Category: Climate change

Climate change includes global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases resulting in shifts in notable patterns.

District Heating – Launched in Tallaght

On 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
Energy Centre Tallaght, South Dublin

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

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

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities in the Eastern-Midlands Waste Management Region.

Recycle IT Collection

Visit our website for further details

Business Electronic Recycling 2026

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Awards, Climate change, Dublin, Electronic Equipment, News, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Businesses – Reduce E-waste

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling is an important consideration for every business, including small and medium-sized companies and especially those with a lot of electronics accumulated over a long period. Equipment can include computers, laptops, tablets, phones, networking equipment, printers, batteries, and other office devices like heaters, kettles, coffee machines and microwaves.

Some of these old and unused items may be stored in desk drawers or stationary rooms and years out of use. The safe disposal of old, damaged, or unused equipment is essential to good environmental practice in your business.

Related equipment including cables, chargers, servers and communications racks can also be recycled safely, Recycling can involve disconnecting power, removing data drives safely and securely, handling components carefully, separating recyclable materials, and following environmental regulations. Proper disposal reduces waste, protects sensitive information, and supports sustainable resource recovery practices.

Business IT Equipment Racks for Recycling
Electronic Equipment Racks for Recycling

Some Background

According to the United Nation’s Global E-Waste Monitor, e-waste is the world’s fastest-growing domestic waste stream. Its disposal contributes to climate change due to the chemicals released when it gets burned. Furthermore, 10 % of all electricity consumption and 4 % of all carbon emissions worldwide stem from the ICT industry.

E-waste is hazardous because the components used to make devices contain metals and chemicals known to harm human health. Adults and children in developing countries often work, live, and play in or near e-waste recycling centres and are therefore especially vulnerable.

The report foresees a drop in the documented collection and recycling rate from 22.3% in 2022 to 20% by 2030 due to the widening difference in recycling efforts relative to the staggering growth of e-waste generation worldwide.

Challenges contributing to the widening gap include technological progress, higher consumption, limited repair options, shorter product life cycles, society’s growing electronification, design shortcomings, and inadequate e-waste management infrastructure.

Disposal of Electronic Equipment

Why We Do

Recycle IT safely recycle Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling for business. We offer a collection service for all types of electronic equipment. Many items are broken down into their component parts and salvaged components that can be reused including the metal from outer casings. This is a much more practical solution for the growing challenge of e-waste. Simply dumping the equipment in the bin is not the right thing to do.

Before the safe disposal of business computer equipment, Recycle IT can on request offer data destruction to ensure that sensitive information is not stolen and used for fraud – an important and often legal consideration for many companies. Just ask in advance of drop off or the collection and the service can be arranged.

Computers including Hard Disk Drives

Recycle IT aims to support the Circular Economy which favour designing products for durability, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling. It aims to keep materials circulating for as long as possible. It’s an economy that encourages many different uses for materials instead of just using them up and throwing them in a landfill or an incinerator.

Our recycling initiatives have led to positive recognition from several sources, including Repak Ireland, Dublin City Council, Rethink Ireland, and others.  Please click here to learn more.

If your business needs to free up space, declutter and safely recycle old electronic equipment or pure metal items please do contact Recycle IT via email or telephone at 01 4578321

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, is an award-winning Dublin-based, not-for-profit, social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, the Dormant Accounts Fund, and South Dublin County Council. Recycle IT is authorised 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 –Sustainability Award Winner 2025

Dublin Climate Week 2022

On By JMCEIn Awards, Climate change, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

The second Dublin Climate Action Week will take place from Monday 12th to Saturday 17th September 2022.

Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for the Environment, Climate & Communications and Minister for Transport, officially launched Dublin’s first Climate Action Week in 2021

Dublin Climate Action Regional Office (CARO), will showcase the ongoing efforts, ambitions and collaborative approach of the four Dublin local authorities, in addressing climate action.

The week is being organised and delivered in partnership. The partners for 2022 are:

  • South Dublin County Council
  • Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
  • Dublin City Council
  • Fingal County Council
  • Codema – Dublin’s Energy Agency

The agreed shared objectives of Dublin Climate Action Week are to:

  • Demonstrate progress on the implementation of the four Dublin local authority Climate Change Action Plans, and a regional approach to climate action;
  • Engage with a full range of partners to showcase efforts and innovation across sectors;
  • Make climate action a ‘reality’ allowing citizens to see what climate action looks like;
  • Promote this initiative so as to fully engage with EU and international cities and our climate peers; and
  • Create a legacy so that this initiative can carry forward to subsequent years in a variety of ways.
DUBLIN CLIMATE ACTION WEEK 2022

Events

A number of regional and local events covering a range of climate topics will be delivered as part of Dublin Climate Action Week 2022 and the full programme of events is available on http://www.dublinclimateactionweek.ie

Climate Festival, Tymon Park, Saturday 17th September.

There will something for everyone at this event in South Dublin.

  • The Stop Food Waste team will be there to talk about how reducing your food waste can reduce your impact on the climate.
  • The Recreate team will be designing creative circular solutions to help offset climate change.
  • Dale Treadwell will take you on an exploration of the local biodiversity around the festival, and the reasons to keep nature healthy in the face of climate change impacts.
  • South Dublin County Council Climate Action Team, ESB e-bikes, and RecycleIT will also be in attendance.

Please note this event will run until 4pm on Saturday, Sept 17th 2022.

Know more

Climate action is now at the forefront of policy-making in Ireland. The enactment of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, the publication of the national Climate Action Plan 2021 and each Council’s Climate Change Action Plan 2019-2024, demonstrate our ongoing commitment to move forward on climate action.

Keep up to date on Dublin Climate Action Week 2022 at www.dublinclimateactionweek.ie and use the hashtag #DCAW22 when sharing news or updates on Dublin Climate Action Week 2022

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

Recycle IT Team at Work

Video Gaming Supports Climate Action

On By JMCEIn Climate change, NewsLeave a comment

From climate and environment-themed videogames to special features, pop-ups, and real-life tree-planting opportunities embedded within beloved classics like PAC-MAN or Angry Birds, the gaming industry is working with the United Nations to engage audiences like never before and inspire a new wave of climate action.

