Shortlisted – South Dublin County Business Awards 2024

On October 1, 2024 By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Delight

Recycle IT is thrilled to be shortlisted for the South Dublin County Business Awards 2024. This recognition means a lot to the organisation, as it highlights the positive impact of our work in the community. As a small, not-for-profit organisation, we focus on recycling electronic waste (e-waste) while offering valuable training and employment opportunities to people who might face challenges finding work.

Being shortlisted for this award gives Recycle IT an important boost. It raises awareness of our mission and lets more people know about the services we provide. This increased visibility can help us attract more household customers, partnerships, and trade with businesses, which is essential for the growth and sustainability of our initiatives. Awards like this one can also strengthen our reputation, making it easier to secure funding or grants that help us continue our work.

Value

For a small organisation like Recycle IT, an award can also boost morale among staff and trainees. It recognises the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, motivating them to keep pushing forward and improving our services. Additionally, the award highlights the environmental benefits of e-waste recycling, encouraging others to recycle responsibly and reduce waste.

Opportunity

In the long term, the recognition from being shortlisted can open doors to new opportunities. It may lead to increased partnerships with other businesses or community groups, which can help expand our training and employment initiatives. These opportunities can positively impact even more people in the local area, helping them gain skills and work experience while supporting a cleaner, greener environment.

The Awards Event will take place on Thursday 10th October in the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght D24. Wish us luck!

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.

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

Free Household Recycling Event – D24

On September 24, 2024September 24, 2024 By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Event News

Recycle IT and South Dublin County Council are teaming up to host a special recycling event on Saturday, September 28th, 2024. This drop-off event will take place at the South Dublin County Hall carpark from 10am to 1pm. For directions to the location, please click here.

Mattress and Hazardous Liquid

During this event, you’ll have the opportunity to recycle a variety of household items, including old mattresses, electrical appliances (WEEE), and household hazardous liquids. This is a perfect chance to get rid of items that can’t be thrown in your regular waste bin, helping you do your part to protect the environment. Hazardous liquids such as paints, oils, or cleaning products should be handled with care, and this event makes it easy to dispose of them safely.

Please note that after this event on Saturday Sept 28th, Recycle IT will no longer accept mattresses for free recycling. This makes the September 28th event a great opportunity to dispose of your old mattress at no extra cost. After the deadline, charges may apply for mattress disposal, so take advantage of this free service while you can.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Electrical waste, also known as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), includes items like old computers, phones, kitchen appliances, and other devices that run on electricity. Recycling these items helps recover valuable materials and reduces harmful waste.

So, mark your calendar for this important recycling event and gather any items you’d like to drop off. It’s a convenient, eco-friendly way to safely dispose of mattresses, hazardous liquids, and electronic waste!

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

International E-Waste Day 2024

On September 18, 2024 By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Join the E-Waste Hunt – Retrieve, Recycle, Revive!

Recycle IT is offering free community electrical recycling collections to residents in Dublin housing estates to celebrate International E-Waste Day on October 14, 2024. This year’s slogan is “Join the E-Waste Hunt – Retrieve, Recycle, and Revive!” The aim is to encourage people to search their homes for old or unused electronics and give them a new life through recycling. Many people keep old devices tucked away, not realizing that these items contain valuable materials that could be reused.

International E-Waste Day is an annual event that raises awareness about the importance of recycling electronic waste, or e-waste. E-waste includes items like old phones, broken computers, unused TVs, and other electronic devices. When not disposed of correctly, these items can harm the environment, but when recycled, they can provide materials like copper, aluminum, and even precious metals like gold. By recycling, these materials can be recovered and reused to create new products, reducing waste and the need for mining more raw materials.

Last year, 195 organizations from 55 countries across six continents took part in International E-Waste Day, with many more participating through activities, news reports, and online campaigns. This year, Recycle IT is doing its part by offering Dublin residents the opportunity to easily and safely dispose of their old electronics. Instead of letting these items gather dust in attics or cupboards, people can now recycle them for free, knowing they will be handled responsibly.

Responsible Electrical Waste Recycling

The slogan “Join the E-Waste Hunt – Retrieve, Recycle, and Revive!” encourages people to actively seek out the unused electronics hiding in their homes. Many of these devices contain valuable parts that can be refurbished, repaired, or recycled to make new products. This reduces the need for new raw materials and helps the environment by cutting down on waste and pollution.

Every year, the world produces millions of tonnes of e-waste, but only a small portion is properly recycled. Most of it ends up in landfills, where it can release harmful chemicals like lead and mercury into the soil and water. By participating in Recycle IT’s free e-waste collection, Dublin residents can help prevent this by ensuring their old electronics are safely recycled.

Collections

Recycle IT’s free collections make it easy for people to do their part in protecting the environment. This initiative supports the idea of a circular economy, where products are reused and recycled rather than thrown away. It’s a simple way to make a big difference, and all it takes is gathering up those unused electronics and dropping them off at a local collection point.

On October 14, 2024, Dublin residents can help “retrieve, recycle, and revive” their old electronics, giving them a new life and helping to make the planet a cleaner place. Recycle IT have collections scheduled from October 14th to October 18th but we are happy to support you with alternative date once you contact us on 01 4578321 and ask about FREE residents association WEEE recycling collections for Dublin.

You can read more International E-Waste Day 2024 here.

About Recycle IT

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

Climate Action Funding

On September 10, 2024August 25, 2026 By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Successful

Recycle IT, an Irish not for profit, social enterprise focused on recycling electrical and electronic equipment, has received funding from the Irish Government’s Climate Action Fund through South Dublin County Council. This funding will help Recycle IT in their efforts to promote the recycling of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) by making it easier for people to recycle small items like old phones, kettles, and other devices.

