Gaming Consoles – Recycle Safely

On November 17, 2025May 14, 2026 By JMCEIn Climate change, Collections, Computer Recycling, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Family, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

Best Selling

Just over 30 years ago, on September 9, 1995, the original PlayStation made its debut in North America, ringing in an era of gaming success for Sony. The chart below from Statista shows, the original PlayStation is the fourth best-selling home console of all time, beaten only by the PlayStation 4, the Nintendo Switch and its own successor, the PlayStation 2, which sold 160 million units over its lifetime. Source: Statista Research Department.

Benefits

Did you know there are benefits to playing videogames? A National Institutes of Health study of nearly 2,000 children found that those who reported playing video games for three hours per day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory compared to children who had never played video games. Other reported benefits include improved problem-solving skills and logic, increased hand-to-eye coordination, greater multi-tasking ability and faster and more accurate decision-making.

Generally games consoles are devices designed for the sole purpose of playing video games usually at home. A games console is really a computer used to play video or virtual games, on a TV or monitor. Some devices are very portable and are handheld with screens.

Some Facts

Ireland’s total video games revenue was €397m in 2024 and it is expected to reach €503m by 2029. Social and casual gaming (online gaming) totaled €180m in 2024 and will rise to €240m in 2029 with a 5.9% CAGR. A paradigm shift in Ireland’s video games market will come in 2029, when social/casual gaming revenue will overtake traditional gaming (physical gaming on PCs and games consoles)

There are nine console generations, with the current leading providers being Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo with the Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch used to play games like FIFA 22, Farming Simulator 22 and Minecraft. You can also watch Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus on your games console.

_{Games Console, Controllers and Games – Recycle IT}

Games are either downloaded directly onto the device via the internet online store or inserted into the device as a disc or card.

Many game consoles and games are aimed at children There is no official or recommended age for a child to have or use a games console. Video games are given age ratings similar to movies.

In general, using a game console with your children is fun. Adults can refamiliarise themselves with gaming, how new games work and how children are likely to use them. This can be a great way to show responsible and positive use of technology and show your child you are interested in what they do!

Reuse and Repair

After many years of fun, your game’s console may need to be updated with new software or hardware (if possible) or if damaged it can be repaired for reuse. There are several repair options available and they should be considered before saying goodbye to your console.

Saying goodbye isn’t always easy. After all, you likely spent many in-game hours together playing a starring role for your favourite sports team. Your console has likely brought you, your family and friends, many moments of joy and frustration.

However, the time will come to move on to a new console. With new console releases never far away you might consider a replacement. But before you do that, there are some important things that you need to do to stay cyber-safe (and keep your information and payment details safe).

Here are some steps to take before you sell, donate, or recycle your old console:

Today many consoles are backwards compatible. This means that some, or most of the games from your old consoles should work with the new device To save your old games you can back your data up by:

Saving your data to an external hard drive.
Transferring your data from the old console to the new console by linking via a network.
Saving your data to a cloud service for your system.

Your gaming console can have personal information stored. Anything from email addresses to multiple credit card numbers to social media and cloud streaming accounts. If in the wrong hands, this can cause you lots of problems.

You can remove all your accounts from your console. In the setting menu, you can usually delete your credit card information, email addresses, social media links, or linked accounts. For purchased apps, you can sign out and manage your account information in your app settings.

A further option involves resetting the console back to when you first removed it from the box as new. Doing this reset will also make all of the information that was saved inaccessible through the user interface. You can usually do a reset in the settings menu.

Safe Recycling

Now that you have backed up your files and reset your console back to factory settings you may wish to dispose of the device in the waste or recycling bin. Please Don’t

Proper disposal including disposal of cables and chargers is important particularly if you didn’t try the above. Remember is also bad for the environment if you don’t recycle carefully

Try the following

Reuse your console by gifting it to someone you know.
Donate your console to a local youth or community organisation,
Resell your device after wiping or destroying the hard disk drive / returning to factory settings.
Recycle your console instead of throwing it into the bin.
Recycle your console cables and related equipment at the same time!

Because electronics contain many damaging chemicals and reusable parts you should recycle safely at a dedicated e-recycling centre like Recycle IT. If you can’t or don’t wish to wipe the hard disk drive within the console before recycling, Recycle IT can help.

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 www.recycleit.ie

_{Recycle IT – Dublin City Social Enterprise Awardee 2025}

Recycle IT Recognized for 2025 Sustainability Award

On August 26, 2025April 16, 2026 By JMCEIn Awards, Climate change, Collections, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, sustainabilityLeave a comment

Recycle IT Shortlisted for National Sustainability Award

Chambers Ireland recently (22 August 2025) announced the shortlist for the 2025 Sustainable Business Impact Awards. These awards, sponsored by BAM Ireland and supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, celebrate businesses making a positive difference in communities, the environment, and society.

This year, Recycle IT has been shortlisted in the “Sustainable Impact by a Medium Business” category for its work on community recycling.

Speaking about the awards, Alasdair Henderson of BAM Ireland said the awards highlight “organisations driving positive change through sustainability and social responsibility.”

Minister Jerry Buttimer added that social enterprises and sustainable businesses “play a vital role in improving lives and protecting the environment.”

Una Lavelle, General Manager at Recycle IT stated “Being shortlisted for the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards is a great recognition of our team’s commitment to recycling and community engagement. The awards highlight our work, open new partnerships, and encourage us to keep delivering positive environmental impact.”

In total, 60 projects from across Ireland have been shortlisted across 12 categories. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, 24th September 2025.

You can learn more about the awards and those shortlisted with a visit to the Chamber Ireland website, just click here.

About Chambers Ireland

Chambers Ireland is the voice of business throughout Ireland, with 36 member chambers across every major city, town and region of the island. Aligning our strategic priorities with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, our aim is to make places better to live, work and do business

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. We are happy to offer cost effective and safe computer, laptop or tablet data destruction for home users and small offices on request.

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

Social Enterprise in Ireland

On July 16, 2025July 16, 2025 By JMCEIn Climate change, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Family, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

A first-in-kind research by the Schwab Foundation’s Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship finds that there are approximately 10 million social enterprises worldwide, which collectively generate around $2 trillion in annual revenues, creating over 200 million jobs.

The social enterprise sector now outranks other mainstream industries by annual revenue, like telecoms and apparel. Moreover, social enterprises align their missions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), notably in creating decent work, driving climate action and reducing poverty and inequalities.

Social enterprises, which make up 3% of all businesses globally, stand out from traditional businesses by placing a strong emphasis on creating social and environmental value along with economic value. Unlike conventional nonprofit organizations, social enterprises are self-sustaining through their business activities. They prioritize social impact over financial returns and reinvest their profits back into their mission. Source: (François Bonnici, Director, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Head of Social Innovation, World Economic Forum).

