Recycle IT Shortlisted for National Sustainability Award
Chambers Ireland recently (22 August 2025) announced the shortlist for the 2025 Sustainable Business Impact Awards. These awards, sponsored by BAM Ireland and supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, celebrate businesses making a positive difference in communities, the environment, and society.
This year, Recycle IT has been shortlisted in the โSustainable Impact by a Medium Businessโ category for its work on community recycling.
Speaking about the awards, Alasdair Henderson of BAM Ireland said the awards highlight โorganisations driving positive change through sustainability and social responsibility.โ
Minister Jerry Buttimer added that social enterprises and sustainable businesses โplay a vital role in improving lives and protecting the environment.โ
Una Lavelle, General Manager at Recycle IT stated โBeing shortlisted for the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards is a great recognition of our teamโs commitment to recycling and community engagement. The awards highlight our work, open new partnerships, and encourage us to keep delivering positive environmental impact.โ
In total, 60 projects from across Ireland have been shortlisted across 12 categories. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, 24th September 2025.
You can learn more about the awards and those shortlisted with a visit to the Chamber Ireland website, just click here.
About Chambers Ireland
Chambers Ireland is the voice of business throughout Ireland, with 36 member chambers across every major city, town and region of the island. Aligning our strategic priorities with the UNโs Sustainable Development Goals, our aim is to make places better to live, work and do business
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is an award-winning, not-for-profit, social enterprise established to create employment and promote environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. We work in partnership with WEEE Ireland and are authorized by your local authority to provide electrical, electronic, and pure metal recycling collections across Dublin since 2007. Recycle IT are fully compliant with WEEE Recycling Requirements and permit details are available here.
Over the last 20 year Recycle IT have happily offered safe electrical and electronic recycling services to households and small and medium size organisations across a range of sectors. We offer our services all over Dublin and in surrounding areas. We are happy to offer cost effective and safe computer, laptop or tablet data destruction for home users and small offices on request.
A first-in-kind research by the Schwab Foundationโs Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship finds that there are approximately 10 million social enterprises worldwide, which collectively generate around $2 trillion in annual revenues, creating over 200 million jobs.
Please Buy Social
The social enterprise sector now outranks other mainstream industries by annual revenue, like telecoms and apparel. Moreover, social enterprises align their missions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), notably in creating decent work, driving climate action and reducing poverty and inequalities.
Social enterprises, which make up 3% of all businesses globally, stand out from traditional businesses by placing a strong emphasis on creating social and environmental value along with economic value. Unlike conventional nonprofit organizations, social enterprises are self-sustaining through their business activities. They prioritize social impact over financial returns and reinvest their profits back into their mission. Source: (Franรงois Bonnici, Director, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Head of Social Innovation, World Economic Forum).
As of 2022, Ireland estimated there were 4,335 social enterprises employing 84,342 people, accounting for 3.7% of the workforce. These social businesses generated income estimated at EUR 2.34 billion in 2021 (Amรกrach/SERI/ILDN, 2023)
EU Social Enterprise
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has been actively involved in the European social enterprise and social economy agenda for more than 10 years and supports social enterprise growth and development as a key element of the European social model.
There are 2.8 million social economy enterprises, representing 10% of all businesses in the EU. Almost 13.6 million people โ about 6.2% of the EUโs employees โ work for social economy enterprises. On top of the paid workforce, social economy mobilizes volunteers, equivalent to 5.5 million full-time workers. Characteristics included:
Membership – up to 160 million people in Europe are members of social economy enterprises (mostly retail, banking and agricultural cooperatives, as well as mutual societies offering services complementary to social security regimes)
Objectives – social economy enterprises contribute to the EUโs employment, social cohesion, regional and rural development, environmental protection, consumer protection, agricultural, third countries development, and social security policies
Size – social economy entities are mostly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Today, DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs is promoting, in particular, the development of social economy enterprises and organisations via theย Single Market Programme It is also particularly focused on supporting the development of social economy by implementing theย European action plan on social economy (2021).
Irish Social Enterprise Sector
The estimated 4335 Social Enterprises operate in communities all over Ireland. Like social enterprises in other OECD countries, childcare; community infrastructure and local development; health, youth services, social care, and heritage, festivals, arts and creative industry account for 67.4% of the social enterprise sector.
Social Enterprise – A Growing Sector
Other areas of activity include sport and leisure; training and work integration; consultancy and support services; housing; food, catering and hospitality; environmental services; retailing; transport; financial services; manufacturing; and others.
Almost 77% of social enterprises function in more than one sector of activity. (Source: OECD 2023). In reality Social Enterprises offer essential services and tackle problems in society like food poverty, housing or environmental issues.
A 2012 report from Forfas defines social enterprise in Ireland as โan enterprise that trades for a social/societal purpose, where at least part of its income is earned from its trading activity, is separate from government, and where the surplus is primarily reinvested in the social objective.โ
The report also lists the four categories under which social enterprises trade
commercial opportunities that are established to create a social return;
employment opportunities for marginalized groups;
economic and community development organisations;
services delivery organisations.