Recycle IT’s new initiative will focus on placing special recycling receptacles in communities across South Dublin. These receptacles are designed specifically for collecting small electrical and electronic items that people no longer use or that are broken. Often, these kinds of items can end up in regular household waste bins, which leads to environmental harm because electronic devices contain materials that can be hazardous if not disposed of properly. By offering these recycling points in local areas, Recycle IT hopes to encourage more people to dispose of their old items safely and responsibly.

Easy Recycling

The new wheeled recycling bins will be placed in public spaces where people already go as part of their daily lives. These locations could include community centres, libraries, and other public places. By choosing spots where people visit regularly, Recycle IT is making it convenient for everyone to recycle their old electronics. For example, someone might visit their local community centre for a class or event, and while they are there, they can quickly drop off any small electronic items they no longer need.

_{Recycle IT – Climate Action WEEE Recycling Receptacle Example}

Goals

One of the main goals of the project is to make the recycling process as simple as possible. Instead of people having to travel to recycling centres, they can now drop off their items at nearby locations during their usual activities. In real terms this can help reduce carbon emissions, ease traffic and increasing recycling rates. Recycle IT understands that people are more likely to recycle if it is convenient for them. That’s why the organization will work closely with communities in South Dublin to identify the best places to put these recycling bins.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and to promote a more sustainable approach to waste management. When electrical and electronic items are recycled, valuable materials such as metals and plastics can be recovered and reused. This helps to reduce the need for new raw materials, conserving natural resources and cutting down on the energy required to produce new products. Additionally, recycling prevents hazardous substances found in electronics, such as lead and mercury, from being released into the environment.

_{UN Sustainable Development Goals – Goal 13 Climate Change}

General Manager at Recycle IT, Una Lavelle says, “he is funding from the Climate Action Fund is crucial for this project. It allows Recycle IT to purchase and install the new recycling receptacles and helps us raise awareness about the importance of recycling e-waste. The Irish Government’s Climate Action Fund supports projects that can make a real difference in reducing the country’s carbon emissions and protecting the environment and this initiative fits perfectly into these goals. We are delighted”.

Actions in South Dublin

Move forward over the next 18 month, Recycle IT will engage with South Dublin County Council and local community groups to spread the word about the new initiative. Our team plan to work with community groups, schools, colleges and local organisations to make sure that everyone knows about the new service and understands how to use it. By involving the community, Recycle IT hopes to create a strong sense of shared responsibility for reducing e-waste and taking care of the environment.

_{South Dublin Climate Action Plan 2024 – 2029 – Click here to open}

One of the first steps in the project will be to consult with local communities to find the best places to install the recycling bins. Locations such as local libraries, community centres, and other public buildings are ideal, as people visit these places regularly for various reasons. The idea is to make recycling as easy as possible, so people can simply bring their old or broken electronics with them the next time they are heading out.

Finally

In conclusion, this new project, funded by the Climate Action Fund and supported by South Dublin County Council is an exciting step towards making e-waste recycling more accessible for people in South Dublin. By placing recycling receptacles in convenient locations and working with the community to promote their use, Recycle IT is helping to protect the environment and reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills. Through this initiative, the people of South Dublin will have a simple and effective way to recycle their old or broken electrical items, contributing to a cleaner, greener future for everyone.

Learn more about Recycle IT @ www.recycleit.ie

Dublin Climate Action Week 2024

On September 3, 2024September 4, 2024 By JMCEIn Awards, Climate change, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Family, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

South Dublin County Council Climate Team are inviting you to join in activities for Dublin Climate Action Week 2024, running from Monday 9^th– Sunday 15^th September.

The four Dublin Local Authorities in Co Dublin are delighted to announce that the week’s event programme and online registrations are live.

Building on Success

Building on the success of previous years, a great variety of events are planned to take place across the Dublin region throughout the week, which will run from the 9^th to 15^th of September.

Events will range from nature walks and workshops to climate festivals, free bicycle repairs and bog restorations in the Dublin Mountains, with lots of ways to connect with your local community, take action and have fun!

Dublin Climate Action Week 2024 is being organised and delivered by the partnership of South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, Codema – Dublin’s Energy Agency and the Dublin Climate Action Regional Office (CARO).

What’s Happening

Communities and businesses from across the city and county are coming out to support Dublin Climate Action Week, with over 50 public events throughout the city and county. Find out what is happening in your local area to get involved.

Keep up to date on Dublin Climate Action Week 2024 using #DCAW24 on social media, and by visiting www.dublinclimateactionweek.ie

You may be particularly interested in Climate Fest, taking place in the Round Towers Visitor Centre on Saturday 14^th September, 11am – 4pm.

South Dublin Climate Fest Events

Enjoy a Free Family Fun Day as part of Climate Fest! Brought to you by South Dublin County Council, as part of Climate Action Week 2024, SDCC will be hosting a family fun day on September 14th from 11 to 4pm at the Round Tower Visitor Centre in Clondalkin!

There will be fun for all the family, live music, entertainment and much more! There will also be free bike repairs, a clothes swap (bring up to three items to swap), a clothing repair café, smoothie bikes, and lots of great talks and workshops from leaders in our community about living sustainably. Come on down to celebrate community and climate action!

