Category: Climate change

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

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