The Lightbulb

“More people play video games on their phones than listen to music and watch videos combined, it’s just massive,” says the expert, Cassie Flynn.

Video games for climate action: winning solutions for the planet

As the Strategic Advisor on Climate Change for the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Cassie Flynn often used commuting to think of innovative ways to get ordinary people involved in the climate fight,

One morning, she noticed everyone around her busy with their phones, not just staring at them or scrolling, but doing something on the phones. All of these people were playing games on their phones,” A lightbulb went off:

Ms Flynn’s commute gave birth to UNDP’s Mission 1.5 mobile video game, which allows people to learn about the climate crisis and at the same time communicate to governments about solutions that could be put in place to tackle it – all while they’re exploring virtual universes.

Mission 1.5 video game challenges users to make the right decisions that will keep the world on track to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Image: UNDP

The Numbers

Today there are about 6 million people that have played the game in 58 countries, with a 50 per cent completion rate. Not bad work!

The game itself goes beyond educating the users on climate solutions. It is offered in 17 languages; and the game engages users to cast a vote about which actions, in their opinion, would be more successful to tackle the climate crisis.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says Mission 1.5’s success is only the tip of the iceberg if we think about the reach of today’s video gaming industry, which stretches beyond our smartphones onto the screens of at least 3 billion people in the world – or 1 in every 3 people in the planet.

“The video gaming industry is probably the most powerful medium in the world in terms of attention, reach and engagement,” says Sam Barratt, UN Environment’s Chief of Education, Youth & Advocacy.

UNDP’s Mission 1.5 mobile video game Games Screen Shot

Get Started!

You can click here to start playing the game on a computer, tablet or mobile phone. You can share with others in your family especially younger family members with access to a mobile phone or tablet. This game will get them engaged in climate change learning and related actions.

In 2022, Mission 1.5 will launch a new series of questions to include in the game, while the Alliance will be holding several events, including a virtual climate march and a Green Game Jam student edition.

You can read more at the World Economic Forum website. The article was originally published by United Nations.

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

Van with Recycle IT Logo

News! Paint Reuse Network

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

Painting can create something beautiful and helps stimulate creativity while helping reduce mental strain and boosts a sense of accomplishment once complete. As we know, reducing metal strain can aid a happier, healthier lifestyle and helps improve overall mental health.

From an environmental viewpoint, water-based and oil-based paints can contain hazardous materials and should be managed safely once you are finished using the standard buckets, cans, or aerosol cans (spray paint) trays and brushes Paint is regulated as hazardous waste so handling and recycling paint correctly is essential to environmental well-being.

Household Paint for Reuse or Recycling

The National Paint Reuse Network

The National Paint Reuse Network was launched in late 2021 and has been going from strength to strength! Yearly in Ireland, 2,000 tonnes of surplus paint are exported for incineration. The National Paint Reuse Network plans to reduce this waste by encouraging paint reuse through redistribution to local community initiatives and individuals with painting projects at home!

The Network, set up by Rediscovery Centre, Dublin supported by Ireland’s three main waste management planning offices. The three regional offices are:

The paint reuse network aims to provide training and best practice guidance on the reuse and remixing of water-based paints while also facilitating networking and collaboration between members.

The Rediscovery Centre based in Dublin has been working on paint reuse in Ballymun since 2007 and will facilitate and support new projects wishing to replicate paint reuse across Ireland.

Just Finished Painting – Recycle Safely

Roger Warburton, Programme Director at Rediscover Centre said ” we set up the network to support new projects to get off the ground, build a support network, provide technical expertise that encourages more paint reuse across the country and provide used paint for people to buy and locations for paint they cannot use to be donated. We’d encourage any organisation or local authority interested in paint reuse to get in touch.”

All colours of water-based non-hazardous paints for internal walls and ceilings can be donated and reused.

All paint should be donated at Civic Amenity sites or Recycling Centre as soon as possible to preserve quality.

Donating Paint for Reuse

Please note that Civic Amenity sites each have their own criteria for paint donations, including a charge for paint donation. Some sites do not accept paint donations. Please check with your local civic amenity site for more information and click here to see 12 civic amenity sites working to accept paint for reuse.

Buying Paint for Reuse

The Paint Reuse Network provides quality paint at a great price. The reused paint produced is non-hazardous and water-based for internal use on walls and ceilings and the quality paints are available in a range of colours that can be tailored to individual needs. The small cost per litre contributes to the cost of providing paint for reuse services across Irish communities, reducing the environmental impact of paint disposal in Ireland. It allows paint reuse organisations to provide ongoing training opportunities within their communities. Click here to see the location from which paint can be purchased.

Establishing a Paint Reuse Project

Membership to the Paint Reuse Network is open to any group, individual or organisation operating a paint reuse initiative within Ireland. They need to commit to the values and vision of the network. Network members are provided with networking, training, technical guidance, policy and legislative support, communications & business development advice.

For further information and guidance on Household, Harazous Waste click here

Learn more about social enterprise in Ireland with Conor Pope from The Irish Times, click here

Painting awaiting Reuse or Recycling

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’s 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.

Recycle IT – Collection Van

Cables and Wire Recycling

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic Equipment, Plastic1 Comment

Cable and Wires

We are all using cables daily, we replace them, have spares and get new cables with most new electronic items purchased. The global wires and cables market is projected to be worth $200 billion in 2022 and grow to $294 billion in 2029. Source: Fortune Business Insights. From these figures alone we can see electrical, and electronic cable is a growth area.

Today, recycling and recovery of valuable metals from all sorts of waste equipment including electrical and electronic items is a normal enough occurrence. We are all familiar with recycling and recycling centres and the need to segregate electrical equipment including cables from other types of household or office equipment for recycling.

Some of the main reasons for segregating items for recycling relate to the circular economy, climate change, global warming and reducing mining of raw materials to make new items such as phone charger cables. It also ensures reusable items don’t go to landfills or for incineration.