Places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

For an overview of what is planned and event registration links, please see the below table. Registration links include further details of each event:

Date	Day	Time	Event	Registration Links
9th	Mon	10:30-13:00	DCAW launch event in Mansion House.	Not open to the public.
10th	Tues	11am	District Heat Tallaght Guided Tour One	Tour of the Tallaght District Heating Scheme Tickets, Tue 10 Sep 2024 at 11:00 \| Eventbrite
10th	Tues	1pm	District Heat Tallaght Guided Tour Two	Tour of the Tallaght District Heating Scheme (Second Tour Organised) Tickets, Tue 10 Sep 2024 at 13:00 \| Eventbrite
10th	Tues	10:00-11:30	Youth Conference – Ballyroan Library	Student event, not open to the public.
10th	Tues	2-3pm	Smart Dublin Talk – SDCC County Hall Foyer	https://forms.office.com/e/duzuh0PzNG
10th	Tues	3-4:30pm	Waterstown Park Biodiversity Guided Walk	Guided Biodiversity Walk & Talk – Waterstown Park Tickets, Tue 10 Sep 2024 at 15:00 \| Eventbrite
10th	Tues	All Day	DCC Climate Careers – Smock Alley	RSVP to CARO caro@dublincity.ie to confirm your attendance.
11th	Wed	10:00-11:30	Youth Conference – Tallaght Library	Student event, not open to the public.
11th	Wed	6-8pm	Tymon Park Biodiversity Guided Walk	https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/guided-biodiversity-walk-talk-tymon-park-tickets-950639858407?aff=oddtdtcreator
12th	Thurs	10:00-11:30	Youth Conference – North Clondalkin Library	Student event, not open to the public.
12th	Thurs	11:45-13:15	Youth Conference – North Clondalkin Library	Student event, not open to the public.
12th	Thurs	11:00-12:30	Wetlands Tour – Dodder Valley Park	https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/guided-tour-of-dodder-valley-wetlands-tickets-954814153837?aff=oddtdtcreator
12th	Thurs	09:00-16:00	Cycle Clinic public bike repairs – outside County Hall	Free Bike Service – Climate Action Week – Public Tickets, Thu 12 Sep 2024 at 09:00 \| Eventbrite
12th	Thurs	2-3pm	Cycle Clinic bike maintenance demonstration – County Hall Foyer	https://forms.office.com/e/v5wZWnX7Yu
13th	Fri	1000-1300	Mini-woodlands soil prep event Clondalkin Park, with FoodCloud Truck afterwards.	No registration necessary, arrive at Clondalkin Park for 10am. Clondalkin Park is located at the rear of Clondalkin Leisure Centre. Click here for Google Maps coordinates.
13th	Fri	2-3:30pm	Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme Guided Walk	https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/guided-tour-of-the-poddle-flood-alleviation-scheme-tickets-950850648887?aff=oddtdtcreator
14th	Sat	1000-1300	Mini-woodlands soil prep event Clondalkin Park	No registration necessary, arrive at Clondalkin Park for 10am. Clondalkin Park is located at the rear of Clondalkin Leisure Centre. Click here for Google Maps coordinates.
14th	Sat	1100-1600	Climate Fest. Round Towers Visitor Centre, Clondalkin.	https://forms.office.com/e/KGx92T1eBp
15th	Sun	0930-1630	Bog restorations – Dublin Mountains.	https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bog-restoration-event-tickets-957035357517?aff=oddtdtcreator

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is a not-for-profit, social enterprise working to deliver environmentally friendly recycling solutions and real training and employment opportunities.

Recycle IT operates under the Community Services Programme (CSP). The programme supports community companies and co-operatives to deliver local social, economic, and environmental services that disadvantaged communities. The Community Services Programme is managed for the Department of Rural and Community Development by Pobal, a not-for-profit company tasked with managing programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the EU. Recycle IT is one of over 400 social enterprises operating with funding support from the programme in Ireland.

This Free Mattress Recycling Initiative is supported by: South Dublin County Council and operated by Recycle IT for a limited period.

Learn more @ www.recycleit.ie

^{Recycle IT Logo}

Information Technology Equipment at Home

On August 19, 2024September 20, 2024 By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

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.

_{2022 – The way in which responds disposed of their most recently replaced mobile or smartphone}

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 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

Back to School 2025 – 31 Saving Tips

On August 5, 2024August 5, 2025 By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Going to school for the first time or going back to school is an exciting time when students of all ages head to classes after a break. It’s about meeting friends, getting new supplies, and starting fresh with new subjects, classes and activities.

Managing the Cost

It’s a time of learning, growth, and getting back into routines, with both challenges and fun ahead. It’s also a time when students can reuse notebooks, pens, backpacks, tablets, laptops and more. This saves time, money, reduces waste, and helps protect our planet.

A recent Competition and Consumer Protection Commission survey of 1,202 parents and guardians of primary and secondary school children has revealed the back-to-school costs facing families across the country. Take a look!

Going back to school a costly time for families, and maybe a time to consider reuse; which reduces spending, clutter and waste while encouraging eco-friendly behaviour at home and in school.

You will find tips below which can help!

Here are 31 simple back-to-school saving tips that focus on reuse and recycling:

Reuse last year’s school bag if it’s still in good condition.
Clean and reuse lunchboxes and water bottles.
Check if uniforms still fit before buying new ones.
Swap school uniforms with other families.
Reuse old stationery like pens, pencils, and rulers.
Repurpose used copybooks with blank pages.
Use recycled paper for notes and rough work.
Repair torn clothes instead of replacing them.
Donate or sell school items your child no longer needs.
Use reusable sandwich wraps instead of cling film.
Print on both sides of paper.
Buy refillable pens and markers.
Shop at charity shops for school supplies or clothes.
Buy second-hand schoolbooks where possible.
Cover books with reused paper or leftover wrapping paper.
Turn old t-shirts into gym bags or pencil cases.
Save and reuse last year’s art supplies.
Label all items to avoid losing and replacing them.
Use leftover supplies before buying more.
Reuse last year’s school calendar or planner if pages are left.
Encourage kids to take care of their belongings.
Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones in lunchboxes.
Pass down school supplies between siblings.
Decorate and personalize old items to give them new life.
Store supplies properly so they last longer.
Create a “supply swap” event with other families.
Donate gently used items to schools or charities.
Choose eco-friendly, recyclable school products.
Recycle broken electronics or batteries properly.
Reuse boxes or containers for organizing supplies.
Keep a reuse drawer for extras like erasers, rulers, and notebooks.