As of 2022, Ireland estimated there were 4,335 social enterprises employing 84,342 people, accounting for 3.7% of the workforce. These social businesses generated income estimated at EUR 2.34 billion in 2021 (Amárach/SERI/ILDN, 2023)

EU Social Enterprise

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has been actively involved in the European social enterprise and social economy agenda for more than 10 years and supports social enterprise growth and development as a key element of the European social model.

There are 2.8 million social economy enterprises, representing 10% of all businesses in the EU. Almost 13.6 million people – about 6.2% of the EU’s employees – work for social economy enterprises. On top of the paid workforce, social economy mobilizes volunteers, equivalent to 5.5 million full-time workers. Characteristics included:

Membership – up to 160 million people in Europe are members of social economy enterprises (mostly retail, banking and agricultural cooperatives, as well as mutual societies offering services complementary to social security regimes)
Objectives – social economy enterprises contribute to the EU’s employment, social cohesion, regional and rural development, environmental protection, consumer protection, agricultural, third countries development, and social security policies
Size – social economy entities are mostly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Today, DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs is promoting, in particular, the development of social economy enterprises and organisations via the Single Market Programme
It is also particularly focused on supporting the development of social economy by implementing the European action plan on social economy (2021).

The estimated 4335 Social Enterprises operate in communities all over Ireland. Like social enterprises in other OECD countries, childcare; community infrastructure and local development; health, youth services, social care, and heritage, festivals, arts and creative industry account for 67.4% of the social enterprise sector.

Other areas of activity include sport and leisure; training and work integration; consultancy and support services; housing; food, catering and hospitality; environmental services; retailing; transport; financial services; manufacturing; and others.

Almost 77% of social enterprises function in more than one sector of activity. (Source: OECD 2023). In reality Social Enterprises offer essential services and tackle problems in society like food poverty, housing or environmental issues.

A 2012 report from Forfas defines social enterprise in Ireland as “an enterprise that trades for a social/societal purpose, where at least part of its income is earned from its trading activity, is separate from government, and where the surplus is primarily reinvested in the social objective.”

The report also lists the four categories under which social enterprises trade

commercial opportunities that are established to create a social return;
employment opportunities for marginalized groups;
economic and community development organisations;
services delivery organisations.

From experience, it can be said that these four categories almost always overlap and are shared objectives for many social enterprises,

In 2016, the top country in the world for social enterprise action was recorded as the Canada, . Ireland ranked in second-last place on the list.

Over a 3 year period, Ireland moved from a near bottom ranking in 2016 to 36th place as it reported improvements in almost all categories. Social entrepreneurship gaining momentum, up 16 points to 17th place, while more social entrepreneurs can make a living from their work, up 17 spots to 21st place. Source: (Research by the Thompson Reuters Foundation, 2016 & 2019).

Social enterprise in Ireland is a growing, dynamic and vibrant space and is now supported by a national policy that commits to building awareness, growing and strengthening the sector, and achieving better policy alignment.” Source: (Sheila Cannon, assistant professor of social entrepreneurship, Trinity College Dublin)

Some of the criteria used to decide if there is a favorable environment for social enterprise include:

Conditions are favorable for social entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses
Government policy supports social entrepreneurs
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to get grant funding
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to access investment (debt and/or equity)
Social entrepreneurs can access the non-financial support they need (e.g. financial, legal and technical advice; access to markets and networks; coaching, mentoring and training)
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to the government
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to business
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to the public
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to attract staff with the required skills
The public understands what social entrepreneurs do
Social entrepreneurs can make a living from their work in my country
Social entrepreneurship is gaining momentum

_{National Economic and Social Council (NESC)}

The role of social enterprises is growing, both on the island of Ireland and internationally. Social enterprise straddles the space between the national economy and local community, and plays an important role in providing services to marginalized groups and in disadvantaged areas, as well as creating and providing jobs, and contributing to innovative social and environmental initiatives. While much of the activity is at local level, social enterprises also contribute to the national economy. Source: (NESC Report Social Enterprise on the Island of Ireland 2023)

National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland

The Department of Rural and Community Development published Ireland’s first-ever Social Enterprise Policy in July 2019. The first National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019 – 2022 focused on three key objectives:

Building Awareness of Social Enterprise;
Growing and Strengthening Social Enterprise and
Achieving Better Policy Alignment.

In July 2024, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD launched Ireland’s second Social Enterprise Policy ‘Trading for Impact’ the National Social Enterprise Policy 2024 -2027

‘Trading for Impact’ the second National Social Enterprise Policy details five key objectives:

Building Awareness of Social Enterprise
Growing and Sustaining Social Enterprise
Supporting the Green Transition
National and International Engagement
Impact Measurement.

With 57 concrete actions defined under these objectives, which will be implemented between 2024 to 2027. A ‘Stakeholder Engagement Group’ will oversee the delivery of the policy.

The National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland is part of a suite of policy initiatives from the Department of Rural and Community Development to support those who work with communities and disadvantaged groups.

Recycle IT runs an electrical recycling business in the social economy sector with the aim of creating social, economic and environmental value. Our team offers recycling services for communities and the market. Any profits generated are used to support social objectives which include a range of community-focused services, internal training progressions and employment.

Profit is not shared with company directors and the organisations has no commercial stakeholders. Our board is voluntary and any profits are reinvested in recycling operations. Recycle IT is a not-for-profit Social Enterprise.

Our awarding-winning recycling service is friendly and effective, yet not glamorous. Work is hard but offers real opportunities for training and skills development. Teamwork helps support our goals and everyone involved “works to do good” while at the same time helping to allow financial sustainability. There is a focused approach to identifying and managing revenue streams to support the company to cover operating costs and reinvest for the future.

What’s Real about Social Enterprise

Social enterprise success generally means more social and/or environmental good with profits reinvested to deliver change.

Usually, social enterprises have more inclusive and diverse structures with women and men coming from a wide range of backgrounds to help start-ups, develop and lead organisations. Social enterprises work on a range of challenges using the tools of business to advance ideas and deliver services. Social Enterprise is more innovative and experiment more than traditional businesses as they work to fill gaps in the market that are of little interest to public sector bodies and profits are limited for the private sector companies. Finally, most work collaboratively and bring people on a journey of change.

Learn more about fiftheen Social Enterprises operating in Dublin: Click each one:

Third Space

Aspire Productions

House of Akina

The Yard @ Solas Project.

Click here to learn about the impact on communities when you decide to buy from a social enterprise Below you will find a list of Irish Social Enterprise support organisations and networks.