From experience, it can be said that these four categories almost always overlap and are shared objectives for many social enterprises,
Progress in the Sector
In 2016, the top country in the world for social enterprise action was recorded as the Canada, . Ireland ranked in second-last place on the list.
Word Map –Click to Enlarge
Over a 3 year period, Ireland moved from a near bottom ranking in 2016 to 36th place as it reported improvements in almost all categories. Social entrepreneurship gaining momentum, up 16 points to 17th place, while more social entrepreneurs can make a living from their work, up 17 spots to 21st place. Source: (Research by the Thompson Reuters Foundation, 2016 & 2019).
Social enterprise in Ireland is a growing, dynamic and vibrant space and is now supported by a national policy that commits to building awareness, growing and strengthening the sector, and achieving better policy alignment.โ Source: (Sheila Cannon, assistant professor of social entrepreneurship, Trinity College Dublin)
Some of the criteria used to decide if there is a favorable environment for social enterprise include:
Conditions are favorable for social entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses
Government policy supports social entrepreneurs
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to get grant funding
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to access investment (debt and/or equity)
Social entrepreneurs can access the non-financial support they need (e.g. financial, legal and technical advice; access to markets and networks; coaching, mentoring and training)
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to the government
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to business
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to the public
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to attract staff with the required skills
The public understands what social entrepreneurs do
Social entrepreneurs can make a living from their work in my country
Social entrepreneurship is gaining momentum
National Economic and Social Council (NESC)
The role of social enterprises is growing, both on the island of Ireland and internationally. Social enterprise straddles the space between the national economy and local community, and plays an important role in providing services to marginalized groups and in disadvantaged areas, as well as creating and providing jobs, and contributing to innovative social and environmental initiatives. While much of the activity is at local level, social enterprises also contribute to the national economy. Source: (NESC Report Social Enterprise on the Island of Ireland 2023)
In July 2024, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD launched Ireland’s second Social Enterprise Policy โTrading for Impactโ the National Social Enterprise Policy 2024 -2027
With 57 concrete actions defined under these objectives, which will be implemented between 2024 to 2027. A โStakeholder Engagement Groupโ will oversee the delivery of the policy.
The National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland is part of a suite of policy initiatives from the Department of Rural and Community Development to support those who work with communities and disadvantaged groups.
Social Enterprise at Work
Recycle IT runs an electrical recycling business in the social economy sector with the aim of creating social, economic and environmental value. Our team offers recycling services for communities and the market. Any profits generated are used to support social objectives which include a range of community-focused services, internal training progressions and employment.
Profit is not shared with company directors and the organisations has no commercial stakeholders. Our board is voluntary and any profits are reinvested in recycling operations. Recycle IT is a not-for-profit Social Enterprise.
Our awarding-winning recycling service is friendly and effective, yet not glamorous. Work is hard but offers real opportunities for training and skills development. Teamwork helps support our goals and everyone involved โworks to do goodโ while at the same time helping to allow financial sustainability. There is a focused approach to identifying and managing revenue streams to support the company to cover operating costs and reinvest for the future.
What’s Real about Social Enterprise
Social enterprise success generally means more social and/or environmental good with profits reinvested to deliver change.
Usually, social enterprises have more inclusive and diverse structures with women and men coming from a wide range of backgrounds to help start-ups, develop and lead organisations. Social enterprises work on a range of challenges using the tools of business to advance ideas and deliver services. Social Enterprise is more innovative and experiment more than traditional businesses as they work to fill gaps in the market that are of little interest to public sector bodies and profits are limited for the private sector companies. Finally, most work collaboratively and bring people on a journey of change.
Learn more about fiftheen Social Enterprises operating in Dublin: Click each one:
Click hereto learn about the impact on communities when you decide to buy from a social enterprise Below you will find a list of Irish Social Enterprise support organisations and networks.
Recycle IT is anaward-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
Ireland has experienced a notable uptick in the sale of electrical goods, with devices like vapes and solar panels particularly leading the surge. This trend signals a growing appetite among consumers for both convenience gadgets and sustainable technologies.
Vapes and solar panels have driven a 75 per cent increase in electrical device sales over the last five years and a total of 93 million household electronic items were purchased in 2024 โ almost three times the volume sold in 2006 according to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland, the countryโs biggest e-waste recycling scheme.
โEach one of those 93 million devices contains valuable materials like aluminium, copper, lithium, cobalt,โ said WEEE Ireland chief executive Leo Donovan. Based on the that fact these items should all be recycled safely.
Electric & Green Tech Boom
Sales of solar panels have jumped significantly, reflecting strong interest in home energy solutionsโespecially across suburban and rural areas. The popularity of smart home accessories, electric vehicle chargers, and battery storage systems is reinforcing Irelandโs move towards greener lifestyles. For example over 2.5 million solar panels have entered the market in the last five years, but with a life of 15 to 20 years, they wonโt reach recycling centres for at least another decade.