These small actions can add up to make a big difference!

Give It A Go!

Family, children and students can all try the reduce, reuse and recycle mantra to help protect the environment, save resources, and minimize waste. These actions reduce pollution, conserve energy, and help create a sustainable future.

By practicing these habits early in life, students can make a positive impact on their communities and learn the importance of responsible living.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is a not-for-profit, social enterprise working to deliver environmentally friendly recycling solutions and real training and employment opportunities.

This Free Mattress Recycling Initiative is supported by: South Dublin County Council and operated by Recycle IT for a limited period.

Learn more @ www.recycleit.ie

^{Recycle IT Logo}

GreenBoost4WISEs

On July 31, 2024July 29, 2024 By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Recycle IT – Project Award

GreenBoost4WISEs is a project co-financed by the Single Market Programme. The Single Market Programme (SMP) is the EU funding programme to help the EU single market reach its full potential.

What will happen

This project aim is to make business and processes in Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISE) more sustainable by raising awareness of the benefits of greener practices through capacity building, knowledge transfer and transnational cooperation.

After applying through the Irish Social Enterprise Network (ISEN), Recycle IT (Ireland) was selected as one of the participant organisations from across the EU to take part in study visits to Austria, Belgium, Italy and Ireland. The participants will also benefit from coaching and mentoring sessions on greening strategies.

All project activities are aimed at exploring and enabling peer learning among Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) and Social Economy Enterprises (SEEs) with the goal of adoption of greener and more sustainable practices within business operations.

The specific objectives are:

Supporting transnational and cross-sectorial cooperation and exchange of good practices to enable sustainable growth of WISEs to manage the green transition.

Upskilling and training towards staff and management of WISEs to embrace greener operations.

Encouraging the uptake and adoption of sustainable measures and innovative solutions.

Fostering cooperation between WISE organisations and other relevant stakeholders (e.g., other social economy entities, mainstream businesses, academia and public authorities).

This project consortium is composed of WISE organisations, networks and circular economy representative. Two specific target groups have been identified in the framework of this project.

the main direct target groups of GreenBoost4WISEs are WISEs managers and their representatives,
other types of social economy enterprises (cooperatives, foundations, networks, etc.) and public authorities.

Indirect target groups including disadvantaged groups working in Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISE) and mainstream businesses.

Recycle IT are thrilled to join the GreenBoost4WISEs Project because it aligns with our mission to promote sustainability, fosters innovation, and offers a platform for impactful environmental initiatives. This collaboration enhances our ability to drive positive, eco-friendly networking and change.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is a not-for-profit, social enterprise working to deliver environmentally friendly recycling solutions and real training and employment opportunities.

This Free Mattress Recycling Initiative is supported by: South Dublin County Council and operated by Recycle IT for a limited period.

Learn more @ www.recycleit.ie

^{Recycle IT Logo}

Mattress Recycling Initiative – 2024

On July 28, 2024June 30, 2025 By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Background to Recycling

In 2023 an EU Impact Assessment Report states mattresses currently have a reuse and recycling rate of 20% across the EU and generate approx. 240,000 tonnes of textile waste per year. The report go’s on to say “discarded mattresses are unlikely to be resold in social enterprises and are more likely to be sent for recycling where their most valuable components (metals and foams) are removed for safe recycling

_{Support with Mattress Recycling – Recycle IT}

In July 2202, the Community Resources Network Ireland released a briefing paper titled “Improving Mattress Recycling”. It states mattresses are complex and bulky products that have traditionally been managed within a linear economy model. This model is also called the “take-make-waste economy, ” meaning we take the world’s resources, make a product, use that product, and make it waste. This waste is mainly handled at the bottom of the waste hierarchy.

The report says the market is starting to shift toward more circularity. Key suppliers, such as the foam industry are beginning to invest in recycling options while manufacturers and retailers are also looking to natural materials such as foams or the overall design to ensure ease of dismantling or include recycled content.

_{Mattress Recycling Initiative at Recycle IT}

The Sleep Foundation suggests replacing your mattress if one or more of the following apply:

It’s 6-8+ years old
It’s negatively affecting your sleep
It’s noticeably saggy or damaged in certain areas
It’s making more noise than usual (noisy springs are common in old innerspring mattresses)
You find that you sleep better at hotels, friends’ houses, etc.
You notice an increase in allergies and/or asthma
You regularly wake up with muscle or joint stiffness

What Can Be Recycled

About 80% of materials in the average mattress can be recycled. That’s because most are made of steel springs, a wood frame, polyurethane foam and fabric. All mattress types are fair game, from traditional innerspring mattresses to latex, hybrid and memory foam options. And yes, you can recycle nontoxic mattresses and organic mattresses. (Source: Green Living – The Readers Digest).

Disposing of Old Mattresses

Many households struggle with how best to dispose of old and unwanted mattresses after spending hundreds or in some cases thousands of euros on a new or specialized mattress. Most people would prefer not to spend much money on the disposal of old mattresses.

One option is to visit your local civic amenity site. They usually accept old mattresses for recycling, but getting the mattress to the location can be a challenge in terms of time and cost. You’ll also need a vehicle big enough to fit a mattress.

If you have a car but your boot is too small to fit the mattress when flat, you might find it fits if you roll it up and fasten it with rope. This effort usually takes 2 people. You might also use a van to get your mattress to the civic amenity site/mattress recycling centre.

Mattress Recycling for Reuse

When you hand over your old mattress for recycling it will make its way to a specialist social enterprise operating as mattress recycling facility in Ireland, Most of the recycling breakdown and separation work is done by hand. You will see the general steps in the table below.