Irish Social Enterprise Network
Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI)
Inner City Enterprise
Carmichael Centre
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Academy
Local Enterprise Office (LEO)
The Wheel
Irish Local Development Network (ILDN)
Local Development Company Directory – Click here
Community Resources Network Ireland (CRNI)
Social Enterprise Supports Table – Click here
Irish Government Supports – Click here
Rethink Ireland
Irish Local Authorities – 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.

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

Read about social enterprise funding here.

Ireland’s Green Tech Revolution: Solar Panels and Vapes

On June 16, 2025June 17, 2025 By JMCEIn Climate change, Collections, Computer Recycling, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, News, Social Enterprise, sustainability, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Ireland Sees Surge in Electrical Device Sales

Ireland has experienced a notable uptick in the sale of electrical goods, with devices like vapes and solar panels particularly leading the surge. This trend signals a growing appetite among consumers for both convenience gadgets and sustainable technologies.

Vapes and solar panels have driven a 75 per cent increase in electrical device sales over the last five years and a total of 93 million household electronic items were purchased in 2024 – almost three times the volume sold in 2006 according to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland, the country’s biggest e-waste recycling scheme.

“Each one of those 93 million devices contains valuable materials like aluminium, copper, lithium, cobalt,” said WEEE Ireland chief executive Leo Donovan. Based on the that fact these items should all be recycled safely.

Electric & Green Tech Boom

Sales of solar panels have jumped significantly, reflecting strong interest in home energy solutions—especially across suburban and rural areas. The popularity of smart home accessories, electric vehicle chargers, and battery storage systems is reinforcing Ireland’s move towards greener lifestyles. For example over 2.5 million solar panels have entered the market in the last five years, but with a life of 15 to 20 years, they won’t reach recycling centres for at least another decade.

Disposable Vapes: Convenience at a Cost

Disposable vapes have also seen sharp sales growth, sparking concern among public health and environmental experts. Containing lithium batteries, plastics, and chemical liquids, they pose serious waste challenges if not processed correctly .

_{Photo by Markus Winkler on Pexels.com}

Action Needed Now:

Research from WEEE Ireland also shows the proportion of households hoarding unused devices rose from 22 per cent in 2023 to 29 per cent in 2025, highlighting a massive untapped opportunity for reuse and repair. “We need to move beyond recycling alone. Extending the life of products through repair and reuse must become the norm,” Mr. Donovan said.

The message is simple – take your old gadgets—especially batteries and plastics—to your nearest WEEE or e-waste recycling drop-off in Dublin. It’s quick, local, and significantly reduces pollution.

Recycle IT is a community-based social enterprise in Dublin that helps households, charities, community groups, schools, and businesses safely recycle thousand’s of electrical and electronic items (e-waste) yearly. Here’s how we can help you:

Services Recycle IT Offers:

Free Household Collection: Our team offer free door-to-door residents association collection of unwanted electrical items like toasters, kettles, laptops, TVs, and more in many Dublin areas.

Business & Organisations Recycling: Schools, offices, and community groups can book collection services for bulk electrical items—ensuring safe and secure disposal.

Drop-Off Recycling: You can drop off items at their facility in Clondalkin if preferred.

Data Destruction: Secure disposal of hard drives and other data-storing devices for privacy protection.

Community Awareness: We promote awareness of e-waste and provide tips on reducing, reusing, and recycling electronic goods.

Environmentally Friendly Practices: Recycle IT recycling for reuse as much as possible helping reduce landfill waste and conserve resources.

Let’s turn this sales surge into a sustainability win for Dublin and beyond!

_{Recycle IT – Mixed Electrical Equipment}

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). During 2018 Recycle IT offer to 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 computers, cables, monitors, microwaves, cookers, dryers and TVs and much more.

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Tips for Summer

On May 15, 2025May 15, 2025 By JMCEIn Awards, Climate change, Collections, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, News, Social Enterprise, sustainability, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Irish Summer Tips

As the Irish weather heats and days get longer our evenings fill up with activities including visits to the beach or park. We have weekend BBQs, games and lots of opportunities for fun. This all adds up to lots of leisure time spent outdoors in our beautiful Irish green environment.

So, while we are playing, eating, swimming or sunbathing we can still have a focus on reducing waste, saving resources and keeping the environment green with these summer reduce, reuse and recycling tips:

1. Lawns and Gardens

Don’t let that cut grass end up in a landfill! Used your grass clippings as organic fertilizer. It can be reused to benefit your immediate garden environment. Instead of binning the grass as you cut, leave it on the lawn where it will return valuable nutrients to the soil. Alternatively, you can add your clippings to a compost heap. Either way, grass recycling will make a big impact on the environment and help to reduce landfill burdens.

2. Summer Travel

Whether travelling in a group or by one’s self consider using public transport, walking or cycling to your preferred location. This can help reduce the environmental impact of Co2 emission and save you money. If you are in a city location like Dublin, you can avail of the Dublin Bike Scheme so plan in advance. If you really need to use a car, you could try sharing a Go Car for once off summer events, might be a real alternative to buying a car which sits at home for long periods unused.

3. Summer Food and Snack

On family trips to the zoo or a visit to the beach try packing homemade sandwiches, fruit and snacks in reusable containers, bring a flask and use reusable water bottles instead of buying bottled water, tea and coffee. Take bags along to collect recyclables and look for recycling bins when you stop for breaks. The average household of four people uses approx. 330 glass bottles and jars each year. Recycling 6 glass bottles per week saves enough energy to boil 2 kettles with enough water in each for five cups of coffee, so please drop off your bottles at the local bottle bank this summer! (Source: Recycling Live)

4. Summer Toys

If you have footballs, beach balls or pool toys that are old, try finding other uses for them or patching holes before throwing away. You might even offer them to a charity shop for use by others. These products are usually made of PVC and therefore not recyclable, so think about that before buying new ones. If you are shopping for new summer toys, buy those made from recyclable materials to minimize the environmental impact.

5. Summer BBQs and Picnics

Whether at home, or in a park make recycling easy by taking and using a clearly labelled recycling bin. Recycle cans, glass, plastic, and aluminium foil. Since plastic cutlery usually can’t be recycled, offer reusable knives and forks for your guests. If you really want to work toward zero waste, put out reusable napkins, plates, cups, and cutlery at your next event! Of course, this isn’t always practical so, if you must buy disposable, try to find paper products that are made from biodegradable or compostable materials.

If your using a firepit try to source old wood like wood from damaged pallets. Pallets burn well in wood stoves or fire pits, providing warmth and energy while keeping materials out of landfills.

6. Summer Equipment

Do you need to dispose of 10 year old garden furniture, lawnmowers, old BBQs or outdoor grills?. You can recycle all these type items instead of throwing them away! When recycling the equipment, please clean it thoroughly and then take it apart, separating the pieces into piles of metal, glass and plastic. Stainless steel, steel, cast iron, brass and aluminium can all be recycled. Plastic parts should all have a recycling symbol and number that tells you how they should be recycled. Remember you can recycle the electronic and metal components with Recycle IT. Once you have recycled your old equipment and are looking for a replacements try to choose an eco-friendly, long life, easy clean model. Remember when cooking you steak, gas and electric BBQ’s or grills are better for the environment than wood or charcoal.