Mixed Computer Cables for Recycling – Recycle IT

Everyday Wires and Cable

A wire is a single electrical conductor while a number of wires bundled together are called a cable. Cables are a feature of everyday life and are an essential part of electrical and electronic equipment. They mainly consist of plastic covering, aluminium (Al), and copper. Cables are usually recycled once the electronic equipment they relate to, has reached the end of their useful lives.

If you have cables of any type including, electrical, phone, internet, power or charger cables they can be recycled safely at a recycling centre alongside other small electrical items.

Whatever you do, cables, wiring, and chargers should never go in the waste bin or green bin. They contain metals like copper that make them hazardous waste if they’re put in the bin. Some cables and wire can be long and stringy, like outdoor lights, office cabling, and simply wire coat hangers but all can cause havoc for collection equipment and recycling staff when not disposed of correctly.

Cables for Recycling – Recycle IT

Reusing Cable

Sometimes, phone and computer chargers can be reused for a different device than the one they came with. So before buying a new charger, see if you have any old ones that will fit. You can also sell cables for reuse or upcycle cable and wire for craft items or homemade and unique jewellery like rings or broaches. Please do ensure plastic and PVC covering once removed are recycled safely.

Recycling Cable

For some, the recycling and recovery process involves burning the plastic that covers the wire in order to recover the copper and aluminium. This method is extremely harmful to the environment since it releases toxic gases. Please ensure your cable does not end up on fire.

Generally, safe cable recycling works with dry cables with copper or aluminium conductors. The insulation is made of plastic, rubber, or paper with many power cables having, steel or lead armouring for additional safety. These cables can be processed in a cable stripper prior to being downsized into bulk metal and plastic granules which are both reused to make new equipment.

Plastic Granules recovered from Cables

When you recycle anything with a power cable, plug or a battery you are helping to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. Electrical items generally contain hazardous components and therefore need to be disposed of correctly. By recycling, you help with the reuse of plastics, glass and metals as they are recovered for use again in manufacturing.

It’s easy to check if an electrical item, toy or game is recyclable if it reached the end of its working life. Simply ask the following questions and if the answer is yes, to any of these, it is recyclable: Does it have a plug? Does it use batteries? Does it need charging? Does it have a picture of a wheelie bin crossed out?

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.

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

Recycle IT Collection Van

UPS Battery Recycling

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Computer Recycling, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic EquipmentLeave a comment

About Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS), provides backup power when your regular power source fails or voltage drops to an unacceptable level. A UPS is also known as a battery backup. Although UPSs are not truly IT equipment they play an important part in ensuring reliability. UPSs ensure a flow of high-quality power to critical IT equipment.

Old UPS Devices for Recycling

Using UPS Equipment

A UPS is not intended to provide long-term backup or extended use of connected devices for periods without power; UPS units are not designed to offer a battery-operated solution for continuing to work, use the internet, or operate your business.

Multiple devices can be plugged into a UPS similar to a power bar, and the UPS generally provides such functions as power surge protection. When a drop in voltage occurs, the UPS detects it and switches over to battery backup. Components plugged into the UPS can then receive power for a limited amount of time (often ranging from 10 to 45 minutes), until normal power is restored or the system can shut down properly.

UPS equipment can be found in offices and now homes as many more people work from home. It with noting, that over time UPS devices and internal batteries need to be replaced while older UPS units should go for safe recycling.

Your IT team or IT contractor should be able to offer guidance on when you need to replace batteries or the complete UPS device.

Different Types of Power Supply Batteries

There are three main types of batteries used in power supplies: Nickel-Cadmium, Lead-Acid, and Lithium-Ion. There isn’t a single “best” UPS battery technology – the choice should be made on a your requirements for a project. All can be recycled safely.

Recycling UPS Equipment

Alongside all type of IT equipment Recycle IT manage the safe collection, breakdown and disposal of UPS equipment, batteries and replacement UPS batteries in line with waste regulations.

UPS Breakdown

As a registered waste collector and permit waste facility our service helps ensure that all the legal requirements associated with the collection, transportation and disposal of waste batteries and electronic components are fully complied with.

The majority of UPS systems for recycling are older systems with at least ten years of usage. Those sent for recycling are replaced by higher efficiency and more compact systems. Uninterruptible power supplies are generally stripped down within our facility into their subassembly parts. Metals and plastics are recycled, including electrical cabling, capacitors and fans. PCBs and components are recycled safely and in accordance with national guidelines covering WEEE and RoHS.

Batteries from UPS equipment

For more information about our ups battery recycling service, please contact a member of our team @ info@recycleit.ie

More About Recylce IT

Recycle IT is a Social Enterprise providing employment and training through recycling opportunities. We offer recycling drop off and collection services in Dublin and surrounding areas.

In 2021 our team help recycle 652 tons of waste electrical, electronic equipment and metal. This includes business IT equipment, commercial equipment and domestic household appliances.

Recycle IT worked with individuals, resident associations, charities, schools, government organisations, community groups and businesses to provide safe electrical recycling services to those with differing needs and budgets.

Read our annual overview here.

Read more about social enterprise in Ireland here.

Team Recycle IT at Work

COP26 and its Outcomes

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

What is COP26

COP26 is the 2021 United Nations climate change conference. This was the 26th annual summit – giving it the name COP26. The UK was President for COP26 which was in Glasgow between Oct 31st, 2021 and Nov 12th, 2021

For nearly three decades the UN has been bringing together almost every country on earth for global climate summits – called COPs – which stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’. In that time climate change has gone from being a fringe issue to a global priority.

COP26 Conference

COP21 – Paris 2015. 

For the first time ever, something momentous happened: every country agreed to work together to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees and aim for 1.5 degrees, to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate and to make money available to deliver on these aims. 

The Paris Agreement was born. The commitment to aim for 1.5 degrees is important because every fraction of a degree of warming will result in the loss of many more lives lost and livelihoods damaged.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries committed to bringing forward national plans setting out how much they would reduce their emissions – known as Nationally Determined Contributions, or ‘NDCs’. 