_{Mattress Drop Off at Recycle IT, Dublin 22}

Mattress material	How is it recycled	What it is recycled into
Metal springs removed	Shipped and melted down for reuse	How is it recycled
Foam padding separated	Extracted/cleaned for reuse	Furniture stuffing, pillows, and carpet underlay
Spilt natural fibre (i.e. wool & cotton)	Washed and spun into new fibre	Insulation, new yarn, or other recycled textiles
Detach outer fabric	Stripped from mattress and shredded down	Low-grade fabric, refuse-derived fuel (renewable energy)

Mattress Recycling 2025

To help, Recycle IT offers a simple, convenient, sustainable and free solution over a number of weeks each year. Householders can drop off Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 3pm

Our facility will open on a number of Saturdays in September between 9.30am and 12.30pm with dates to be confirmed. There will be a number of community collection days in different areas of South Dublin. These areas will be confirmed closer to the confirmed the dates for the 2025 Mattress Recycling Amnesty

This Mattress Recycling Amnesty is for householders only and is not open to business
Help will be on hand to lift and move old mattresses from cars and vans to the mattress recycling colleciton point. We will also be open on a number of Saturday mornings (dates to be confirmed).
Recycle IT will accept mattresses. Teams can accept metal bed frames but we are unable to accept wooden bed frames.
During this initiative Recycle IT can offer cost effective personal collections to homes wishing to recycle an old mattress.
You will find the Recycle IT, address, telephone number and a map here.

Listen to Una Lavelle, General Manager at Recycle IT speaking with Sunshine 106.8 FM about mattress and electrical recycling during. Click here.

Please Note: Free Mattress Recycling ended on Saturday 28th September 2024. Recycle IT are no longer accepting mattresses free of charge. We would hope to offer free mattress recycling again in 2025.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is a not-for-profit, social enterprise working to deliver environmentally friendly recycling solutions and real training and employment opportunities.

This Free Mattress Recycling Initiative is supported by: South Dublin County Council and operated by Recycle IT for a limited period.

Learn more @ www.recycleit.ie

_{Order a Cost-Effective Personal Collection}

Old Telephony Equipment: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

On July 1, 2024April 20, 2026 By JMCEIn Climate change, Collections, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Social Enterprise, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Innovation in Home and Work Phones

No so long ago desk phones were an essential part of business communication in every office, but over time and especially post pandemic, it has been replaced in many cases by the mobile and laptop communication using software such as Zoom or Teams.

Many telecoms companies in Europe are retiring PTSN and ISDN services The PTSN (Public Switch Telephone Network) gave us what we all know as a landline. This is the fixed phone connection that many of us used at home or work. Similarly ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network phone services will be switched off because it’s now outdated and can’t manage modern business communications.

Change

Change has already come in the United States where a 2022 National Health Interview Survey, reveals 72.6% of adults (about 186 million) and 81.9% of children (nearly 60 million) lived in households that did not have a landline telephone but did have at least one wireless telephone

In Ireland the proportion of households with a fixed line telephone has fallen steadily since 2004, when 86.9% of households had a fixed line telephone in their home. By 2019 this had reduced to 59.2% of households – Source – Central Statistics Office.

_{Household Fixed Line Telephone Ownership}

What next?

Home and work phone and broadband services are changing, as steps are taken to enhance and upgrade the technologies on Irish networks over time. These enhancements are not unique to Ireland and are happening all around the world.

As change happens VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology will allow us make calls over an internet connection. This can be done using a computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet or any other electronic mobile communication device.

As fibre broadband becomes an increasingly available technology, and fixed landlines decrease, VoIP services will be in more demand in years ahead. Consumers should see lower costs for calls particularly international calls

Desk phones service over broadband

You can still keep your home phone service over your fibre broadband internet. A home phone service over fibre broadband (Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)), can still use a standard telephone handset, but it will be plugged into the internet modem instead of into a socket in the wall.

If you need new equipment your service provider should arrange to supply the equipment needed to keep your landline phone working – for example, a new modem, new telephone handset or if you need a new broadband service installed, your provider may be able to advise you.

Recycling Old Phone Equipment

Landline or desk telephones should not be placed in the green or black bin. Landline telephones are made with chemicals and hazardous materials found in plastics, circuit boards and batteries. These materials are dangerous when placed in landfills because they can leach into water supplies.

For environmental sustainability, it’s important that desktop phones are recycled when they reach end of life. Recycle IT can collect phones from business organisations for safe recycling, possibly in combination with other computer or IT waste. All the old telephone waste will be sent for authorised electrical waste recycling, and none will go to landfill.

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 for WEEE Recycling with permit details available here.

_{Recycle IT Logo}

Recycle IT on Oireachtas TV

On June 24, 2024 By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

The Joint Committee

The Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action meet in mid June 2024, to discuss the Circular Economy as it relates to Consumer Durables. Examples of consumer durable goods include vehicles, books, household goods (home electrical appliances, consumer electronics, furniture, musical instruments, tools, gardening tools, furniture, bicycles etc.), sports equipment, jewelry, medical equipment, toys and more.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Brian Leddin (TD for Limerick City and the Green Party Spokesperson for Transport, Climate Action and Environment) said: “Consumer durables are goods designed to last a long time and are not intended to be bought very often. Development of a circular economy requires shifting Ireland towards a more sustainable pattern of production and consumption, particularly when it comes to consumer durables”.

Circular Economy

“The development of reuse, repair, recycling and sharing schemes, as well as circular design and business models, all have roles to play in reducing waste generated by consumer durables. As part of our examination of how the Circular Economy Act is working since it became law two years ago”, The Committee as part of it work will discuss these issues and related matters with stakeholder groups including social enterprises and organisation representing the community reuse and recycling.