Summer Recycling - Lawn Mowers — _{Summer Recycling – Lawn Mowers}

7. Clothes

Try to reuse last year summer clothes. It’s possibly 8 or 9 months since they have been last worn and nobody will remember them. If you have to choose a new range of summer clothes for you or your family remember to recycle any used clothes with a local charity shops. They can be used by other people over and over while raising funds for much needed causes.

Opportunity Knocks

This summer is an opportunity to become a proactive recycler. Involved your kids and teach them about recycling now, so they will practice it throughout their life. It is important to teach our children about the environment and the positive effects of reduce, reuse and recycling. Start your summer with fun activities such as a garage clean out and car boot sale that will promote reuse and recycling, and keep your kids occupied! Tidy towns is another good option!

To learn more about recycling your once loved electrical items give Recycle IT a call on 01 4578321. or visit our website

^{Recycle IT is Good Market Approved}

2025 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards

On April 9, 2025April 9, 2025 By JMCEIn Awards, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Event, News, Social Enterprise, sustainabilityLeave a comment

Social Enterprise Awards:

The 2025 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards celebrate and support the amazing work done by social enterprises across Dublin. These awards, organised by Dublin City Council and is run by Inner City Enterprise (ICE) with support from Dublin City Council and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) based in Dublin City. These award really shine a light on the positive impact social enterprises have on communities.

What is Social Enterprise

A social enterprise is a business that trades for a social or environmental purpose. They reinvest profits to create social change and support local needs. Social enterprises can be involved in anything from education and employment to climate action and health. They play a key role in building stronger, fairer, and more inclusive communities.

The Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards are open to all types of social enterprises based in the Dublin City area or Social Enterprises offering products or services in Dublin City. Whether your enterprise is just starting or has been running for years, applying can be a big step forward. There are many good reasons to enter.

Why Enter?

1. Recognition and Credibility
Winning or even being shortlisted for an award can give your social enterprise a huge boost in reputation. It shows the public, partners, and funders that your work is being recognised and valued by others. It can also make people more confident in supporting or working with your organisation.

2. Funding Support
The award includes financial prizes, which can be a great help. This funding can be used to grow your services, support your team, or try something new. For small and growing social enterprises, this support can make a real difference.

3. Promotion and Visibility
Finalists and winners are promoted through Dublin City Council and partner channels. This means more people will hear about your work. You’ll get the chance to tell your story to a wider audience, attract new supporters, and possibly reach new customers or clients.

4. Motivation and Morale
Awards recognise hard work and dedication. Being part of the awards can lift the spirits of your team and volunteers. It reminds everyone that their efforts are making a difference. This kind of encouragement can go a long way, especially when times are tough.

5. Networking and Opportunities
The awards give you the chance to meet other social enterprises, funders, and supporters. These connections can lead to future collaborations, funding opportunities, or new ideas. Sharing experiences with others in the sector can also help you learn and grow.

The Value of Awards for Social Enterprises

Beyond the prize itself, awards help raise awareness of what social enterprises do. They bring attention to local solutions to social problems. By celebrating social enterprise, we help grow a stronger sector that can tackle issues like poverty, exclusion, and climate change.

Entering awards also helps organisations reflect on their impact. The application process can help you think more clearly about your goals, successes, and how you measure progress. This can be useful even if you don’t win—helping your enterprise improve and grow.

Final Thoughts

If you run a social enterprise in Dublin, the 2025 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards are a chance to share your story, get support, and be part of a growing movement. These awards are not just about winning—they’re about showing the value of your work and inspiring others to create positive change.

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 2024 Recycle IT operated drop-off and collection services to homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE including 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

_{Recycle IT – Dublin City Social Enterprise Award Winner 2022}

Spring Recycling with Sandyford Business District

On April 2, 2025April 9, 2025 By JMCEIn Climate change, Collections, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic EquipmentLeave a comment

Free Electrical Recycling:

Sandyford Business District is hosting a Free Electrical Recycling Event to help local people, employees working in nearby businesses, and businesses themselves recycle their old or broken electrical items safely and responsibly. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to promote sustainability and reduce waste in the community.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday April 10th 2025
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: Dominic Smith Expert Electrical Sandyford, Unit 4, Leopardstown Retail Park, D18
Recycler: Recycle IT
Cost: Free (household / small office electrical / electronic equipment).

This event provides a convenient way for everyone to dispose of unwanted electrical items without harming the environment. Whether it’s an old laptop, a broken toaster, or outdated office equipment, all electrical items will be collected and recycled properly.

Who Can Participate?

Local Residents – Get rid of old electrical items cluttering your home.
Employees in Local Businesses – Drop off broken personal gadgets or work-related electronic waste.
Businesses – Dispose of obsolete office electronics in an environmentally friendly way.

What Can You Recycle? You can bring in a wide range of electrical and electronic items, including:

Computers, laptops, and accessories
Desktop printers and scanners
Mobile phones and tablets
TVs and monitors
Kitchen appliances (toasters, kettles, microwaves, cookers etc.)
Cables, chargers, and batteries

Why Recycle Electronics? Electronic waste contains materials that can be harmful if not disposed of correctly. Recycling ensures that valuable components are recovered, reducing landfill waste and preventing pollution. By participating in this event, you contribute to a cleaner and greener Sandyford.

How to Take Part Simply bring your unwanted electrical items to the designated collection point on the event day. Our team will handle the rest, ensuring all items are processed safely.

Join us in making a positive impact!

About Recycle IT

Spread the word and encourage others to participate. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for our community.

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 www.recycleit.ie

Protect Data and the Planet: Recycle Your Memory Chips

On February 5, 2025February 11, 2025 By JMCEIn Climate change, Collections, Computer Recycling, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic Equipment, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

The Importance of Removing and Recycling Computer Memory Chips Safely

Computer memory chips, like RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash storage, play a crucial role in modern computing by enabling fast data access and system performance. Yet, as technology advances, older computers and memory chips become obsolete, leading to electronic waste (e-waste). Properly removing and recycling these components is essential for environmental protection, resource conservation, and data security.

In 2021, the global semiconductor industry achieved record sales, totaling $555.9 billion, with approximately 1.15 trillion semiconductor units shipped. Memory chips, including DRAM and NAND flash, are significant contributors to these figures. Source: www.semiconductors.org

1. Environmental Impact of E-Waste

E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, with millions of discarded computers contributing to pollution. Memory chips contain hazardous substances, for example, lead, mercury, and brominated flame retardants, which can leach into soil and water if improperly disposed of in landfills. Additionally, electronic waste incineration releases toxic fumes, contributing to air pollution and harming both human health and ecosystems. Recycling memory chips prevents these hazardous materials from polluting the environment and ensures responsible waste management.