They agreed that every five years they would come back with an updated plan that would reflect their highest possible ambition at that time. 

COP26 Expectations - News
COP26 Photo

Whats expected

As World leaders gathered in Glasgow to address climate, delegates are being asked to accelerate action on climate change and commit to more ambitious cuts in their countries’ emissions, all in an effort to limit global temperature rises. Did they?

Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change has said “the devastating loss of lives and livelihoods this year due to extreme weather events clarifies how important it is to convene COP26 despite the impacts of the pandemic still being felt. We are on track for a global temperature rise of 2.7C, while we should be heading for the 1.5C goal. Clearly, we are in a climate emergency. Clearly, we need to address it. Clearly, we need to support the most vulnerable to cope. To do so successfully, greater ambition is now critical,

Leaders and delegates need to demonstrate greater ambition to achieve progress on all elements of the climate change agenda, including reducing emissions, addressing loss and damage from extreme climatic events and increasing the provision of support to developing countries. Did they?

Background

With 197 Parties engaged, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has near-universal membership and is the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement.

The main aim of the Paris Agreement is to keep a global average temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius and to drive efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The UNFCCC is also the parent treaty of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The ultimate objective of all agreements under the UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, in a time frame that allows ecosystems to adapt naturally and enables sustainable development.

COP-26 & Collaborative lighthouse projects for Climate Action - MaREI
COP26 Photo

COP26 Explained

International climate summits are complex. The United Kingdom COP26 team, want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to understand what COP26 is and what the team is working to achieve. 

These are a few helpful sources of information to get you started:

Irish Government at COP26

A Taoiseach Michéal Martin attended the World Leaders’ Summit on 1st and 2nd November, whilst Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food Charlie McConalogue, is expected to attend COP26 later in the week.

Minister for the Environment Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan and a delegation arrived at COP26 on 8th November. Ireland to co-host four events including Public Engagement and Renewable Energy’ and European Peatlands Initiative’ at the Peatlands Pavilion.

Experts from environmental interest groups and government entities, including Met Eireann, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) also attended COP26 in Glasgow over the 2 weeks.

For more news click here.

Irish organisations at COP26

The following organisations are planning to visit or partake in Cop26:

  • An Taisce.
  • IEN (Irish Environmental Network).
  • Christian Aid.
  • Student Climate Action Network.
  • Trocaire.
  • Oxfam.
  • Friends of the Earth.
  • Macra na Feirme.
  • NYCI (National Youth Council of Ireland).
  • ECO-UNESCO (working to conserve the environment and empower young people).

To learn more and keep up to date on COP26 click here.

Attendance Farewell

Outcomes

The outcome document, known as the Glasgow Climate Pact, calls on 197 countries to report their progress towards more climate ambition next year, at COP27, set to take place in Egypt.

Beyond the political negotiations and the Leaders’ Summit, COP26 brought together about 50,000 participants online and in-person to share innovative ideas, solutions, attend cultural events and build partnerships and coalitions.

Outcomes of the Glasgow Climate Change Conference can be found here in advance unedited versions (AUVs).

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

Eco Meetings and Events

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

Meeting again!

As we all start to get back to our new normal living and working with COVID 19 we will once again arrange and book business, community, sport, and family events including formal meetings and social occasions.

It’s important to look at environmental considerations when arranging these types of events and occasions. By proactively working with service providers, we all can minimise environmental harm and achieve greater environmental wellbeing.

A green meeting incorporates environmental considerations at all stages of the meeting or event to minimise the negative impact on the environment and positively contribute to host communities. (Green Meeting Industry Council).

Meeting Coffee Break

Failte Ireland

Failte Ireland has developed a guide to help organisations and communities start on the road to running green meetings or events, large and small. These meetings and events will incorporate environmental considerations throughout all the various stages to minimise the negative impact on the environment and positively contribute to the community hosting the event or meeting.

This Failte Ireland guide is intended for any business involved in planning and/or running a meeting, conference, or event in Ireland. This will range from conference organisers, venues (including hotels), accommodation providers, catering companies, entertainment/activity providers, audiovisual/IT companies, and transport providers. The guide was prepared to allow businesses to start or continue the road to planning and running green meetings and events.

The document is a voluntary guide, and not a standard. (Click below to access).

What to Ask?

As an individual or organisation wishing to book a meeting or event, you might ask the following questions of a service provider.

Please don’t feel awkward when asking these questions, the best organisation will have no problem answering and others will learn!

  • Do you have an environmental policy?
  • I want to run a carbon neutral event; can you help me do that?
  • What are your company’s sustainability principles?
  • We take Corporate Social Responsibility very seriously in our company and we want to work with businesses that do the same. Is that you?
  • Why should we choose your company?
  • What makes you environmentally sustainable?

According to the United Nations (UN) World Commission on Environment and Development, environmental sustainability is about acting in a way that ensures future generations have the natural resources available to live an equal, if not better, way of life as current generations.

Eco-Friendly Early Morning Meeting

Service Providers

Conference, meeting, and events venues can look to this Failte Ireland business tool for guidance on how best to address potential customer questions on arranging eco-friendly meetings and events for potential customers.

With an ever increasing focus on the environment across the world, it is not surprising that the meetings, conference and events sector has come under scrutiny, in respect of what actions it is taking to add to the ever growing demand for sustainability.

To get a copy of the guide click here. Meeting and event organisers and operators will benefit from taking a look!

About Recylce IT

As part of an environmental policy and ongoing sustainabily organsations should have a procedure for dealing with its old electronic, electrical and metal equipment once it’s served it’s purpsoe.

Every part of the meeting, conferencing and hospitality sector used electronic, electrical, and metal equipment to meet the needs of customers. Once this equipment has reached the end of its first life it might be offered for reuse and if not fit for reuse it should be safely recycled.

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 for WEEE collection with permit details available here.

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

Visit our website www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT Logo

Its Reuse Month 2021!