The Community Resources Network (CRNI) saw this as great opportunity to present to this Oireachtas Joint Committee on the vital role social enterprises play in promoting the circular economy, especially in relation to consumer durables.

CRNI were joined on the day by two board members, Bernie Connolly (Cork Environmental Forum) and Una Lavelle (Recycle IT, Dublin). The Rediscovery Centre, the National Centre for the Circular Economy in Ireland and CRNI member were also invited to the committee session to present their findings.

_{Una Lavelle CRNI Director and General Manager – Recycle IT}

To learn more about the main points covered please click here or to view the The Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action session on Oireachtas TV please click here.

About Parliamentary Committees

Parliamentary committees play an important role in the business of the Oireachtas. They can receive submissions and hear evidence from interested parties or groups; discuss and draft proposals for legislative change; print and publish minutes of evidence and related documents; and require attendance of Ministers to discuss current policies and proposals for legislation.

There are four types of committees:

Standing committee
Joint committee
Select committee
Special committee (rare)

About Recycle IT

_{Recycle IT Logo}

Electrical Recycling Updates!

On June 18, 2024July 11, 2024 By JMCEIn Climate change, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic Equipment, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Technology is now part of our everyday live. From home to offices, buses to boats, school and colleges, computers tablets, PCs severs, and related software are an indispensable part of our modern life. Add personal items like smart watches, mobile phones, virtual assistants, and robot vacuums and mowers and we are all are touched by helpful or essential tech.

The downside is the lifespan with some items breaking sooner than they should or people always wanting the latest and greatest meaning items become waste or e-waste which is a major concern for the planet we live on!

What is e-waste?

According to the European Union (EU), electronic and electrical waste, or e-waste, covers a variety of different products that are thrown away after use.

These include:

Large household appliances, such as washing machines and electric stoves
IT and telecommunications equipment (laptops, printers)
Consumer equipment (video cameras, fluorescent lamps) and photovoltaic panels
Small household appliances (vacuum cleaners, toasters)
Other categories, such as electrical tools and medical devices

The EU also say e-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the Europe and less than 40% is recycled. You can view the facts and figures in the infographic below.

You can use the infographic to find out how many kilos of electronic equipment have been collected per inhabitant in Ireland and other EU countries.

Recycling practices vary among EU countries. In 2021, Austria topped the EU countries in electronic waste collection, with an average of 15.46 kilos per inhabitant. In 2021, 11 kilos of electrical and electronic equipment waste were collected per inhabitant in the EU on average.

Why recycle electronic and electrical waste?

Cast off electronic and electrical equipment contains potentially harmful materials that pollute the environment and increase the risks for people involved in recycling e-waste. To counter this problem, the EU has passed legislation to prevent the use of certain chemicals, like lead.

The EU say, many rare minerals that are needed in modern technology come from countries that do not respect human rights. To avoid inadvertently supporting armed conflict and human rights abuses, MEPs have adopted rules requiring European importers of rare earth minerals to carry out background checks on their suppliers.

Changes for Us

The European Commission presented a new circular economy action plan in 2020 that has as one of its priorities the reduction of electronic and electrical waste. The proposal specifically outlined immediate goals like creating the right to repair and improving reusability in general, the introduction of a common charger and establishing a rewards system to encourage recycling electronics.

USB Type-C will become the common charger for most electronic devices in the EU by the end of 2024. Laptops will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port by 28 April 2026.
The Commission presented a new proposal to promote repairing and reusing goods. Within the legal guarantee It would require sellers to repair products unless it is cheaper to replace them. Beyond the guarantee, it would provide rights to make repairs easier and cheaper.
The EU has adopted rules on the collection, treatment and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment to tackle the issue of the growing amount of electronic waste.
The Commission put forward a proposal for an update of the directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment to implement a ruling of the European Court of Justice concerning the scope of obligations of producers of photovoltaic panels (solar panels).

The EU council has now adopted these amendments into the EU law on waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Read more here.

Further updates will follow over the coming months. To reads more now please click here.

Irish Statistics

The Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released 2022 statistics data related to the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) statistics for the whole of Ireland which documents household dual use B2C and commercial, professional B2B WEEE takeback.

The following key trends can be highlighted:

66,018 tonnes of WEEE were collected for treatment in Ireland in 2022, a decrease of 8% from the quantity collected in 2021.
61,806 tonnes of WEEE were recovered and 54,245 tonnes were prepared for reuse or recycling in 2022, a decrease of 8% and 9% respectively from the quantities in 2021.
Large equipment (e.g. Cookers, washing machines) accounted for 53.2% (by weight) and small equipment (e.g. Kettles, toasters) represented the next largest category accounting for 19.9% of WEEE collected.
Ireland met the EU recovery, recycling and reuse targets for all six categories of WEEE in 2022, they are temperature exchange equipment, screens, monitors, and equipment containing screens, lamp, large appliances, small appliances, and small IT.

The Irish national statistics show Ireland is in line with many European Member States but WEEE recycling volumes are not achieving 65% collection target.

Ireland 2023

Recent figures in WEEE Irelands annual environmental report reveal consumers recycled a record-breaking 41,730 tonnes of electronic and electrical waste in 2023 – the equivalent of almost 200 forty-foot containers more than the previous year. Great News!

You all help by recycling over 15 million small appliances such as coffee makers, calculators, kettles and keyboards, along with the equivalent of 66 million used AA batteries were also handed back to make their way into the circular economy.

To view the full WEEE Ireland Annual Environmental Report for 2023 please click here.

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 collection regulations. Our permit details are available here.

