Category: Dublin

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

Littering, Laws and Waste Labelling

On By JMCEIn Dublin, News, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

On May 5th 2021 Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, announced €5 million in additional funding for litter infrastructure and awareness campaigns to encourage people to dispose of their rubbish carefully.

As many more people meet and socialise outdoors, there has been a surge in littering. Councils plan to install more bins and assign additional staff to tackle the problem but we all can do more!

Dublin Litter

If you are out and about this summer please bring your litter home. If the bin is full don’t just leave your packaging, bottles or cans beside the bin. Lead by example and leave no trace.

May 5th 2021 also marks the publication of the 2020 National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS) Results. The publication provide important statistical data on the extent, causes and composition of litter in Ireland.

In announcing the publication of the 2020 Results, Minister Ryan acknowledged the role being played by both local authorities and communities in tackling Ireland’s litter challenges and noted new proposals to combat litter.

Waste Laws

Public Places

Leaving or throwing litter in a public place is an offence that can be subject to an on-the-spot fine of €150 and up to a maximum fine of €3000 if you are convicted of a litter offence in the District Court.

Local authorities across Ireland are responsible for keeping public places that they control, including public roads clean and litter free. This includes cleaning programmes and the provision and emptying of litter bins so let them know if you see full bins or ongoing littering in your area. Gardaí also have the power to issue on the spot fines for littering.

Household

Did you know your County Council has adopted waste Segregation, Storage and Presentation of Household and Commercial Waste Bye-Laws which will ensure a consistent approach to managing waste across Ireland.

Did you know failure to comply with any of the requirements of the waste bye-laws may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice (Maximum €75) being issued by a member of your local County or City Council or by a member of An Garda Siochana and may result in a fine of up to €2,500 on conviction?

Waste Bye-Laws

These bye-laws apply to all households, apartments and commercial premises and aim to aid the prevention and control of environmental pollution.

What this really means   

Now the onus is on every individual, household, apartments and commercial premises to provide proof that they have a contract in place with an authorized waste collector or that they regularly use a recycling centre or civic amenity site. (a docket or receipt is can be provided on request at recycling centres).

By correctly managing your waste you will:

  • Help address challenges with climate
  • Improve the quantity and quality of recyclables collected
  • Reduce waste going to landfill and incineration
  • Conserve our planets limited resources

You can start to reduce waste by simply: 

  • Saying no to single-use disposable items like razors, batteries, wipes, coffee cups
  • Make a weekly shopping list for your groceries, and follow it
  • Stop or reduce packaging by buying loose produce and buying in bulk
  • Switch to rechargeable batteries
  • Place a no junk mail sticker on your letterbox
  • Some using plastic and especially single-use plastics
My Waste Ireland – Logo

Small Quantity – share a bin! 

The best and probably most affordable option in this instance is bin sharing with a family member or friend living in close proximity and maybe a less frequent collection. A letter from the bin account holder will be sufficient evidence, this account holder will then be obliged to provide evidence of contact with a permitted waste collection company.

Segregate recyclable

It’s important that you segregate recyclable waste from your residual waste and present these separately.  Please note: If you are living in an urban area, small town or village with a population of over 500 you are required to segregate food waste* Please don’t include metal, electronic or electrical waste with your recyclable or general waste. You can drop it to a recycling centre such as Recycle IT or have it collected by Recycle IT.

Benefits of Bye-Laws 

In our view, the waste bye-laws can encourage and increase formal recycling through drop off or collection for reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery. They will also encourage people to reduce their waste, separate their waste which leads to an increase in the quality of waste for collection.

Labelling

The three labels were launched in 2019. They are for use by producers, manufacturers and retailers on a are voluntary basis. The labels clearly identify whether an item is widely recycled, whether it is not recyclable, and whether more information should be sought before deciding how to dispose. Please look at your packaging for the labelling if unsure.

My Waste Posters

These labels were introduced at a time when two thirds of the plastic used by industry in packaging is non-recyclable in Ireland today. They aim to encourage enterprise to reduce their use of non-recyclable materials and use recycled, recyclable packaging.

Please click here to learn more or download information in Irish, Chinese, Polish or Russian on the waste bye-laws. You can read more about the new waste labelling system here

Guides to Waste Bye-Laws – Irish, Chinese, Polish or Russian

About Recycle IT

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

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

Recycle IT – COVID-19 – 2021

On By JMCEIn Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, NewsLeave a comment

Overview 2021

Recycle IT plan to remain open for electrical, electronic and pure metal recycling DROP OFF and COLLECTIONS during Level 5 of the Plan for Living with Covid-19. Recycling services are included in the list of essential services which can operate.