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Dublin, Family, NewsLeave a comment

Choose to Reduce and Reuse over Recycling

October is Ireland’s National Reuse Month, reuse is about valuing our stuff, by using and reusing it for as long and as often as possible. This avoids the need to extract raw materials, manufacture and distribute new stuff, and avoids waste thereby cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle—are the “three R’s” used to promote waste management and help reduce environmental harm. The “three R’s” are listed in order of importance so why is recycling usually the first option we choose?

Over the years advertising campaign, green initiatives, educational resources and various government and EU actions have asked us to recycle, so that’s what we do!

Reuse Month 2021

We have followed the call to action “recycle”. We take time at home and in the office assembling items for recycling, we separate items and place them in the right bin to help protect the environment.

It is important to recycle, but remember, recycling is the third choice. We should consider reducing and reusing before recycling.

The first “R,”

Reduce, means removing or decreasing the amount of waste we produce e.g., reducing the packaging choices, choosing long lasting products, avoiding disposable items, and decreasing consumption.

The second “R,”

Reuse means reusing products you consider as waste. Many items can be used again in their current form, or with few repairs or changes. People sometimes say they are recycling something when they are reusing it.

The third “R,”

Recycling involves dropping off or collecting used materials so they can be processed mechanically, using heat or chemicals to be remanufactured into new products. These activities use energy, water, human and other resources, and they can cause pollution. Although the resource used and pollution caused by recycling is much less than mining, processing, and transporting raw materials it is greater than simply reusing an item.      

Focusing on Reuse   

As it is reuse month, we will focus on Reusing which allows individuals, families, and co-workers to take responsibility for the waste created. Think like children and use your imagination to create what you need from what you have. This can make you feel good, you can learn skills and it is economically and environmentally rewarding.

Reuse Goals – Oct 2021
See a list of reuse activities that can be carried out by individuals and families.
  • Keep empty containers for storing leftovers.
  • Source reusable water bottles.
  • Repair, rather than replace, broken or worn-out products.
  • Donate useable, unwanted items to charity shops, community groups, and reuse organisations.
  • Make empty plastic bottles into bird feeders, scoops, watering bottles.
  • Take reusable shopping bags to the shops.
  • Make dusters from old towels and sheets.
  • Donate magazines to libraries and hospital waiting rooms.
  • Make wrapping paper from comics and magazine pages or reuse old gift wrap.
  • Donate newspapers and blankets to pet charities.
  • Paint, reupholster or cover old furniture.
  • Use packing materials again or create you own.
  • Rent or borrow things you use infrequently.
  • Buy rechargeable batteries and appliances.
  • Use old toothbrushes for household cleaning.
  • Wash and reuse aluminium foil and plastic sandwich bags.
  • Wrap packages for posting with paper bags.
  • Make face clothes from old fabric or clothes.
Reuse Strategies for Businesses, Industries, Institutions, and Local Governments
  • Ask your suppliers to use reusable cartons, pallets, and crates.
  • Distribute your products in reusable containers.
  • Think about designing products for reuse.
  • Order reusable binders and pockets.
  • Repair old furniture and equipment or donate it to a charity for reuse.
  • If you organisation has to much of one thing or out date office items, try Recreate
  • Recover and reuse waste production materials. (Paper, cardboard, plastic).
  • Use refillable, reusable ink and toner cartridges.
  • Send your ink and toner cartridges back to the manufacturer for reuse
  • Buy refillable pens or use pencils
  • Turn manila folders inside out so they can be reused.
  • Use outdated letterhead for in-house memos.
  • Only print letterhead on paper as required.
  • Set up an office supply swap area.
  • Shred confidential papers for reuse in box packing .
  • Reuse packing materials or donate them to another organization.
  • Use an erasable memo pads or a whiteboard for messages.
  • Use mugs and glasses instead of disposable paper and plastic cups.
  • Use two-way envelopes and mailing pouches.
  • Convert old office paper into telephone answering pads.
  • If you damage equipment try repairing for reuse – www.repairmystuff.ie
Reuse Month – Get involved

How can I get involved?

National Reuse Month’s aim is to inspire you and provide you with the skills and tools to reuse more at home, at work and at play. For example, you may have already reused by getting shoes resoled rather than replacing them or borrowing books from the library. To cut down on waste and greenhouse gas emissions, we asked everyone to go further in October and beyond by prioritising repair, buying second hand, and upcycled, borrowing, swapping, and refilling. Click here to learn more.

If you are interested in registering for a reuse event click here.

About Recylce 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 collection with permit detail available here.

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

Visit our website www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT Logo

Dublin – The Big Clean-Up!

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Dublin, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

Dublin’s Biggest Clean-up Event

Did you know that in 2019 across Dublin, 1,500 volunteers got involved with 180 clean-ups were organised in different l ocations in just one weekend! Great effort and well done to all involved. Last year due to Covid 19 it was hard to run events by 2021 again offers opportunity!

We are delighted to share the news that a joint clean up initiative will take place again in 2021. It will operate across Dublin from the 11th to the 19th of September and Dublin Community Clean Up will be proudly supported by the four local authorities in Dublin.

Dublin Community Clean -Up 2021

Building on great achievement of 2019, the Dublin Community Clean-Up is now extended to the whole week and the four local authoritues are asking again all volunteers around #Dublin to join forces and organise clean-ups around the cities, to make this the biggest clean-up event ever!

Why not get your family and friends to be a part of the action? You can start your very own clean-up in your community, or take a look at our map and join an existing one.

Registrations are now open for the #dublincommunitycleanup 2021.

For more information on how to organise a clean-up or join an existing clean-up in your local area just visit www.dublincommunitycleanup.ie.

Don’t forget to join the conversation on social media at #dublincommunitycleanup.

World Cleanup Day 2021

During the same week, groups of people in countries across the world take part in World Cleanup Day. This year on Sept 18th 2021 volunteers and partners worldwide will come together safely, depsite ongoing restrictions related to Covid-19, to rid our planet of rubbish and waste – cleaning up litter and mismanaged waste from our beaches, rivers, forests, and streets.

World Cleanup Day harnesses the power of people around the world to achieve incredible things by joining together.

Its success lies in cooperation and collaboration: building bridges between different communities, and including all levels of society – from citizens to business, to local and national government.

World Cleanup Day Poster

All types of environmental and community heroes get together to address cleanup challenges. Since 2018, World Cleanup Day has brought together millions of people for the biggest waste collection day in human history.

In 2018, 17.6 million people volunteered and in 2019, 21.2 million environment people joined in on an epic 36-hour green wave of cleanups across the globe – beginning in New Zealand and traveling around the world before ending in Hawaii.

Why not commit to a clean-up in your area. Individuals and organisations in Ireland can sign up here for World Cleanup Day 2021. To lean more about the day click here.

Click – About World Cleanup Day

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning not for profit social enterprise providing collection and drop off services for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Services are offered to homes, schools, charities, and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas. Our teams collect and help recycle a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves, TV’s 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 Leinster.

Recycle IT Logo
Recycle IT Logo

Dublin Climate Action Week 2021

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Dublin, News, Social Enterprise, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Introducing Dublin Climate Action Week

Dublin Climate Action Week is a one-week programme of both online and physical events running from the 13th – 19th September 2021, which aims to showcase and inspire climate action across the Dublin region.

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

Dublin Climate Action Week Logo
Dublin Climate Action Week Logo

The week is being planned to showcase the ongoing efforts, ambitions and the collaborative approach of the four Dublin local authorities, in addressing climate action.

Local authorities in Dublin and across Ireland play a pivotal role in planning for, and responding to, climate emergency situations. Given their close relationship with the community, local authorities can react effectively to local climate events, with on-going support from other government agencies and the local communities.

Local authories planning and actions have been demonstrated in their response to extreme weather events in Ireland over recent years, as well as the ongoing response to COVID-19 restrictions.

They have essential local knowledge of the natural and manmade environment, and have a critical role to play in managing climate risks and vulnerabilities, and identifying adaptation actions within their administrative areas. Having regard to climate mitigation, local authorities are continuing to upgrade public buildings and social housing, and are enhancing active travel measures across Ireland.

Click to Open

The Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the Mayors of South Dublin County Council and Fingal County Council, and the Lord Mayor of Dublin City Council, have jointly stated:

We are delighted to announce our partnership in the organisation and delivery of the inaugural Dublin Climate Action Week, to be held in September 2021. As the four Counties of Dublin re-open following COVID-19 restrictions, we have all gained a much greater understanding and appreciation, of our communities, amenities and our local environment. During Dublin Climate Action Week 2021, we will be bringing our collective climate action efforts and ambitions to life, together with a range of partners from other sectors. The full programme of events will be published on the dedicated website in August 2021.

The Dublin Region is faced with many climate change related risks and challenges, from flooding and sea level rise, to air pollution and extreme weather events. You can keep up to date on climate change and Dublin Climate Action Week 2021 at www.dublinclimateactionweek.ie. More news and event updates will be added over the coming weeks.

Climate Action Events – Click the image for more

You can also contact the Climate Action Section, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire+353 (0)1 204 707 or email climatechange@dlrcoco.ie

Shared by Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning not for profit social enterprise providing collection and drop off services for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) Services are offered to homes, schools, charities, and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas. Our teams collect and help recycle a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves, TV’s and much more.

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

Hybrid Electric Van – Recycle IT

Bike and E-Bike Upcycling Initiative.

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Dublin, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

Funded Pilot Project

The Department of Rural and Community Development, in conjunction with the Department of Transport developed a pilot initiative for the supply of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for reuse.

This initiative was further developed to allow social enterprise organizations based in Ireland to apply for funding to support the operation of the scheme during 2021 and hopefully beyond.

Bikes – Dropped off for Metal Recycling – Recycle IT

We are delighted to share the news that the successful applicants for the initiative have now been chosen. They are

  1. The Rediscovery Centre & Rothar Velo in Dublin 9.
  2. Frontline Bikes/ Frontline Make Change in Dublin 8.
  3. Treo Port Lairge CLG (aka Renew Enterprises) in Waterford.
  4. The Life Cycle Consortium in Galway – Westside Resource Centre and An Mheitheal Rothar.
  5. Sign & Cycle in Cork – Cork Community Cycles & Deaf Enterprises.

How it Works

The pilot fund will be administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development as part of its Community Services Programme, with funding of up to €3m provided by the Department of Transport over a three year period.

The pilot will support a number of social enterprises in 2021 and will, depending on the level of success of the pilot, seek to bring additional organizations into the initiative in 2022 with up to €3 million available to this pilot bike and e-bike upcycling initiative.

There were fourteen applications received and the five applicants listed above were approved for support under this pilot initiative.

This scheme will provide transport options to those on limited incomes, it will support training and employment opportunities for those who may have had difficulty accessing the mainstream labour market and reduce the number of bikes going to landfill through reuse and refurbishment to allow a second life.

Old Bikes – Collected for Recycling

At the announcement Minister O’Brien said:

“I would like to thank all those who submitted applications under this pilot initiative and I welcome the geographical spread of the successful organizations.

“The successful projects were chosen because they are very innovative and outline a model that has the potential for replication on a nationwide basis, thereby supporting the Programme for Government commitment to widening the eligibility of the Bike to Work Scheme to ensure that bikes are more accessible to those in our society who are most disadvantaged or marginalized. It is envisaged that the pilot projects will also provide training and employment and will help reduce the number of bikes going to landfill. These outcomes combined with the wider environmental and health benefits of increased bike use ensure that this pilot is a vitally important scheme and one I very much hope to build on over the coming years.”

Darragh O’Brien, TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage 

Minister Ryan, whose Department will provide the funding for this pilot initiative, said:

“Bikes will get a second life, and the people building them will provide a vital service in their communities with these pilot projects. The demand for bicycles, parts and maintenance far exceeds supply in many places around the country. This scheme keeps valuable materials in circulation, builds local expertise, and will shorten the turnaround time for those who have come to rely on the bicycle as a convenient way of getting around.”

Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for Transport and the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.

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 are happy to accept bikes that are beyond repair or reuse for safe and authorised metal recycling. Bikes of any shape or size can be dropped off free at our recycling centre. We can also offer a cost-effective collection service in Dublin.

During 2020 Recycle IT operated a curtailed drop off and collection services to homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of batteries, computers, cables, monitors, kettles.  microwaves and screens. We are open again in 2021 working within the COVID 19 guidelines.

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

IMG_0453 (2)
Recycle IT are Pakman Ireland Awards Winners – WEEE Recycling Champion 2019

Plastic Free July is here!

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Family, News, PlasticLeave a comment

What can you do this July?

Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics? Choosing to refuse plastic packaging in July might be an option for you!

Ask you family, friends, sports club or office to commit stop buying or using items packed in single-use plastic. Swap to a reusable alternative. For example, you could swap out takeaway coffee cups for a reusable one, you could start buying plastic-free toothbrushes or use a personal reusable water bottles and so on. 

Plastic Free Poster 1

Can you Refuse’ Single Use Plastic?

Each year in July people all over the world aim to exclude plastic bottles, cutlery, fruit packing, coffee cup lids and other common plastic waste items from their daily life, opting instead for reusable containers or those made from biodegradable materials.  We think this is a great idea and why not make it a year round effort at home and in the workplace. Change is good.

The vision started in Western Australia in 2011 and has since moved across the world to help promote and stop the earth becoming further saturated with plastic materials which are part of our convenience lifestyle.

Lots of items are designed to be used once and disposed of. They fill up bins in homes, work, schools and on streets across the world including Ireland with Irish town and city bins full to capacity most of the time.

Ireland and some other countries have made some progress with a tax on single-use plastic bags which reduced usage but problems still exist with millions of plastics bags, cutlery, bottles plates and cartons used daily.

This usage is rapidly increasing the amount of non-biodegradable product on the earth. These plastics may be cheap and convenient, but it’s having real consequences. Plastic is polluting our land, air, and oceans; it is harming our marine life and even invading our bodies with Microbeads everywhere.

Plastic Free Poster 2

Where to start – We have added 10 Tips to help

BRING YOUR OWN BAG: Get yourself a couple of good cloth bags and leave them in the car or beside the front door so you’ll always have them on hand.

DON’T BUY BOTTLED WATER: Get some reusable bottles and fit a cost-effective water filter to the taps in your home.

FRUIT CARTONS:  Avoid plastic fruit and vegetable packaging. A single plastic produce carton can take more than 1000 years to degrade so shop for unpackaged fruit and veg when you can or leave the plastic with the store.  They will get the idea!

DAILY COFFEE: Take away coffee cups are lined with plastic and often can’t be recycled. Take your own coffee cup or have a sit-down coffee using the cafe’s cups.

PACK A LUNCHBOX:  Use a good sturdy lunchbox with separate compartments, to allow you to pack food straight into separately, eliminating the need for plastic wrapping and avoid plastic-wrapped snack foods like biscuits or bars. Try making some at home, it cheaper and somewhat healthier.

PLASTIC FOOD WRAP: Buy some stainless steel or long plastic containers to help eliminate the need for single life plastic food wrapping.

STRAWS: If you really want a straw, buy reusable straws for use at home and demand reusable straws from your local takeaways or restaurants.

CUT PLASTIC CUTLERY: Plastic cutlery is another single-use plastic item you can avoid. Keep some reusable cutlery in your lunch or picnic bag.

SOURCE A SODA MAKER: This helps reduce the amount of plastic soft drinks bottles purchased, used and disposed of in your home and office weekly.

SHOP WISE: Ask your local shop and supermarket to make the change away from plastic or vote with your feet until they do. It will happen and think about all the waste which won’t enter your waste and the related time saved.

Plastic Free Poster 3

Plastic Free 2024 – what to do! 

Just join the challenge and ‘Choose To Refuse’ single-use plastic during 2024. You can assist in achieving the goals of having a world without plastic waste.  Will you join and give up? If so learn more, and sign up at www.plasticfreejuly.org

Did You Know?

An article in the Irish Times in 2018 reported Irish retailers here produce an estimated 80,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year. From a recent look on the shelves of my local supermarket not much has changed. Some tomatoes have a cardboard trays covered with plastic, flimsy plastic fruit bags are still in use in many supermarkets and cereals still have a plastic bag inside the box.

In general retailers across Europe may not be doing as much as we think that are doing to reduce plastic in our supermarket shopping!

The first-ever analysis of the role European supermarkets play in addressing plastic pollution, “Under wraps? What Europe’s supermarkets aren’t telling us about plastic” is a result of collaboration of over 20 NGOs, members of Break Free from Plastic movement, from across Europe.

Here in Ireland the Sick of Plastic Campaign has facilitated this report, reaching out to Ireland’s top five Supermarkets; Dunnes Stores, Supervalu (Musgraves), Tesco, LIDL and ALDI.

The specially designed ranking developed by The Changing Markets Foundation revealed a near-complete lack of ambition across three categories: Transparency and performance, Commitments, and Support for government policy.

Read the full article at VOICE Ireland.

Read the full report here. 

About Recycle IT

As you know lots of electrical, electronic and metal items are packed in plastic and have a plastic cover or coating. When these items are recycled the plastic is removed and mainly reused in new products. We do our best to aid this process but like you we we can struggle with everyday soft plastics used in the office or canteen. We do our best to reduce and this is why we follow Plastic Free July its helps with tips and guides change!

Recycle IT is an award-winning not for profit enterprise providing a collection and drop off service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Last year Recycle IT offered to drop off and collection services to homes, schools, charities, and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TV’s.

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.

Recycle IT Logo
Recycle IT Logo

Electrical Recycling Eye Opener!

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic EquipmentLeave a comment

Recycled electrical waste increased by 10% in 2020?