_{Recycle IT – Community Recycling Initiative of the Year 2023}

Ireland – Worrying E-Waste Disposal Trends

On April 30, 2024May 1, 2024 By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Small Portable Equipment

Today, one in eight people in Ireland continues to dump small electrical items in household bins. This new research by WEEE Ireland also suggests, the figure almost doubles among younger age groups, which are perceived as more environmentally conscious.

The research survey reveals one in four 18-24-year-olds and one in five aged 35-44 get rid of common household electrical items such as smart watches, earbuds and blue tooth speakers in general waste bins.

Research

The survey, conducted by Empathy Research on behalf of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland go’s on to say, laptops, mobile phones, gaming devices, power tools and e-cigarettes are also being placed alongside other general waste bins, meaning these items can never be re-used or recycled. Simply, please don’t use the black or green bin to recycle electrical items and share this message with others in your home.

With many small personal devices now powered by small lithium batteries, there is an increased safety risk with fire as major concern for household waste collection companies receiving these items in bins.

The low recycling rates for small electrics are echoed in global statistics, with the recent Global E-Waste Monitor revealing that less than one quarter (22.3%) of e-waste was properly recycled in 2022, falling sharply to just 12% for small devices.

Experience

Ireland has experience and a really good record for safely recycling larger household electrics like washing machines, tumble dyers, cookers fridges and other electrical appliances but this needs to be matched when it comes to smaller electricals. This will ensure the safe and efficient recovery and reuse of important materials contained in small electrical equipment.

By helping address these challenges you help reduce risks our environmental and public health and help support a greener, more sustainable future.”

Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled for free at hundreds of local authority recycling centres, public WEEE Ireland recycling collection day events and participating retailers. Find your nearest recycling point on our interactive map including at Recycle IT in Dublin 22.

To read more about the WEEE Ireland research please click here

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.

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

Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards 2024

On April 22, 2024May 16, 2024 By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Social Enterprise Awards

The Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards aim to support social enterprise startup and development in Dublin City. They are like a big celebration for social businesses that try to make the world a better place. These businesses aren’t just focused on making money to move forward; they also want to help people, our communities, and/or the environment.

Imagine a competition where companies from Dublin show off their amazing ideas and projects that help the community or solve important problems. These could be things like creating jobs for people who might struggle to find work, activities to support young people or coming up with eco-friendly products that reduce waste.

Activities

Think about a coffee shop or cafe that hires people who might find it hard to get a job, like individuals with disabilities, people who are homeless and/or long term unemployed people. Or think about a company that sells eco-friendly services or products and uses its profits to support environmental causes. These are examples of social enterprises.

So, in simple terms, social enterprises in Ireland are businesses that do good while also making a living. They aim to tackle social or environmental issues while running a successful operation. It’s all about balancing profit with a purpose to create positive change in society.

_{Social Enterprise Loaf Catering – Café in Kilmainham, Dublin}

The Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards recognize these social businesses for their vision, hard work and the positive impact they have on society. It’s a way to cheer them on and encourage communities and people to start their own social enterprises based on an identified need. So, it’s a win-win situation – businesses get recognition for their good deeds, and the community benefits from their efforts.

Formally – What is a Social Enterprise in Ireland?

1: A social enterprise is an enterprise whose objective is to achieve a social, societal or environmental impact, rather than maximizing profit for its owners or shareholders.

2: It pursues its objectives by trading on an ongoing basis through the provision of goods and/or services, and by reinvesting surpluses into achieving social objectives.

3: It is governed in a fully accountable and transparent manner and is independent of the public sector. If dissolved, it should transfer its assets to another organisation with a similar mission

To us, a social enterprise is a special kind of business with a big heart. Instead of just focusing on making money, they care a lot about helping people and/or making the world a better place. Really, it’s all about using a business model and people skills to make a positive impact in a specific area of need which is underserved.

_{Social Enterprise – Frontline Bikes, Inchicore, Dublin 8}

Apply Now

The Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards were established by Inner City Enterprise (ICE) and Dublin City Council with the support of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Dublin City in 2015. Each year, a fund of approximately €60,000 is distributed among innovative social enterprises.

To learn more please click here. To download the application form click here

Once complete you can submit this completed application form along with all supporting documentation to lauradennehy@innercityenterprise.com.

Submission Deadline for Applications: 23:59 – 31st of May 2024.

What the 2023 awards footage here

Recycle IT

In 2022 Recycle IT were delighted to receive a Dublin City Social Enterprise Award. The award showed we make a real difference and it boost our credibility in the eyes of customers, funders, and the community.

Overall, receiving a social enterprise award can help you elevate your social business to the next level, both in terms of impact and sustainability. It opens up new opportunities and resources that can fuel your mission and drive positive change in the world.

Recycle IT, are a social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, the Dormant Accounts Fund, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.

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

_{Recycle IT at the} _{Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards} ₂₀₂₂

Cycle and Recycle your Bikes

On April 8, 2024May 7, 2024 By JMCEIn Awards, Climate change, Collections, Dublin, Event, Family, NewsLeave a comment

Recent Trend

A study for the National Transport Authority (NTA) released in 2024 shows walking and cycling in the Dublin area takes 530,000 cars off the streets every day. This has to be good news.

Trips taken on foot, by bike and by wheeling – using mobility scooters or wheelchairs – instead of cars, prevents around 680,000 car journeys daily. The study say, 25% of adults cycle at least once a week in the Dublin Metropolitan Area. The study also suggests, 72% of residents support building cycle tracks physically separated from traffic and pedestrians even where that means less room for other traffic. – You and read and learn more here.

Environment and Bikes!

The bike is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health. With this in mind, the United Nations General Assembly decided to dedicate the 3rd of June as World Bicycle Day – Add this to World Environment Day on June 5th and we are on a real winner!

These days encourage awareness and action on health, wellbeing and the protection of our environment. World Environment Day is the “people’s day” for doing something to take care of the Earth. Recycle IT believe these two “UN” days can work in harmony!

