Householders can bring a wide range of items to there Civic Recycling Facility or local bring to local centres for recycling and disposal. These facilities are generally for domestic use only and commercial waste is not accepted.

Recyclers can dispose of many different types of recyclable materials in just one visit but there may be a charge depending on the items. It’s best to check with your local centre to determine the cost and what will be accepted and recycled. A list of recycling centres in Dublin can be found here.

So what happens to the material once you bring it to your local recycling centre?

Glass Recycling

Glass bottles and jars are transformed into cullet in Ireland The cullet is sold to glass manufacturers as a raw material for new glass product like drinks bottles.

Before this happens, the glass needs to be collected and recycled. Remember, you should empty any liquid from your bottles and jars, remove any lids and caps and leave the labels (lids are mainly metal and can be recycled in the green bin). Please do not place broken plates, cups, saucers, pyrex or drinking containers into your local bottle banks. Just one teacup mixed with glass renders a whole load of mixed glass un-usable!

Did you know? Iron, copper or chromium are added to molten clear glass to produce green glass. Brown glass and green glass can only be recycled into glass products of the same colours. Green glass helps protects its contents from temperature changes and sunlight. Green glass is mostly used for food and drink products.

Plastics, Paper, Cardboard Recycling

Plastics, paper and cardboard are baled and sold to waste brokers on international markets. These balers are shipped to various destinations depending on market condition/price.

The actual recycling process involves sorting cardboard into different types. Once complete shredding is done to break down the cardboard paper fibres into minute pieces. Once shredded into pieces, it is mixed with water and chemicals to breakdown the paper fibres into pulp. The pulped material is then blended with new pulp, generally from wood chips that ultimately help the resulting substance to solidify after which contaminants like plastics and metals staples are removed. The pulp is de-inked after which it is blended with new production materials and put to dry

Fridges, Freezers Recycling

Fridges and Freezers are shipped to the United Kingdom and other countries in Europe where they are dismantled in a specialist factory which removes the hazardous gases from the fridges and freezers. Usable metals are segregated into ferrous and nonferrous metal fractions.

The metal fractions are put on the market for recycling through the smelting process. The ferrous smelting furnaces we use are producing mostly long products i.e. Rebar or reinforced steel. The nonferrous smelters produce anything from car engines to knives and forks!

E-Waste Recycling (WEEE)

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is e-waste equipment that is unused, broken or dated. It is important to dispose responsibly of any appliance that runs on electricity (or that contains electrical parts) in order to avoid causing damage to the environment.

Recycling e-waste involves transport, logistics, large recycling organisations and smaller specialist recyclers:

1. Recycling companies in Ireland currently export many items to countries that have more advanced recycling systems or that can extract components and reusable materials from the waste, e.g. fridge recycling.
2. Recovery facility recover metals and plastics by putting items such as small household appliances through shredders or mills (also known as fragmentizers).
3. Smaller recycling businesses may specialize for example in, computers and metals for safe recycling or component reuse, repair and refurbishment.

To learn more about e-waste recycling in Ireland you can watch this video

Green Waste Recycling

Green waste is biodegradable waste that can be composed of garden or park waste. It includes things like grass clippings, shrub and yard clippings, branches, woodchips, bark, wood, palm trees, branches, and weeds.

Green Waste is transported and recycled at a number of location across Ireland which is listed here It can be turned into compost or Christmas Trees can be chipped for mulch.

Paint Waste

Paint is sent to various facilities in Europe where the paint goes for recovery. For example, in one such facility, it is mixed to sawdust and then used as a fuel in industrial processes.

To recycle your paint, separate tins into two groups: water based paint and oil-based paint. Never mix the two kinds together because they have to be recycled separately. Also, if possible, the paints should be in their original containers, or at least clearly labeled for identification.

Oil-based paints are hazardous and should always be taken to your local paint recyclnig centre so they can be disposed of safely. Choose water-based paints where possible as these are less hazardous. Product choices are widening and there are more “Eco-Friendly” paint options now available. But small amounts and use the tin in full.

You might try  purchasing recovered paint for reuse at the rediscovery centre 

Bulky Waste

Bulk waste goes through a shredder that breaks the various elements in the bulky waste. This shredded material then goes through a series of screens and sorting mechanisms where the fractions that can be recycled are removed (wood, metal, aluminium, etc.). The other fraction is shredded further and turned into Refuse Derived Fuel – a combustible material used in cement kilns. A small portion cannot be used and for incineration.

Bulky waste can be domestic waste that is too big for your usual bin collection. Some bulky waste, such as good quality furniture can be donated to charity shops for re-sale or to help residents on low income. Some organisations may be able to come and collect those items for free or at a low cost. Examples of organisations include Age Action. Dublin City Council also operate a bulk waste collection service

About Recycle IT

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

During 2019 Recycle IT operated 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 batteries, computers, cables, monitors, kettles, microwaves and screens.

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dormant Accounts Fund, Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.

For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie

 

The Change!

Irish professionals will need to re-tool and upskill to meet the demands of Ireland’s transition to a more carbon-efficient and Circular Economy.

A circular economy will require a range of skills including trade and craft skills, such as upholstery, cabinet making, sewing, and general repairs, eco-design, green procurement, supply chain management, and remanufacturing.

Many of these skills have gone into decline so their return would see the creation of new jobs in communities all over Ireland. The event outlined below has a focus on getting started!

Jobs and Skills for a Circular Economy Event

The event will take place on 29th October held in Athlone Institute of Technology will explore the job opportunities a Circular Economy (with particular focus on reuse and repair) presents for Ireland and the skills base we need to develop in order to make the transition.