2. Recovering Valuable Materials

Memory chips contain precious and rare materials, such as gold, silver, copper, and palladium. These metals are highly conductive and essential for electronic manufacturing, but they are also finite resources that need extensive mining. Extracting these metals through traditional mining causes deforestation, water contamination, and high carbon emissions. By recycling memory chips, manufacturers can recover these valuable materials and reduce the need for new mining operations, leading to a more sustainable supply chain.

3. Reducing Electronic Waste and Landfill Overflow

Discarded electronics take up significant space in landfills, where they do not decompose easily. Memory chips and other computer components contribute to this growing problem. Safe removal and recycling help minimize landfill overflow and promote a circular economy where materials are reused rather than discarded. Recycling programs help extend the lifespan of electronic components and reduce the overall waste burden on the planet.

4. Data Security Considerations

Different types of Computer memory store sensitive data, including passwords, personal information, and financial records. If a memory chip is improperly discarded, unauthorized individuals can retrieve and exploit the data. Secure removal and recycling of memory chips make sure that stored information is permanently erased before disposal. Certified e-waste recyclers use specialized techniques, like data wiping and physical destruction, to prevent data breaches and safeguard user privacy.

5. Economic and Job Creation Benefits

Recycling memory chips and other electronic components contributes to the growing e-waste management industry, creating jobs in recycling centers, refurbishment facilities, and material recovery plants as a Recycle IT.

Some companies refurbish and resell working memory chips, making affordable technology accessible to low-income communities while reducing waste.

Other like Recycle IT operated within a closed loop circular supply chain. As a part funded social enterprise established to offer training and employment opportunities we apply for funds to invest in e-waste recycling projects, further boosting community engagement, economic opportunities and sustainable development.

Finally

Computer memory chips are vital components that should not be discarded carelessly. Safe removal and recycling help protect the environment, recover valuable materials, reduce landfill waste, ensure data security, and promote economic growth. By adopting responsible recycling practices, individuals and businesses can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. Recycling initiatives and awareness campaigns are essential in encouraging the proper disposal of electronic waste, making the technology industry more eco-friendly and resource-efficient so please share this blog post with others!

About Recycle IT

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 – Irish Social Enterprise Network Members 2025}

Electrical Recycling – Do more this year!

On January 7, 2025February 13, 2025 By JMCEIn Awards, Climate change, Collections, Computer Recycling, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic Equipment, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Research from WEEE Ireland

WEEE Ireland, Ireland’s large waste electrical compliance scheme says over 15 million small appliances such as coffee makers, calculators, kettles and keyboards were handed back for safe recycling. This is alongside with the equivalent of 66 million used AA batteries which made there back to into the circular economy.

WEEE figures also reveal that, for every 10 new tech products sold in Ireland, only 4 are eventually coming back for recycling when they become obsolete. Did you know, 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.

Almost half of Ireland’s small electronics are bought in November and December each year – but data from WEEE Ireland shows only one in three are coming back for recycling.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland figures reveal more than 11 million small electronic items from personal grooming to tech were bought here last year, 4.4 million of them across Black Friday and Christmas.

People’s concerns about personal data are stopping one in five (21%) adults from recycling their unused tech items – while a further 22% of adults keep old technology equipment as backups, new research reveals.

The Empathy Research survey for WEEE Ireland, the largest Irish not-for-profit compliance scheme also found that 12% of people still put small electronic waste items in general household bins. This is truly unbelievable!

Storing and hoarding

Digital hoarding, e-hoarding, e-clutter, data hoarding, or cyber hoarding are all terms used to describe keeping IT equipment beyond a reasonable time for use.

In Time Magazine Pascal Leroy, director general of the WEEE Forum, a Brussels-based association of global e-waste management organizations, says “It’s really an issue of great concern, this hoarding, and it’s difficult to address because it’s about consumer behaviour—why do people behave the way they do?” says “There is something in us that prevents us from properly disposing of it or properly recycling it.”

_{Old Electronic Equipment – Home or Office}

When you choose to store or hoard older items (no longer used) you are limiting the number of reusable resources available to produce new electronic items. There are lots of components in older equipment that can be reused in the manufacturing of new mobile phones, tablets, or laptops.

For example, the plastic and glass from screens/monitors can be reused, therefore limiting the amount of glass and plastic that is required to create new monitors.

Recycling your old phones, tablets, and laptops with Recycle IT also helps create work experience opportunities and local jobs which is beneficial to the local community.

You can read more about this topic here.

Doing more!

CEO of WEEE Ireland, Leo Donovan, is now urging consumers to dig out old and broken tech and their accessories for recycling, emphasising the straightforward nature of backing up and wiping old devices.

“Most phone and laptop manufacturers have user-friendly instructions on their websites for backing up and deleting data, ensuring that valuable information is not lost or exposed.

_{Mixed Electronic and Electrical Equipment}

“If recycled correctly, these old and broken devices, along with their integrated batteries, chargers and cables, provide a significant source of critical and strategic secondary raw materials,” said Mr Donovan.

Recycling laptop, mobile phones and other household and personal electronic devices help reduce the use of new natural resources.

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, electronic and metal items.

Recycle IT offer drop-off and collection services to both homes and organizations in Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of printers and we can help recycle yours!

If you require data destruction we can offer a cost-effective service to households and organisations. Just email us to find out more.

Our electrical community collection service is 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 across Leinster.

To speak with Recycle IT please call 01 4578321 or email us here

Visit our website 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}

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}

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}

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}

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.

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!

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

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

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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

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

_{^{Recycle IT Pakman Award Winner 2023}}

Brown Bins in Ireland

On January 10, 2024January 10, 2024 By JMCEIn Climate change, Dublin, Family, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

Using Your Brown Bin for Recycling in Ireland

In December 2023, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, signed new legislation which means that every household in the State will be provided with a brown bin for food waste and light garden waste by their waste collector.

These changes will enable all households with access to a waste collection service to segregate their waste, minimize the amount of waste that goes to landfill, and reuse waste through measures such as recycling, composting or anaerobic digestion, thereby making a positive contribution to our national recycling rates.

In Ireland, the brown bin plays a crucial role in recycling organic waste. It’s not just for garden waste but also for food items that can be composted. By using your brown bin effectively, you contribute significantly to reducing waste in landfills and aiding in the creation of compost.