2020 Cycling Eayet29WAAAFS4z — ^{Dublin City Council – Cycling in Dublin}

World Bicycle Day aims to emphasize and advance the use of the bicycle as a means of fostering sustainable development, strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance, mutual understanding, and respect and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace. All these aims can really be achieved using a bike while also helping us travel without creating carbon miles.

Celebrate the bicycle

Initiatives promote cycling at both national and local levels can help build physical and mental health and well-being and develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly culture of cycling in society.

National Bike Week

Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of the benefits of cycling. Bike Week 2024 will take place from Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th May 2024. Bike Week 2024 events will be posted on this page over the coming weeks.

Here are 8 reasons to celebrate the bike (some encouragement)

The bicycle is a simple, affordable, reliable and clean way to get about.
The bike is environmentally friendly and is a sustainable means of transportation;
The bicycle can serve as a tool for social, community and economic development
Cycling can help people access education, health care, and sporting activities.
The union between the bicycle and the user creates an immediate awareness of the local environment you are cycling through.
Using a bike saves time, reduces traffic and helps you arrive on time.
The bike has a positive impact on climate with fewer carbon emissions.
Biking can help grow your social circles, real friends and enjoyment of life.

Encourage Cycling and Environmental Awareness.

Recycle IT want to encourage as many people as possible to read and share this blog post. Then throughout the summer weeks and months take the bike out and bring friends and family along to discover your local environment.

As the summer sun shines there is no better time to get on the bike and grow your awareness of the local area. This can happen in the full knowledge that you are improving your health and reducing environmental harm.

Damaged Bike in Crash? Make a Claim. — _{Damaged Bike}

Recycle IT and Bike Recycling

Recycle IT are happy to accept old bikes for free recycling. Just drop your old bike off with us Monday to Friday in Clondalkin. We also accept bikes from communities all over Dublin as part of our residents door to door community collection service.

Reuse

Members of the Recycle IT team not only recycle bikes but cycle regularly. Where possible we reuse and recycle bikes and bike parts. At the time of writing this post, we have a staff member waiting to get a bike frame and parts for reuse and another who just rebuild a bike from recycled parts. Once on the road, these bikes will enable easy, affordable and environmentally friendly travel into work.

A small number of bikes may go for reuse depending and quality and repair requirements. All remaining bikes are recycled safely.

Community Grant Scheme – Bike Week 2024

Dublin City Council, with funding from the National Transport Authority, is pleased to announce that they have a community grant scheme for groups that would like to organize events to celebrate cycling during Bike Week. Click here to learn more.

About Recycle IT

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

^{Recycle IT – Repak Award Winner 2023 – Community Recycler of the Year}

35 Reduce, Reuse Repurpose and Recycling Tips

On April 2, 2024April 2, 2024 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.

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

35 reuse and recycling tips

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 tubs
Books can be reused by donating them to libraries, schools, or community centers.
Rent or hire school books and other school supplies (yearly reuse)
Hire gardening tools that you only use occasionally
Reclaim your plastic bottle deposit by recycling for reuse.
Think about getting a sparkling water maker to reduce plastic bottles
Make a bird feeder by reusing any medium size plastic bottles you have at home.
Opt for low-energy light bulbs
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 packaging
Buy regularly use products in bulk, e.g. canned and jarred products.
Reuse shopping bags
Use refillable products e.g. coffee, loss tea
Drink tap water from a reusable glass, cup or bottle
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 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

Easter Packaging Control – We can do it!

On March 26, 2024March 26, 2024 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!

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.

Visit our website for further details.

Circular Economy and My Social Enterprise Event – March 5th

On March 1, 2024 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.

35 Easy Tips to Reduce and Save!

On February 20, 2024February 20, 2024 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!

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.

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.

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

The Benefits of Metal Recycling

On February 14, 2024April 13, 2026 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

Delight

Value

Opportunity

About Recycle IT

Sharing is Supporting Eco Employment

Like this:

Event News

Mattress and Hazardous Liquid

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

About Recycle IT

Sharing is Supporting Eco Employment

Like this:

Join the E-Waste Hunt – Retrieve, Recycle, Revive!

Responsible Electrical Waste Recycling

Collections

About Recycle IT

Sharing is Supporting Eco Employment

Like this:

Successful

Easy Recycling

Goals

Actions in South Dublin

Finally

Sharing is Supporting Eco Employment

Like this:

Building on Success

What’s Happening

South Dublin Climate Fest Events

About Recycle IT

Sharing is Supporting Eco Employment

Like this:

How do we dispose of IT Equipment?

Some Survey Results

What Next?

Safe Recycling

About Recycle IT

Sharing is Supporting Eco Employment

Like this:

Managing the Cost

You will find tips below which can help!

Give It A Go!

About Recycle IT

Sharing is Supporting Eco Employment

Like this:

Recycle IT – Project Award

What will happen

The specific objectives are:

About Recycle IT

Sharing is Supporting Eco Employment

Like this:

Background to Recycling

What Can Be Recycled

Disposing of Old Mattresses

Mattress Recycling for Reuse

Mattress Recycling 2025

About Recycle IT

Sharing is Supporting Eco Employment

Like this:

Innovation in Home and Work Phones

Change

What next?

Desk phones service over broadband

Recycling Old Phone Equipment

About Recycle IT

Sharing is Supporting Eco Employment

Like this:

The Joint Committee

Circular Economy

About Parliamentary Committees

About Recycle IT

Sharing is Supporting Eco Employment

Like this:

What is e-waste?

Why recycle electronic and electrical waste?

Changes for Us

Irish Statistics

Ireland 2023

About Recycle IT

Sharing is Supporting Eco Employment

Like this: