured we have a service to match your needs.

Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels.com

By recycling your waste electrical and electronic equipment you help the environment and our organisation create training and employment opportunities that otherwise would not exist.

If you have questions or would like to arrange a personal collection from your home or business, please call 01 4578321 or email: info@recycleit.ie.  You can also visit our website to learn more about our work and our recent awards.

You can click here to read 15 recycling facts.

About Recycle IT

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

Over the last 20 year Recycle IT have happily offered safe electrical and electronic recycling services to households and small and medium size organisations across a range of sectors. We offer our services all over Dublin and in surrounding areas

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

Recycle IT Pakman Award Winner 2023

The Benefits of Metal Recycling

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

In the bustling city of Dublin, where progress meets tradition, there is a silent hero working towards a greener future – Recycle IT. This innovative recycling and collection service not only aids in environmental preservation through electrical, electronic, and metal recycling but also plays a pivotal role in creating valuable training and employment opportunities for the community.

Metal Table Frames

Change

Over the years, Ireland has witnessed the transformative power of recycling. The shift towards recycling metals safely has gained momentum as awareness grows about the environmental impact of mining and manufacturing raw materials. Recycling metal not only conserves natural resources but also significantly reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

In communities across Ireland, recycling has become more than just an environmental responsibility; it has evolved into a symbol of community strength and unity with people coming together to do more during their spare time. Recycle IT is trying to support this movement and contribute to the social fabric of Dublin by not only promoting sustainability but also fostering employment and skills development.

Metal Office Storage Units

Creating value

Recycle IT understands the importance of providing worthwhile training and employment opportunities to people distanced from the employment market. By incorporating real work opportunities into their recycling and collection service, the team have effectively turned a routine activity into a source of community empowerment. On the job training offered by Recycle IT equips individuals with the skills needed for various aspects of the recycling process, from customer service and collection to sorting and processing.

The value of metal recycling in Ireland goes beyond environmental conservation. It is a catalyst for positive change within communities, offering a chance for individuals to learn, grow, and contribute to a sustainable future. Recycle IT’s commitment to creating employment positions aligns with the broader vision of building resilient communities that can thrive in an eco-conscious world.

Metal Gate

Some facts

  • Worldwide steel is the most recycled metal, with an estimated 600 million tonnes re-cycled yearly.
  • Recycling metal is estimated to create 36 times more jobs than extracting new metal ores.
  • All scrap metal recycling is more environmentally friendly than extracting and processing new ore.
  • Recycling metal generates 97% LESS mining waste and uses 40% LESS water.
  • China is making over 1,000 million tonnes of steel a year with 25% made from recycled scrap steel.
  • Aluminium can be infinitely recycled, but 7 million tonnes of it is still wasted yearly.
  • Recycling aluminium uses 95% less energy than primary production and each recycled tonne of aluminium saves 14,000 kWh of energy, the energy needs of an average home for approx. three years.

Using income generated

One distinctive feature of Recycle IT is the decision not to offer payment for metals received. While some may initially question this approach, it stems from a strategic commitment to community development. Instead of focusing on monetary compensation, Recycle IT channels its resources into training programs and job creation, maximizing the positive impact on the environment and community.

Metal Radiators for Recycling

By not offering payment for metals, Recycle IT is able to invest more in its social initiatives, creating a ripple effect of benefits. The money saved from avoiding direct payments is redirected towards expanding training programs, improving infrastructure, and supporting community outreach efforts. This approach transforms the recycling process from a mere transaction to a dynamic force for positive change in Dublin.

In conclusion

The story of metal recycling in Ireland, particularly in Dublin, is a tale of environmental responsibility and community empowerment. Recycle IT wants to encourage sustainable practices, not only contributing to a greener future through metal recycling but also uplifting the community through training and employment opportunities.

The decision to forgo making payments for metals received for safe recycling reflects a strategic commitment to investing in people and the community. Recycle IT as a social enterprise is always striving for a more sustainable and socially conscious Dublin, achieved by working and acting together to make a real difference.

Metal Trampoline

About Recycle IT

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

Over the last 20 year Recycle IT have happily offered safe electrical and electronic recycling services to households and small and medium size organisations across a range of sectors. We offer our services all over Dublin and in surrounding areas

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

Recycle IT Pakman Award Winner 2023