EPA Report

A recently published study by the EPA* showed that 21% of the contents of the household residual waste bins was food and garden waste, which could be placed into the brown bin instead, helping to reduce costs for the householder and ensuring that less emitting waste is sent to our landfills. The added bonus of the brown bin is that the organic waste can also be used to make compost, which in turn can be used to help green our towns and cities naturally.

What Goes into the Brown Bin?

Dairy Products: Items like cheese, yogurt, and butter wrappers can be put into the brown bin. These items decompose and contribute to the production of nutrient-rich compost.
Eggs: Eggshells can be placed in the brown bin. They break down easily and add valuable minerals to the compost.
Raw and Cooked Meat/Fish and Bones: Leftover meat, fish scraps, bones, and even cooked food can go into the brown bin. They decompose and help create compost suitable for enriching soil.
Food-Soiled Paper Napkins and Towels: Used paper napkins, paper towels, and even greasy pizza boxes can be added to the brown bin. However, make sure to remove any large chunks of uneaten food before disposing of these items.

Why Use the Brown Bin for These Items?

Reducing Landfill Waste: Organic waste, such as food scraps and soiled paper products, typically ends up in landfills. By using the brown bin, you divert these materials away from landfills, minimizing environmental impact.
Composting Benefits: When organic waste breaks down in the brown bin, it undergoes composting. This process results in nutrient-rich compost, which is fantastic for enriching soil in gardens and agricultural land. It also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Environmental Impact: Recycling food waste and paper products through the brown bin reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with decomposing organic matter in landfills. Composting creates valuable soil additives without releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere.

How to Properly Use the Brown Bin:

Separate Your Waste: Ensure you’re segregating your organic waste properly. Use a separate container or bag in your kitchen to collect food scraps and soiled paper items before transferring them to the brown bin.
No Plastic Bags: When disposing of organic waste in the brown bin, avoid using plastic bags. They don’t decompose and can contaminate the compost.
Layering Technique: Consider layering food waste with garden waste or cardboard to help aerate the compost pile in the bin. This can aid in the decomposition process.
Regular Collection: Make sure to put your brown bin out for collection on the designated days. Check your local council’s schedule for collection times and guidelines.

Finally

Using the brown bin in Ireland for recycling is an essential step in responsible waste management. By doing so, we all contribute positively to the environment by reducing landfill waste and producing nutrient-rich compost. Remember to follow the guidelines for proper segregation and disposal, helping create a more sustainable future for all.

Start making a difference today by utilizing your brown bin effectively for organic waste recycling!

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 and surrounding areas since 2007. Recycle IT are fully compliant with WEEE collection regulations. Our permit details are available here.

More Toys! Reuse or Recycle this Christmas🎅

On December 12, 2023December 11, 2024 By JMCEIn Climate change, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, News, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Imagination and Creativity

Toys are a traditional gift for children at Christmas and bring a good deal of joy over the following months. Toys also play an important role in childhood, sparking imagination, and fostering creativity. However, as our kids grow, toys often accumulate, gathering dust in forgotten corners or succumbing to wear and tear. But what if I told you that recycling these old, damaged, or unused electronic toys could make a significant impact on our environment?

The toy industry in Ireland, like in many other countries, has seen an increasing trend in the popularity of electronic and battery-operated toys. With advancements in technology and the growing interest in interactive and tech-based toys, the sales of electronic toys have been on the rise.

The graphic below demonstrates that in 2019, the annual amount spent on toys per child in the EU was estimated to be $212. The total EU toy market size was estimated to be $24.6 billion. From 2022 to 2025, this value is expected to have a compound annual growth of 15.59%, projecting a volume of $96,537M by 2025. Source: EuroDev BV.

Disposal

With the rise in electronic and battery-operated toys, the issue of electronic waste has become more pressing. Electronics contain various materials that can harm the environment if disposed of improperly. When these toys end up in landfills, they contribute to electronic waste, also known as e-waste. This waste contains hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, posing significant risks to both human health and the environment if not handled correctly.

Recycling old, damaged, or unused electronic toys presents a solution to this growing problem. By recycling these toys, we divert electronic waste from landfills, preventing harmful substances from leaching into the soil and water sources. Moreover, recycling helps conserve resources by recovering valuable materials like metals, plastics, and other components that can be reused in manufacturing new products.

Now, let’s consider the adverse effects of tossing toys into the regular black or green rubbish bins. When these toys end up in landfills, they contribute to the growing electronic waste problem. Electronics typically take a long time to decompose, and as they break down, they release harmful chemicals into the environment. These chemicals can contaminate soil, waterways, and even the air we breathe, impacting ecosystems and potentially harming wildlife.

Furthermore, the valuable resources used in manufacturing these toys go to waste when they are discarded. This not only adds to the depletion of natural resources but also increases the energy and raw materials needed for producing new toys from scratch.

Eco-friendly

Toy recycling isn’t just an eco-friendly choice; it’s also an opportunity to teach children about sustainability and responsible waste management. Encouraging them to participate in recycling their old toys instills valuable lessons about reducing waste and preserving the planet for future generations.

Here are some fascinating facts about toy recycling:

Resource Conservation: Recycling one ton of electronic devices can recover as much gold as mining almost 20 tons of gold ore.
Material Recovery: Toys contain various materials such as plastics, metals, and electronic components, all of which can be repurposed through recycling. For instance, plastic toys can be shredded and melted down to create new products, reducing the need for raw materials.
Environmental Impact: Improper disposal of electronic toys can lead to toxic substances seeping into the soil and water, posing severe health risks to communities living nearby.

Please consider, recycling old, damaged, or unused electrical, electronic, and battery-operated toys as its holds immense benefits for our planet. It minimizes e-waste, conserves valuable resources, and helps in creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all. By embracing toy recycling as a habit, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future and teach our children the importance of caring for the Earth while they play and grow.

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

Battery Recycling – Anytime is good!

On August 8, 2023September 24, 2026 By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Climate change, Dublin, Electronic Equipment, News, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

How were doing?

Did you know 1,284 tonnes of portable waste batteries were collected in 2025, achieving the EU’s 45 per cent battery collection target. Lithium battery collection more than doubled in five years, while more than 1.4 million vape devices were recycled through WEEE Ireland’s national takeback scheme.

We are all encouraged to recycle old and broken electricals, and waste batteries free of charge through local authority civic amenity centres, participating retailers and WEEE Ireland collection events nationwide. Recycle IT can help with free drop off in Dublin.

Battery Boxes — _{Battery Recyclng – WEEE Ireland}

Did you know?

Its important to know some waste batteries are classified as hazardous waste and recycling is always the best option? For example

Batteries contain Sulfuric acid.
Flammable Gases: Hydrogen and oxygen are produced as a part of the operation of the battery.
Some batteries can cause electrical shock and burns if not handled safely
Don’t forget about the potential physical injury from the weight of the batteries packed together.