Following a recent Cabinet meeting the Government has decided to introduce COVID-19 Level 5 restrictions during late December 2020. These restrictions are due to be in place until further notice.

The Government say that over the coming weeks, we have a real challenge individually and collectively. With much of society and the economy closed, we all have choices to make which will have a significant impact on how we manage Covid-19 in 2021. To learn more click here.

These restrictions mean all counties in Ireland are Level 5 from midnight on 30 December 2020. At present Level 5 restrictions will remain in place until further notice. The Government will monitor and issue regular updates based on the status of the virus and on public health advice.

COVID 19

The priority is to minimise disruption to essential services but again this is subject to change. This means that some services will be moved online and some businesses and public services will be closed. You can learn more by clicking here. At present school are closed but hope to reopen shortly. We encourage everyone to read about the COVID-19 vaccine and to get their information from a factual, trusted source – here are the links to the pages with information on the vaccine:

Recycling with Recycle IT

Recycle IT reopened in Jan 20201 with a drop off service only but resumed a limited collection service again from February 1st 2021 based on demand. We are offering a safe collections services to households, schools, community group, charities and business organisations in Dublin at present. We have published collection guidelines to help ensure safe collections for customers and our team. You can read the guidelines here.

If you wish to drop off electrical, electronic and pure metal recycling drop off you will find our address and a location map and further details here.

COVID-19 Public Health Advice

Some of our staff team will be able to work from home. Others delivering services directly to the public with be working safely from our facility in Clondalkin, Dublin 22. The team will following all health and safety guidelines with a focus on those specific to COVID 19. Team members will have there temperature recorded daily with hand washing, hand sanitization and social distancing a priority.

Phone calls will be answered during the hours of 9.30 am and 1.30 pm. Email is the best form of communication and will be monitored Monday to Friday from 9 am and 5 pm.

Help Prevent COVID 19

If you wish to book an electrical recycling collection from your home, school, community group or business Recycle IT will make every effort to support on reopening for collections.

Once collection resume, its worth noting all items for recycling will need to be accessible, disconnected and ready for collection. Recycle IT teams will be following social distancing guidelines. They are happy to collect the electronic and electrical equipment from drives, parking areas, outside common areas and other accessible & clear external location. We ask recyclers to remain mindful of social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines when recycling.

If you need further information on COVID 19 updates are available on the HSE-HPSC Website (updated daily at 12 noon) together with guidance and other relevant information.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, is an award-winning social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop off and collection. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and South Dublin County Council.

Recycle IT are supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across in Leinster.

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

Truck with Recycle IT Logo

E-Waste in the EU: Facts and Figures

On By JMCEIn Computer Recycling, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic Equipment, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

We are sharing a news article from the European Parliament, a forum for political debate and decision-making at EU level. This particular article was published on 23 December 2020 and is about electrical and electronic waste and the fact that it growing faster than any other waste stream. Check out the facts and figures in the infographics below.

Did you know that less than 40% of e-waste is recycled. Electronic devices and electrical equipment define our modern life. From washing machines and vacuum cleaners to smartphones and computers, it is hard to imagine life without them. But the waste they generate has become an obstacle in the EU efforts to reduce its overall ecological footprint. This includes Ireland.

What is e-waste?

Electronic and electrical waste, or e-waste, covers a variety of different products that are thrown away after use. From the largest items to the smallest including cables, phones and batteries. Large household appliances, such as washing machines and electric stoves, are the most collected, making up more than half of all collected e-waste.

This is followed by IT and telecommunications equipment (laptops, printers), consumer equipment and photovoltaic panels (video cameras, fluorescent lamps) and small household appliances (vacuum cleaners, toasters, kettles etc.).

All other categories, such as electrical tools and medical devices, together make up just 7.2% of the collected e-waste.

E-waste recycling rate in the EU

Less than 40% of all e-waste in the EU is recycled, the rest is unsorted. Recycling practices vary among EU countries. In 2017, Croatia recycled 81% of all electronic and electrical waste, while in Malta, the figure was 21%. Ireland recycles 47.7% of all electronic and electrical waste but this figure could be a ;ot higher if we all did more.

Why do we need to recycle electronic and electrical waste?

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

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

What is the EU doing do reduce e-waste?

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

To learn more and read the post from the European Parliament please click here.

If you need to recycle electrical or electronic equipment safely Recycle IT are happy to help. Just send us an email or call 01 4578321 for more details.

Recycle IT is a not for profit, social enterprise based in Clondalkin, Co Dublin, Ireland.

Recycle IT Collection