WEEE Ireland reported that the amount of electrical waste recycled at local authority recycling centres rose by 10% last year. This is the equivalent of about half a million small household appliances like kettles, toasters, blenders, batteries, cables, rice makers, sandwich toasters and more!

WEEE Ireland say this increase demonstrates how behavior and attitude of Irish people towards recycling e-waste is improving. (WEEE = Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment).

What’s changed?

In 2021 something changed. There was a spike in the number of electrical items dumped in general waste bins which resulted in a 7% decrease in electrical recycling compared with January 2020. This maybe the result of COVID 19 travel restrictions imposed in January 2021 or something else?

Mixed System Boards for Recycling

Leo Donovan, chief executive of WEEE Ireland, said: “Unfortunately, in January we saw a reverse in that behavior, and we would ask people to seriously consider the danger and environmental impact of getting rid of e-waste in household bins.

Mr. Donovan, also ask people to seriously consider the danger and environmental impact of getting rid of e-waste in household bins. “We need people to support a transition towards a more circular economy, which aims to keep our resources in circulation for longer.”

Recycle IT as an e-waste recycling service provider wishes to encourage Irish people to recycle safely and not place electrical items in any one household bin. Not even the green bin!

Old TV Screen for Recycling

It’s great to see people safely recycle old electrical waste at a bring centre or colleciton day. These efforts will reduce exposure to toxic and hazardous substances found in many types of electronic equipment, If not recycled correctly everyday electrical equipment poses a real risk to human health and the environment.

For Ireland to comply with EU targets, e-waste recycling will need to increase by more than 10% in 2021. (Over 2020 figures) This will help Ireland to stay in touch with the ever-increasing amounts of new electrical items appearing on the market and in homes each year. These new items usually replace older or damaged items which can and should be recycled if not fit for repair and/or reuse.

Interesting research

The world generated 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste in 2019 which is an increase of approx. 9.2 million tonnes​ in five years.

After reviewing 30 years of recorded data The World Economic Forum reports that e-waste volumes in the U.S. is decreasing. U.S. households now produce about 10% less electronic waste by weight than they did at their peak in 2015. This can also be seen in other developed countries including Ireland.

The Recycle IT team say “new electrical and electronic products are much lighter and more compact than past products, This means less weight per item but lot more items to handle and recycle”.

Mixed Computer Parts for Recycling

Smartphones and laptops have replaced desktop computers. Flat screens have displaced bulkier TV and monitors, streaming services are doing the job that once required standalone MP3, DVD and Blu-ray players. U.S. households now produce about 10% less electronic waste by weight than they did at their peak in 2015.

This is a positive but also a negative with many smaller e-waste items ending up in household bins. If your electronic items get damaged, repair specialists can be difficult in find and costly compared to new items. Some personal electronic equipment is almost impossible to repair due to the small size, e.g. Bluetooth earbuds. The EU is looking at repair and encouraging producers to make it easier and less costly. We await an outcome!

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT provide recycling opportunities to home and business customers for all types of electronics equipment. Recycle IT offer a range of services including free, drop off, free community collections and cost-effective personal or business collections.

Our team will accept old household electrical items, small office electrical items alongside your garden power tools and pure metal equipment. We can also accept commercial appliances but do call in advance.

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

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

Recycle IT – Repak Award Winner 2019 – WEEE Champion

Climate Change Conference 2021

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

The Irish Government and others say, climate is the defining challenge of our time. We have an opportunity to act now to mitigate the worst effects of climate change and secure a safer future for generations to come.

You can click here to view information on how Ireland is responding to this challenge and what supports are available to help you take action.

You can also learn more from the Environmental Protection Agency in Ireland by registering for its online conference which will be held in June 2021.

EPA Conference Logo 2021

In 2019 the EPA held its last Climate Change Conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Unfortunately the 2020 Climate Change Conference was postponed but the conference is back for 2021.

The conference titled Climate Solutions for a Better Tomorrow will be hosted online on the morning of June 23rd between 9am and 1pm and on the afternoon of June 24th 2021 between 1pm and 5pm.

The conference event will run over 2 days and will cover :

Day 1 – To explore achievement of climate neutrality by 2050; challenges and solutions

Day 2 –  Explore the role of society in the transition to climate neutrality and resilience

Please register below for this free event.

Don’t forget to share on social media @ #ClimateConference2021

Further details will follow shortly after you register.

Register here.

Learn more

To learn about climate change in simple terms you can click here. The link will bring you to a website which explains common climate action terms in plain English. The explanations are designed to help describe ideas and concepts rather than to give strict scientific definitions. You can even take a quiz which is great for family learning!

climatejargonbuster.ie

Circular Economy 2021

It was announced on June 15th 2021 that the Irish Government Cabinet has approved the general scheme of the Circular Economy Bill 2021. The Circular Economy Bill aims to curb a wide range of single-use products and ensure more robust waste management, including greater household segregation of items, and reduce food waste.

The Circular Economy Bill will:

  • ensure all households have access to and use segregated waste services and incentivise the commercial sector to increase waste separation
  • incentivise the reuse and the use of recyclable alternatives to a range of wasteful single-use disposable packaging and other items, and will re-designate the existing Environment Fund as a Circular Economy Fund
  • provide for the GDPR-compliant use of range of technologies, such as CCTV for waste enforcement purposes, this will support efforts to tackle illegal dumping and littering
  • place the Circular Economy and National Food Loss Prevention Roadmap on a statutory footing, ensuring this issue remains a priority for future governments
  • streamline the processes for End-of-Waste and By-Products decisions, tackling the delays which can be encountered by industry
  • consolidate Government’s policy of keeping fossil fuels in the ground by introducing prohibitions on exploration for and extraction of coal, lignite and oil shale

You can read more here.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT provide recycling opportunities to home and business customers for all types of electronics equipment. Recycle IT offer a range of services including free, drop off, free community collections and cost-effective personal or business collections.

Our team will accept old household electrical items, small office electrical items alongside your garden power tools and pure metal equipment. We can also accept commercial appliances but do call in advance.

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

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