Ordinary household batteries used in a radio, remotes, kids, toys and other gadgets contain some chemicals so ideally should not be thrown in the green or black bin with your other types of waste. The same can be said for rechargeable batteries which also contain harmful materials.

The average alkaline AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt or button-cell battery is made of steel and a mix of zinc/manganese/potassium/graphite, with the remaining balance made up of paper and plastic. Being non-toxic materials, all of these battery “ingredients” are conveniently recyclable at battery recycling points but not in your bin.

🔋 Primary (Single-Use) Batteries

These are non-rechargeable and commonly found in household/offices items:

AA (LR6) – Used in remotes, toys, flashlights, etc.
AAA (LR03) – Used in smaller devices like remote controls, wireless mice.
C (LR14) – Used in larger toys, lanterns, and musical instruments.
D (LR20) – Used in large flashlights, radios, and some appliances.
9V (PP3 or 6LR61) – Used in smoke detectors, clocks, guitar pedals.
CR2032 (coin cell) – Used in watches, car key fobs, calculators, motherboards.
CR2025 / CR2016 – Used in similar applications as CR2032 (smaller capacity).

🔌 Rechargeable (Secondary) Batteries

These can be reused hundreds of times:

NiMH AA / AAA – Rechargeable alternatives to regular AA/AAA batteries.
Li-ion 18650 – Used in flashlights, laptops, e-bikes (not typical AA-style).
Li-ion 14500 – Same size as AA but 3.7V; used in high-drain devices.
Li-ion 21700 – Used in newer flashlights and power tools.
9V Rechargeable – NiMH or Li-ion versions of standard 9V batteries.

Why recycle batteries?

Recycling electrical items and batteries helps reduce the number of items entering landfill and ensures any heavy metals and chemicals contained in batteries are managed in an environmentally responsible way.

batteries-photo (2) — _{Waste Batteries – Recycle IT}

Do something new!

It takes lots of energy to manufacture batteries that are simply disposable so why not save energy and other valuable resources including your money by trying rechargeable batteries and/or electricity-operated equipment instead of batteries. Rechargeable batteries are a more environmentally friendly option as they can last for several hundred charging cycles resulting in less waste being produced.

Where to recycle?

Thanks to EU Regulations implemented in 2008 it’s very easy to recycle your old batteries! According to the regulations, all retail outlets that sell batteries are now obliged to take back old batteries of a similar type.

Here are some options for recycling end-of-life batteries.

Chains of retail stores and shops where batteries are sold – Aldi and Lidl Ireland are leading the way!
Local recycling center’s accept old and waste batteries.
School all over Ireland works in partnership with WEEE Ireland to recycle waste batteries.
WEEE Ireland waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling days.
Recycle IT recycle batteries from businesses, homes, schools, colleges, and charities daily through our collection and drop-off services.

WEEE Ireland

In Ireland, the WEEE Ireland battery recycling scheme operates on behalf of producers of battery and electrical appliances. It aims to encourage people at home and at work to manage their electrical and battery waste responsibly. Waste batteries can then be deposited in WEEE Ireland blue boxes at many locations across our country. Please find a list here

Eucobat is the European Association of National Collection Scheme for batteries. They assure that all waste batteries are collected and recycled in an ecologic way, and contribute this way to a better environment. WEEE Ireland promotes European Battery Recycling Week in September each year and has since 2015. Recycle IT support this week and make a great effort to increase batteries recycled. You might like to start planning a battery recycling event in your school, college or workplace!

_{Image: Eucobat – European Battery Recycling Week}

Recycle IT

Recycle IT works in partnership with WEEE Ireland to offer collections and drop off recycling services for old electrical, electronic and battery-operated equipment including batteries. The collection service is offered throughout Dublin and the surrounding areas and our teams are delighted to accept waste batteries as part of any recycling collection or simply drop them off at no cost.

To contact us please call 01 4578321, email us here or visit our website

Climate Change: 4 Changes for All!

On April 24, 2023April 25, 2023 By JMCEIn Climate change, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

The Irish government can make national changes and introduce initiatives which can help reduce the effects of Climate Change but as individuals, living in Ireland we also contribute daily to carbon emissions.

Here are some things you can do to reduce your personal impact.

At Home

Insulation is a key step in making your home more comfortable and energy efficient. SEAI grants can help you to insulate your walls and attic to reduce heat loss and your heating bills. Attic insulation, cavity wall insulation, internal Insulation or dry lining and external wall insulation all can help.

Learn more about the different types of insulation for your home. You can also download our homeowner’s guides to insulation. They will give you all the information you need about creating a cosier home.

_{Photo by Tomu00e1u0161 Malu00edk on Pexels.com}

All homeowners, including private landlords, whose homes were built and occupied before 2011 can apply. This is defined as the date your electricity meter was installed.

Otheroptionla for your home includes floor Insulation, insulation of windows and doors, installation of a heat pump, updated heating controls or moving to solar heating or solar electricity panels. This all helps improve your home energy usage and therefore Ireland’s energy usage.

Learn about the grant values and how to apply here

While Travelling

The travel industry is responsible for approx. 8% of total global emissions so every action you take to curb your travel footprint is worthwhile. Here are some tips to consider ahead of your next trip.

Cars are a major source of carbon emissions so try to eliminate the car from travel plans. It’s one of the best things you can do for reducing your carbon footprint. (You could consider the same for the daily commute or reduce the number of daily commutes).

Use green public transport
Book electric taxis
Don’t fly to nearby destinations or within a small country like Ireland.
Fly economy to lower your carbon footprint
Pack small and light (all the time).
If you going a greater distance book a non-stop flight
Visit fewer locations while on a trip – enjoy the location you are in!
Limit the use of air conditioning and charging equipment
Stay at an Eco- Friendly location – places where people care about the environment.
Finally, calculate your own travel carbon footprint here

Wasting Food

In 2022 the Irish EPA said, food waste is a global problem that has environmental, social and economic consequences.

More than one-quarter of the food produced globally is wasted. It is a significant contributor to climate change, as food loss and waste contribute to 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions.

Growing, processing and transporting food all use significant amounts of resources such as land, water and energy.

The EPA estimates that Ireland generated 770,300 tonnes (t) of food waste^[2] in 2020.

What to do?

Stop Food Waste is a national campaign to give you information and tips on how to make the most of your food and avoid food waste.

Reducing food waste is an easy action you can take to save money, save time, and lessen your impact on the environment.

As a starting point, we can all follow the A-Z of Foods. This is a useful resource with top tips and techniques to best manage food at home in order to prevent food waste.

Have a look at the BBC Climate change food calculator – it’s easy and great – give the kids ago

Fashion – Buy Less – Think More

It takes 3,781 litres of water to make one pair of jeans, according to the UN’s Environment Programme, taking into account cotton production, manufacture, transport and washing.

Mass-market fast fashion may soon stop for European shoppers, with the EU saying it plans to implement new regulations to limit the wasteful trend and encourage fashion sustainability.

The proposal by the EU calls for minimum use of recycled fibres by 2030 and a ban on the destruction of many unsold fashion products.

The European Commission regulations also seek to contain the release of microplastics and improve global labour conditions in the garment industry.

But as fashion shoppers what can we do now?

Well, The Guardian Newspaper has come up with a fast fashion fix: 20 ways to stop buying new clothes forever. Click here to have a read and change your ways.

You will find 7 quick tips below

Buy less and more durable clothes—choose slow-fashion
Avoid fast-fashion companies and support small local businesses instead;
Rent clothes you’re only likely to wear once;
Buy pre-owned items;
Swap clothes with friends;
Repair and upcycle your clothes;
Resell or give clothes for free online.

What Next?

Ireland Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 requires Ireland to achieve a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030, relative to 2018 levels, and net-zero emissions by 2050. We all must do more and learn more to help. To get up to speed please visit the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Click here.

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, electronic and metal items. Recycle IT offer drop-off and collection services to both homes and organizations in Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of printers and we can help recycle yours!

To speak with Recycle IT please call 01 4578321 or email us here

Visit our website www.recycleit.ie

District Heating – Launched in Tallaght

On April 12, 2023April 12, 2023 By JMCEIn Climate change, Dublin, Family, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

One of Ireland’s first district heating programmes has started operating in Tallaght, south Dublin.

The Tallaght District Heating Scheme takes waste heat from an Amazon data centre and uses it to heat South Dublin County Council offices and the local library. This environmentally friendly initiative provides low-carbon heat to nearby public buildings.

The Scheme, which is the first of its kind not-for-profit, publicly owned District Heating Scheme in Ireland, will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the South Dublin County area by approximately 1,500 tonnes per year in its first phase.

_{Tallaght District Heating Scheme Works are now completed. Source: Echo Newspaper}

How it Works

The heat is carried by hot water pumped through a network of insulated pipes. The scheme will also serve 133 affordable apartments to be built on public land in Tallaght and a 3,500 sq/m innovation centre hosting tech start-ups on the same site.

The council says that over the lifetime of the scheme, it could also heat 2,000 to 3,000 apartments.

The objective of the scheme is to decrease greenhouse gas emissions associated with the use of fossil fuels for heating in the area in order to contribute to national-level renewable energy, energy efficiency and CO2 targets and establish Tallaght as a leader in innovation in the area of climate change.

_{District Heating Scheme, which officially opened by Minister for the Environment and Climate, Eamon Ryan} _TD

Launch Event

The Minister for the Environment and Climate described the Tallaght scheme as “an example of the future being delivered today”.

Speaking at the launch of the project Eamon Ryan TD said the Government will soon publish a heat policy as part of its Climate Action Plan commitments.

“The delivery of heat is probably one of the most important in Climate, you don’t tend to see it, it’s not as visible or as high profile as transport or agriculture, as electricity generation but actually managing how we use to heat and how we keep heat in is probably the biggest change we need to make to keep our climate targets,” Minister Ryan says.

_{Video of Launch – RTE News}

Donated

For the Tallaght project, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Ireland donates the waste heat from its data centre which is used to pipe water into the Heatworks Energy Centre next door.

Amazon Web Services, Ireland Country Manager Mike Beary says the company is very happy to be involved.

“We’ve been investing in Tallaght for 15 years. Amazon Web Services has been part of this community, and we’re very proud of our relationships with this community here. This is also a part of the drive to help Ireland meet its climate change targets for 2030.”

Future

Codema, the energy agency for Dublin, says most homes in the capital could be served by district heating systems by 2050.

Codema is the project partner with South Dublin County Council to develop the Tallaght District Heating Scheme (TDHS), which is the first large-scale district heating network of its kind in Ireland.

Waste heat from data centres, power stations and other industrial facilities will be one source but there is also a significant geothermal resource.

What are the Benefits?

Lower emissions and greater use of renewable energy
Hot water on demand 24/7 – very reliable system, no more worrying about leaving the immersion on!
No boiler in your home – more space, less maintenance
Improved air quality
Better Building Energy Ratings
Flexible system – future-proofed to provide heat from multiple renewable sources
Cost – The heat price will be competitive with alternative heating technologies

Funding

The scheme is funded by the European Union’s NWE Interreg HeatNet programme, a multi-million-euro fund for schemes that reduce CO2 emissions in Europe’s north-west, by €4.5 million from the Project Ireland 2040 Climate Action Fund and through direct funding from South Dublin County Council.

Phase one of the Tallaght District Heating Scheme will provide heat to over 32,800msq of public buildings including South Dublin County Council’s office headquarters and the TU Dublin Tallaght campus. During normal operation, the connected buildings will be warmed by heat generated at the data centre.

The subsequent phases of the project will facilitate the connection of other public, private, and residential customers in the Tallaght area including the proposed 133 affordable rental apartments in Tallaght, as well as further buildings within TU Dublin’s Tallaght Campus currently under construction.

About Recycle IT

Visit our website for further details

Best Selling

Benefits

Some Facts

Reuse and Repair

Safe Recycling

Try the following

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Recycle IT Shortlisted for National Sustainability Award

About Chambers Ireland

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Social Enterprise – it’s moving ahead!

EU Social Enterprise

Irish Social Enterprise Sector

Progress in the Sector

National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland

Social Enterprise at Work

What’s Real about Social Enterprise

Learn more about fiftheen Social Enterprises operating in Dublin: Click each one:

Social Enterprise Supports

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Ireland Sees Surge in Electrical Device Sales

Electric & Green Tech Boom

Disposable Vapes: Convenience at a Cost

Action Needed Now:

Services Recycle IT Offers:

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Irish Summer Tips

1. Lawns and Gardens

2. Summer Travel

3. Summer Food and Snack

4. Summer Toys

5. Summer BBQs and Picnics

6. Summer Equipment

7. Clothes

Opportunity Knocks

Sharing is Supporting Eco Employment

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Social Enterprise Awards:

What is Social Enterprise

Why Enter?

The Value of Awards for Social Enterprises

Final Thoughts

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Free Electrical Recycling:

Event Details:

Who Can Participate?

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The Importance of Removing and Recycling Computer Memory Chips Safely

1. Environmental Impact of E-Waste

2. Recovering Valuable Materials

3. Reducing Electronic Waste and Landfill Overflow

4. Data Security Considerations

5. Economic and Job Creation Benefits

Finally

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Research from WEEE Ireland

Storing and hoarding

Doing more!

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Building on Success

What’s Happening

South Dublin Climate Fest Events

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