Featuring Duncan Stewart, Green Alliance, Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Rediscovery Centre, RecycleIT, CIWM, Nevin Economic Research Institute, Wisetek and more, Future Jobs and Skills promises to be an engaging event to kick off this important conversation.

Circular Economy

“As we move towards a circular economy, it’s not enough to focus on business opportunities and the changes businesses need to make. It is vitally important that we identify the types of jobs that will emerge and that we begin to build the required skills in rural areas and small towns so that the transition to a circular economy is a just transition that benefits communities all over Ireland,” says Joanne Rourke, Regional Resource Efficiency Officer for the Eastern Midlands Waste Management Office.

Claire Downey, Executive for CRNI, says “We can no longer follow this unsustainable ‘take, make and waste’ economic model that makes up the linear economy. At this event, we look forward to initiating the national conversation about the skills and training to build into educational curricula and professional development. This will enable the Irish workforce to deliver on a circular, inclusive and collaborative economy.”

Event Details

This free event will run in Athlone IT from 9.30am to 1.30pm To register please see the Eventbrite link here.

This event is supported by the Eastern Midlands Regional Waste Office, Chartered Institute of Waste Management, Community Reuse Network of Ireland, Athlone IT and Midlands Regional Skills Forum.

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview contact: Christine Costelloe, CRNI’s Funding and Communications Manager, at  Tel: 087 369 0396 or Email: christine@crni.ie

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning social 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 operated 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 batteries, computers, cables, monitors, kettles.  microwaves and screens.

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

For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie

Reuse Month 2019

Reuse Month is a nationwide initiative run throughout the month in October and is packed with events to help you explore what reuse and repair are all about and why they contribute to climate action and social inclusion.

We are delighted to share news on three flagship events being organized by CRNI in partnership with the Regional Waste Authorities.

• Sustainable style will ‘take-off’ at the Sligo Airport
• Circular and Social in Cork
• Future Jobs and Skills for a Circular Economy

You can read and learn more about these three events here. While on the webpage have a look at the reuse toolkits. They are designed to inspire individuals, communities and businesses to take action and reuse more.

More about Reuse Month

National Reuse Month is an annual initiative to raise awareness about the economic and environmental benefits of reusing everyday items and materials that would otherwise go to waste. Throughout October, there will be local and regional events all over Ireland to promote ways for families, businesses and communities to reuse. Donating, refurbishing and repairing items are all forms of reuse and offer people a chance to save or make money, get creative, learn a new skill and do their bit for the environment.

For example, you may have already reused by getting shoes resoled rather than replacing them or borrowing books from the library. To cut down on waste and greenhouse gas emissions, we asked everyone to go further in October and beyond by prioritizing repair, buying second hand and upcycled, borrowing, swapping and refilling.

Reuse initiatives reduce the volume of waste being discarded while also conserving natural resources, energy, and water. Reuse also offers significant economic benefits by creating jobs and boosting local economies.

Events and activities taking place during October for National Reuse Month include repair cafes, french polishing workshops, bicycle maintenance workshops, furniture revamping workshop, reuse and recycle displays, declutter workshop plus and many more.

For full details of events happening during National Reuse Month, check out your Local Authority’s website or www.crni.ie/events 

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning social enterprise providing a community, personal and business collection service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in Dublin and surrounding counties.

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, Dormant Accounts, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

 

Social Enterprise wins Friendly Business Award 2019

The Friendly Business Awards is operated and run by JCI Ireland to recognize the pivotal role small businesses play in their local community.

The Friendly Business Awards seek to recognize and celebrate those businesses that go the “extra mile” by continuing to enhance the customer experience without compromising on customer service.

As we live in challenging times for small businesses, the aim of the Friendly Business Awards is to celebrate the value small businesses bring to local communities every day and recognize those that excel in serving the needs of the local community and those who play a vital role in its development.

Process

Members of the public can nominate businesses in their locality across each of the categories listed below.  The person or person’s nominating will usually have had a number of good experiences and realize the value the business brings to the community they serve.

Categories:

• Community Impact
• Customer Care
• Digital Experience
• Disability Access
• Eco-Friendliness
• Age-Friendly
• Shop Layout and Design

These businesses are then assessed against a specific set of criteria for each category before being reviewed and adjudicated on by an expert panel. The local winners for each category were announced on the evening of Aug 28th, 2019 in the Mansion House, Dublin with Recycle IT delighted to be named as Eco-Friendliness Category Winner for Dublin.

Recycle IT believe this award can grow credibility, promote our brand and increase awareness of services offered. It will increase visibility for the organization, draw in new recyclers, enhance morale and confirm the value of our work amongst our staff team. As more people get to know we have been positively recognized for our recycling and environmental efforts it encourages customer loyalty and can increase recycling rates.

Over the last 18 months Recycle IT have recycled over 1000 tonnes of mixed electrical, electronic and metal items as well as upgraded our recycling facility to be increasing eco-friendly in the use of water and energy.

What Next 

Each JCI Branch then puts forward a shortlist of local winners to be considered for JCI Ireland National Friendly Business Awards, which will take place at the JCI Ireland National Convention taking place in Westport, Co Mayo between the 11th to the 13th of October 2019. This year the conference will be hosted by JCI Mayo.

The National Friendly Business Award entries will face a public vote & a judging panel prior to there section as a category winner. There will also be one lucky business selected as the overall JCI Ireland National Friendly Business for Ireland.

About JCI 

JCI (Junior Chamber International) is a non-profit organization and global network of young active citizens aged 18 to 40 from across the globe that is engaged and committed to creating an impact in their communities. JCI provides its members with training and leadership opportunities, networking, social events and projects in their local community, and the chance to develop themselves both professionally and personally.