Disposable Vapes: Convenience at a Cost
Disposable vapes have also seen sharp sales growth, sparking concern among public health and environmental experts. Containing lithium batteries, plastics, and chemical liquids, they pose serious waste challenges if not processed correctly .
Research from WEEE Ireland also shows the proportion of households hoarding unused devices rose from 22 per cent in 2023 to 29 per cent in 2025, highlighting a massive untapped opportunity for reuse and repair. โWe need to move beyond recycling alone. Extending the life of products through repair and reuse must become the norm,โ Mr. Donovan said.
The message is simple – take your old gadgetsโespecially batteries and plasticsโto your nearest WEEE or e-waste recycling drop-off in Dublin. Itโs quick, local, and significantly reduces pollution.
Recycle IT is a community-based social enterprise in Dublin that helps households, charities, community groups, schools, and businesses safely recycle thousand’s of electrical and electronic items (e-waste) yearly. Hereโs how we can help you:
Recycle IT – Electrical Recycling
Services Recycle IT Offers:
Free Household Collection: Our team offer free door-to-door residents association collection of unwanted electrical items like toasters, kettles, laptops, TVs, and more in many Dublin areas.
Business & Organisations Recycling: Schools, offices, and community groups can book collection services for bulk electrical itemsโensuring safe and secure disposal.
Drop-Off Recycling: You can drop off items at their facility in Clondalkin if preferred.
Data Destruction: Secure disposal of hard drives and other data-storing devices for privacy protection.
Community Awareness: We promote awareness of e-waste and provide tips on reducing, reusing, and recycling electronic goods.
Environmentally Friendly Practices: Recycle IT recycling for reuse as much as possible helping reduce landfill waste and conserve resources.
Letโs turn this sales surge into a sustainability win for Dublin and beyond!
Recycle IT – Mixed Electrical Equipment
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is an award-winning not for profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop off service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). During 2018 Recycle IT offer to drop off and collection services to thousands of homes, and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves, cookers, dryers and TVs and much more.
Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.
The 2025 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards celebrate and support the amazing work done by social enterprises across Dublin. These awards, organised by Dublin City Council and is run by Inner City Enterprise (ICE) with support from Dublin City Council and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) based in Dublin City. These award really shine a light on the positive impact social enterprises have on communities.
Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards 2025
What is Social Enterprise
A social enterprise is a business that trades for a social or environmental purpose. They reinvest profits to create social change and support local needs. Social enterprises can be involved in anything from education and employment to climate action and health. They play a key role in building stronger, fairer, and more inclusive communities.
The Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards are open to all types of social enterprises based in the Dublin City area or Social Enterprises offering products or services in Dublin City. Whether your enterprise is just starting or has been running for years, applying can be a big step forward. There are many good reasons to enter.
Why Enter?
1. Recognition and Credibility Winning or even being shortlisted for an award can give your social enterprise a huge boost in reputation. It shows the public, partners, and funders that your work is being recognised and valued by others. It can also make people more confident in supporting or working with your organisation.
2. Funding Support The award includes financial prizes, which can be a great help. This funding can be used to grow your services, support your team, or try something new. For small and growing social enterprises, this support can make a real difference.
3. Promotion and Visibility Finalists and winners are promoted through Dublin City Council and partner channels. This means more people will hear about your work. Youโll get the chance to tell your story to a wider audience, attract new supporters, and possibly reach new customers or clients.
4. Motivation and Morale Awards recognise hard work and dedication. Being part of the awards can lift the spirits of your team and volunteers. It reminds everyone that their efforts are making a difference. This kind of encouragement can go a long way, especially when times are tough.
5. Networking and Opportunities The awards give you the chance to meet other social enterprises, funders, and supporters. These connections can lead to future collaborations, funding opportunities, or new ideas. Sharing experiences with others in the sector can also help you learn and grow.
Award Winners 2024
The Value of Awards for Social Enterprises
Beyond the prize itself, awards help raise awareness of what social enterprises do. They bring attention to local solutions to social problems. By celebrating social enterprise, we help grow a stronger sector that can tackle issues like poverty, exclusion, and climate change.
Entering awards also helps organisations reflect on their impact. The application process can help you think more clearly about your goals, successes, and how you measure progress. This can be useful even if you donโt winโhelping your enterprise improve and grow.
Final Thoughts
If you run a social enterprise in Dublin, the 2025 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards are a chance to share your story, get support, and be part of a growing movement. These awards are not just about winningโtheyโre about showing the value of your work and inspiring others to create positive change.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is anaward-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop-off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.
During 2024 Recycle IT operated drop-off and collection services to homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE including thousands of batteries, computers, cables, monitors, kettles, microwaves and screens.
Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dormant Accounts Fund, Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie
Recycle IT – Dublin City Social Enterprise Award Winner 2022
Sandyford Business District is hosting a Free Electrical Recycling Event to help local people, employees working in nearby businesses, and businesses themselves recycle their old or broken electrical items safely and responsibly. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to promote sustainability and reduce waste in the community.
Event Photos
Event Details:
Date: Thursday April 10th 2025
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: Dominic Smith Expert Electrical Sandyford, Unit 4, Leopardstown Retail Park, D18
Recycler: Recycle IT
Cost: Free (household / small office electrical / electronic equipment).
This event provides a convenient way for everyone to dispose of unwanted electrical items without harming the environment. Whether itโs an old laptop, a broken toaster, or outdated office equipment, all electrical items will be collected and recycled properly.
Who Can Participate?
Local Residents โ Get rid of old electrical items cluttering your home.
Employees in Local Businesses โ Drop off broken personal gadgets or work-related electronic waste.
Businesses โ Dispose of obsolete office electronics in an environmentally friendly way.
What Can You Recycle? You can bring in a wide range of electrical and electronic items, including:
Why Recycle Electronics? Electronic waste contains materials that can be harmful if not disposed of correctly. Recycling ensures that valuable components are recovered, reducing landfill waste and preventing pollution. By participating in this event, you contribute to a cleaner and greener Sandyford.
How to Take Part Simply bring your unwanted electrical items to the designated collection point on the event day. Our team will handle the rest, ensuring all items are processed safely.
Join us in making a positive impact!
About Recycle IT
Spread the word and encourage others to participate. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for our community.
Recycle IT is anaward-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop-off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.
During 2024 Recycle IT operated drop-off and collection services to homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE including thousands of batteries, computers, cables, monitors, kettles, microwaves and screens.
Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dormant Accounts Fund, Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie
Did you know, the world threw out more than 7 billion e-toys in 2022. Electronic toys can be overlooked as electronic waste by many which means toys are not recycled correctly. According to the research completed by The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, 9 billion kg of so-called โinvisibleโ e-waste, worth nearly $10 billion, is thrown away yearly. Around one-third of this waste comes from childrenโs toys containing some 3.2 billion kg of hidden electronics.
Recycling Old Electronic Toys Safely
Toy Fun
Toys help create an imaginative world of play and fun, they can help build social skills and ease demands on parents! Sometimes the most expensive toys are not the best option as kids enjoy playing with items from their homes. They can build props like a playhouse or space rocket out of reused cardboard boxes and tubes, creating their own special world.
Most homes with kids have lots of toys. Storage containers are filled to the brim with, dolls, action figures, building blocks, cars, remote-controlled flying machines, games devices, and many other items. Our question? What do parents and children do with old favourites when the new toy or game arrives?
Battery-Operated Toys for Recycling – Recycle IT
Involve Children
Kid toys are exactly that, kids toys so it’s wise to keep children involved in any decisions regarding the future of their toys. Parents can be helpful by reinforcing the fact that their once loved yet unwanted items will be reused by kids with a greater need and the fact that the environment benefits by keeping these items out of landfills or incinerators should be valued.
Toy Reuse
With Christmas right around the corner, many people are looking to find the best toys to buy this Christmas. And if you’re adding new toys to your children’s collection, you might be wondering what to do with the old toys.
Here are all the places you can donate gently used toys, including electronics, stuffed animals, dolls and other items. Before you pack up the car, call ahead to make sure the organisation you’ve chosen is currently accepting donations.
Mixed Battery-Operated Toys for Recycling – Recycle IT
Local charity shops
Community creche facilities or playgroups
Facebook or online community reuse groups
Hospitals or doctor’s surgery play areas
Children’s homes and shelters
Community daycare facilities
Schools
Battery-Operated Toys for Recycling – Recycle IT
Electronic Toys
Toys with computer chips, computer screens, lights, noise, plugs, batteries or other electronic components can and should be recycled. They should not be added to domestic waste. We know from experience this is not the case as very few electrical toys make their way to us for recycling. Recycle IT offer collection and drop-off services and will accept electrical and electronic toys including games consoles, cameras, tablets, remote control cars or planes, dolls, action figures, watches or replica phones. The list is endless but any toy with a plug or battery is acceptable for recycling.
Finally…
Recycling and repurposing are environmentally responsible. You should involve your children. You can make sure your children understand the concept of recycling and the value old or broken toys have for others. Reused toys can bring joy to a child or recycling can help create a job!
Electronic Toys / Entertainment Equipment for Recycling – Recycle IT
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is anaward-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop-off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.
During 2024 Recycle IT operated drop-off and collection services to homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE including thousands of batteries, computers, cables, monitors, kettles, microwaves and screens.
Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dormant Accounts Fund, Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie
The Importance of Removing and Recycling Computer Memory Chips Safely
Computer memory chips, like RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash storage, play a crucial role in modern computing by enabling fast data access and system performance. Yet, as technology advances, older computers and memory chips become obsolete, leading to electronic waste (e-waste). Properly removing and recycling these components is essential for environmental protection, resource conservation, and data security.
Internal Computer Memory Chip
In 2021, the global semiconductor industry achieved record sales, totaling $555.9 billion, with approximately 1.15 trillion semiconductor units shipped. Memory chips, including DRAM and NAND flash, are significant contributors to these figures. Source: www.semiconductors.org
1. Environmental Impact of E-Waste
E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, with millions of discarded computers contributing to pollution. Memory chips contain hazardous substances, for example, lead, mercury, and brominated flame retardants, which can leach into soil and water if improperly disposed of in landfills. Additionally, electronic waste incineration releases toxic fumes, contributing to air pollution and harming both human health and ecosystems. Recycling memory chips prevents these hazardous materials from polluting the environment and ensures responsible waste management.
2. Recovering Valuable Materials
Memory chips contain precious and rare materials, such as gold, silver, copper, and palladium. These metals are highly conductive and essential for electronic manufacturing, but they are also finite resources that need extensive mining. Extracting these metals through traditional mining causes deforestation, water contamination, and high carbon emissions. By recycling memory chips, manufacturers can recover these valuable materials and reduce the need for new mining operations, leading to a more sustainable supply chain.
Portable Memory
3. Reducing Electronic Waste and Landfill Overflow
Discarded electronics take up significant space in landfills, where they do not decompose easily. Memory chips and other computer components contribute to this growing problem. Safe removal and recycling help minimize landfill overflow and promote a circular economy where materials are reused rather than discarded. Recycling programs help extend the lifespan of electronic components and reduce the overall waste burden on the planet.
4. Data Security Considerations
Different types of Computer memory store sensitive data, including passwords, personal information, and financial records. If a memory chip is improperly discarded, unauthorized individuals can retrieve and exploit the data. Secure removal and recycling of memory chips make sure that stored information is permanently erased before disposal. Certified e-waste recyclers use specialized techniques, like data wiping and physical destruction, to prevent data breaches and safeguard user privacy.
Memory Cards
5. Economic and Job Creation Benefits
Recycling memory chips and other electronic components contributes to the growing e-waste management industry, creating jobs in recycling centers, refurbishment facilities, and material recovery plants as a Recycle IT.
Some companies refurbish and resell working memory chips, making affordable technology accessible to low-income communities while reducing waste.
Other like Recycle IT operated within a closed loop circular supply chain. As a part funded social enterprise established to offer training and employment opportunities we apply for funds to invest in e-waste recycling projects, further boosting community engagement, economic opportunities and sustainable development.
Memory Card
Finally
Computer memory chips are vital components that should not be discarded carelessly. Safe removal and recycling help protect the environment, recover valuable materials, reduce landfill waste, ensure data security, and promote economic growth. By adopting responsible recycling practices, individuals and businesses can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. Recycling initiatives and awareness campaigns are essential in encouraging the proper disposal of electronic waste, making the technology industry more eco-friendly and resource-efficient so please share this blog post with others!
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT, are a social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, the Dormant Accounts Fund, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
For further details about our services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie
Recycle IT – Irish Social Enterprise Network Members 2025
WEEE Ireland, Ireland’s large waste electrical compliance scheme says over 15 million small appliances such as coffee makers, calculators, kettles and keyboards were handed back for safe recycling. This is alongside with the equivalent of 66 million used AA batteries which made there back to into the circular economy.
Mixed Cables and Chargers
WEEE figures also reveal that, for every 10 new tech products sold in Ireland, only 4 are eventually coming back for recycling when they become obsolete. Did you know, one in four 18-24-year-olds and one in five aged 35-44 get rid of common household electrical items such as smart watches, earbuds and blue tooth speakers in general waste bins.
Almost half of Irelandโs small electronics are bought in November and December each year โ but data from WEEE Ireland shows only one in three are coming back for recycling.
Mixed Electronic Equipment
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland figures reveal more than 11 million small electronic items from personal grooming to tech were bought here last year, 4.4 million of them across Black Friday and Christmas.
People’s concerns about personal data are stopping one in five (21%) adults from recycling their unused tech items โ while a further 22% of adults keep old technology equipment as backups, new research reveals.
The Empathy Research survey for WEEE Ireland, the largest Irish not-for-profit compliance scheme also found that 12% of people still put small electronic waste items in general household bins. This is truly unbelievable!
Mixed Electronic Equipment
Storing and hoarding
Digital hoarding, e-hoarding, e-clutter, data hoarding, or cyber hoarding are all terms used to describe keeping IT equipment beyond a reasonable time for use.
In Time Magazine Pascal Leroy, director general of the WEEE Forum, a Brussels-based association of global e-waste management organizations, says โItโs really an issue of great concern, this hoarding, and itโs difficult to address because itโs about consumer behaviourโwhy do people behave the way they do?โ says โThere is something in us that prevents us from properly disposing of it or properly recycling it.โ
Old Electronic Equipment – Home or Office
When you choose to store or hoard older items (no longer used) you are limiting the number of reusable resources available to produce new electronic items. There are lots of components in older equipment that can be reused in the manufacturing of new mobile phones, tablets, or laptops.
For example, the plastic and glass from screens/monitors can be reused, therefore limiting the amount of glass and plastic that is required to create new monitors.
Recycling your old phones, tablets, and laptops with Recycle IT also helps create work experience opportunities and local jobs which is beneficial to the local community.
CEO of WEEE Ireland, Leo Donovan, is now urging consumers to dig out old and broken tech and their accessories for recycling, emphasising the straightforward nature of backing up and wiping old devices.
โMost phone and laptop manufacturers have user-friendly instructions on their websites for backing up and deleting data, ensuring that valuable information is not lost or exposed.
Mixed Electronic and Electrical Equipment
โIf recycled correctly, these old and broken devices, along with their integrated batteries, chargers and cables, provide a significant source of critical and strategic secondary raw materials,โ said Mr Donovan.
Recycling laptop, mobile phones and other household and personal electronic devices help reduce the use of new natural resources.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop-off service for all types of waste electrical, electronic and metal items.
Recycle IT offer drop-off and collection services to both homes and organizations in Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of printers and we can help recycle yours!
If you require data destruction we can offer a cost-effective service to households and organisations. Just email us to find out more.
Our electrical community collection service is provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
To speak with Recycle IT please call 01 4578321 or email us here
South Dublin County Council Climate Team are inviting you to join in activities for Dublin Climate Action Week 2024, running from Monday 9th– Sunday 15th September.
Dublin Climate Action Week 2024 Logo
The four Dublin Local Authorities in Co Dublin are delighted to announce that the weekโs event programme and online registrations are live.
Building on Success
Building on the success of previous years, a great variety of events are planned to take place across the Dublin region throughout the week, which will run from the 9th to 15th of September.
Events will range from nature walks and workshops to climate festivals, free bicycle repairs and bog restorations in the Dublin Mountains, with lots of ways to connect with your local community, take action and have fun!
Dublin Climate Action Week 2024 is being organised and delivered by the partnership of South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council, Dรบn Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, Codema โ Dublinโs Energy Agency and the Dublin Climate Action Regional Office (CARO).
Dublin Climate Action Week 2024
What’s Happening
Communities and businesses from across the city and county are coming out to support Dublin Climate Action Week, with over 50 public events throughout the city and county. Find out what is happening in your local area to get involved.
Keep up to date on Dublin Climate Action Week 2024 using #DCAW24 on social media, and by visiting www.dublinclimateactionweek.ie
You may be particularly interested in Climate Fest, taking place in the Round Towers Visitor Centre on Saturday 14th September, 11am โ 4pm.
South Dublin Climate Fest Events
Enjoy a Free Family Fun Day as part of Climate Fest! Brought to you by South Dublin County Council, as part of Climate Action Week 2024, SDCC will be hosting a family fun day on September 14th from 11 to 4pm at the Round Tower Visitor Centre in Clondalkin!
There will be fun for all the family, live music, entertainment and much more! There will also be free bike repairs, a clothes swap (bring up to three items to swap), a clothing repair cafรฉ, smoothie bikes, and lots of great talks and workshops from leaders in our community about living sustainably. Come on down to celebrate community and climate action!
Climate Fest Poster
Places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
For an overview of what is planned and event registration links, please see the below table. Registration links include further details of each event:
Mini-woodlands soil prep event Clondalkin Park, with FoodCloud Truck afterwards.
No registration necessary, arrive at Clondalkin Park for 10am. Clondalkin Park is located at the rear of Clondalkin Leisure Centre. Click here for Google Maps coordinates.
No registration necessary, arrive at Clondalkin Park for 10am. Clondalkin Park is located at the rear of Clondalkin Leisure Centre. Click here for Google Maps coordinates.
14th
Sat
1100-1600
Climate Fest. Round Towers Visitor Centre, Clondalkin.
Recycle IT is a not-for-profit, social enterprise working to deliver environmentally friendly recycling solutions and real training and employment opportunities.
Recycle IT operates under the Community Services Programme (CSP). The programme supports community companies and co-operatives to deliver local social, economic, and environmental services that disadvantaged communities. The Community Services Programme is managed for the Department of Rural and Community Development by Pobal, a not-for-profit company tasked with managing programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the EU. Recycle IT is one of over 400 social enterprises operating with funding support from the programme in Ireland.
This Free Mattress Recycling Initiative is supported by: South Dublin County Council and operated by Recycle IT for a limited period.
A study for the National Transport Authority (NTA) released in 2024 shows walking and cycling in the Dublin area takes 530,000 cars off the streets every day. This has to be good news.
Trips taken on foot, by bike and by wheeling โ using mobility scooters or wheelchairs โ instead of cars, prevents around 680,000 car journeys daily. The study say, 25% of adults cycle at least once a week in the Dublin Metropolitan Area. The study also suggests, 72% of residents support building cycle tracks physically separated from traffic and pedestrians even where that means less room for other traffic. – You and read and learn more here.
Cycling In Dublin City
Environment and Bikes!
The bike is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health. With this in mind, the United Nations General Assembly decided to dedicate the 3rd of June as World Bicycle Day – Add this to World Environment Day on June 5th and we are on a real winner!
These days encourage awareness and action on health, wellbeing and the protection of our environment. World Environment Day is the “people’s day” for doing something to take care of the Earth. Recycle IT believe these two “UN” days can work in harmony!
Dublin City Council – Cycling in Dublin
World Bicycle Day aims to emphasize and advance the use of the bicycle as a means of fostering sustainable development, strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance, mutual understanding, and respect and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace. All these aims can really be achieved using a bike while also helping us travel without creating carbon miles.
Celebrate the bicycle
Initiatives promote cycling at both national and local levels can help build physical and mental health and well-being and develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly culture of cycling in society.
Reuse Dublin Bikes
National Bike Week
Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of the benefits of cycling. Bike Week 2024 will take place from Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th May 2024. Bike Week 2024 events will be posted on this page over the coming weeks.
Here are 8 reasons to celebrate the bike (some encouragement)
The bicycle is a simple, affordable, reliable and clean way to get about.
The bike is environmentally friendly and is a sustainable means of transportation;
The bicycle can serve as a tool for social, community and economic development
Cycling can help people access education, health care, and sporting activities.
The union between the bicycle and the user creates an immediate awareness of the local environment you are cycling through.
Using a bike saves time, reduces traffic and helps you arrive on time.
The bike has a positive impact on climate with fewer carbon emissions.
Biking can help grow your social circles, real friends and enjoyment of life.
Encourage Cycling and Environmental Awareness.
Recycle IT want to encourage as many people as possible to read and share this blog post. Then throughout the summer weeks and months take the bike out and bring friends and family along to discover your local environment.
As the summer sun shines there is no better time to get on the bike and grow your awareness of the local area. This can happen in the full knowledge that you are improving your health and reducing environmental harm.
Damaged Bike
Recycle IT and Bike Recycling
Recycle IT are happy to accept old bikes for free recycling. Just drop your old bike off with us Monday to Friday in Clondalkin. We also accept bikes from communities all over Dublin as part of our residents door to door community collection service.
Reuse
Members of the Recycle IT team not only recycle bikes but cycle regularly. Where possible we reuse and recycle bikes and bike parts. At the time of writing this post, we have a staff member waiting to get a bike frame and parts for reuse and another who just rebuild a bike from recycled parts. Once on the road, these bikes will enable easy, affordable and environmentally friendly travel into work.
A small number of bikes may go for reuse depending and quality and repair requirements. All remaining bikes are recycled safely.
Old Bike @ Recycle IT
Community Grant Scheme – Bike Week 2024
Dublin City Council, with funding from the National Transport Authority, is pleased to announce that they have a community grant scheme for groups that would like to organize events to celebrate cycling during Bike Week. Click here to learn more.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT, are a social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, the Dormant Accounts Fund, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
For further details about our services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie
Recycle IT – Repak Award Winner 2023 – Community Recycler of the Year
For the many families that celebrate Easter and for those who donโt we wish you all the best over the coming days. Easter is usually a time when families come together and enjoy good food, mark the end of Lent or simply make the most of a day or two off work with some gardening or rest.
One of the key message this Easter is “Reduce Packaging Waste” Choose Easter Eggs with little packaging or better still, consider alternative Easter gifts with less or repurposed packaging.
One simple alternative are homemade Easter bunny biscuits, you can test out. They would be valued gift for family and friends. Here is an easy Ballymaloe recipe you can try at home. Enjoy!
Easter bunny biscuits
The Occasion
Inevitably lots of food, drinks and snacks are bought some of which go to waste. Ireland produces over one million tonnes of food waste yearly, with approx. one-third collected from households. That is a lot of money wasted, and waste created.
The Irish EPA say Irish households threw away an estimated 218,000 tonnes of food (29% of the total) in 2021. This includes food waste collected in kerbside collections, brought to civic amenity sites and disposed of in home composters. Food waste costs the average Irish household about โฌ60 per month or โฌ700 per year. Thatโs an annual national cost of โฌ1.29 billion. Would you burn โฌ60.00 every month?
While it’s important that we all eat well and stay healthy we can also take some steps to help reduce waste and save money starting with the introduction of mindfulness into our shopping!
The Steps
1: Think
As much as you can, think about what you buy this Easter. Consider reuse, repurposing or make your own food and gifts. Start with easter baskets full of chocolate-filled hot cross buns and mini homemade bunny biscuits .
2: Reduce
When buying Easter food, try to reduce the amount of packaging. Youโre paying a premium for fancy packaging and cardboard boxes for the chocolate eggs.
Plans your Easter Sunday meal in advance, get portion sizes right and make use of the leftovers on Easter Monday. This can all reduce waste and save you money.
Look for products and packaging made from recycled paper and cardboard. Buy second-hand from charity op shops. Going for reusable alternatives over disposable single-use products can greatly reduce your waste footprint. (Real glass over paper cups).
4: Repurpose
Repurpose leftover boxes, containers or fruit punnets into kids’ art supplies or handy containers to hold pens or pencils. Get the family involved.
5: Recycle
Despite our best efforts, most of us will still end up with waste which should be separated and recycled safely. Holidays may be a great time to sit back and unwind, but recycling rules donโt change over a long weekend. Do your best and others will follow!
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop-off service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Recycle IT provide drop off and collection services to thousands of homes and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of laptops, computers, cookers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TVs.
Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities in the Eastern-Midlands Waste Management Region.
Recycling is an easy way to protect our environment and climate while ensuring the wellbeing of our community for the next generation. However, the success of recycling depends on the active participation of every member of the community including kids of all ages.
By everyone doing a little, we allย canย reduce the amount of waste that is deposited in the landfill or incinerated. Thinking about the reuse of items made from recycled materials helpsย maintain the recycling circle and its part in the circular economy.
In Ireland and across Europe, the focus on the 3 R’s has increased over recent years as recovery of resources through, reduce, reuse, repurposing and recycling has increased it has become increasingly important for consumers to take ownership and steps themselves to ensure products purchases can be reused, repurposed, or recycled using accessible and economically sustainable solutions.
Recycle IT – What we are doing?
Recycle IT offer electrical, electronic, and pure metal recycling services directly to people’s homes. We work with local area reps and residents associations to offer free residents recycling in estates in many areas of Dublin.
We encourage people to take advantage of this free drop off and cost-effective personal and business collections. We do offer and safely manage services to community groups, charity organisations, schools, and colleges so rest assured we have a service to match your needs.
By recycling your waste electrical and electronic equipment you help the environment and our organisation create training and employment opportunities that otherwise would not exist.
If you have questions or would like to arrange a personal collection from your home or business, please call 01 4578321 or email: info@recycleit.ie. You can also visit our website to learn more about our work and our recent awards.
Recycle IT is an award-winning, not-for-profit, social enterprise established to create employment and promote environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. We work in partnership with WEEE Ireland and are authorized by your local authority to provide electrical, electronic, and pure metal recycling collections across Dublin since 2007. Recycle IT are fully compliant with WEEE Recycling Requirements and permit details are available here.
Over the last 20 year Recycle IT have happily offered safe electrical and electronic recycling services to households and small and medium size organisations across a range of sectors. We offer our services all over Dublin and in surrounding areas
Clutter is an overabundance of possessions that collectively create chaotic and disorderly living spaces,โ said Joseph Ferrari, a professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago.
Decluttering your home, office or business maybe one of your wish list activities or just something you have planned to do for a while but it just has not happened!
Clutter makes it hard to find things while also creating the feeling of limited space. Its believed decluttering your apartment, house and work space improves your living space, your homes appearance and your own mental health.
Mixed IT Clutter – Recycle IT
A study, published in Current Psychology found a substantial link between procrastination and clutter challenges in the age groups; college students, young adults in their 20s and 30s and older adults, mainly in their 50s; so lots of people face clutter challenges and frustration with clutter tended to increase with age. (Source: New York Times, Jan 2019)
Research by Dreamtown in the UK found that the average 10-year-old owns 238 toys but plays with just 12 daily (The Telegraph). The build-up of home clutter including toys, clothes, shoes and even gadgets creates a constant need to tidy up which in turn can create a feeling of stress. Do you recognize the feeling?
The Buildup
Over the course of our lifetime, we will spend a total of 3,680 hours or 153 days searching for misplaced items, something we just stuck in a drawer! The research found we lose up to nine items every dayโor 198,743 in a lifetime. Phones, keys, sunglasses, and paperwork top the list (The Daily Mail).
Store Room Clutter – Computers – Monitors – Cables
One of the biggest clutter offenders is mobile phones. Official data from ComReg Ireland published at the end of Q4 2022 shows there were 8.8 million mobile subscriptions in Ireland It’s a fact, that we’re all buying more gadgets with the older or unused items building up in boxes, draws, cabinets, and storerooms.
In Ireland a 2015 study found that on average two in five Irish adults (38%) consider themselves to be hoarders, meaning homes are filling up (Empathy Research) Further research commissioned by NESTA outlined that 58% of respondents found it hard to get rid of their possessions, meaning they keep them!
The National Association of Professional Organizations shows there is a direct correlation between productivity and clutter. Productivity declines when clutter and chaos rise. Piles of paper, unorganized kitchen space or playrooms, old receipts, bills, and paperwork stuffed in boxes or drawers will take over your home over a period of time.
Household Waste
Chris Stiff, a lecturer in psychology at Keele University says “one of the obvious advantages to a tidy house is that being able to easily locate things will cause you less stress,โ There is evidence that tidy environments help us think more clearly.
How to?
Clutter can include unread books, old electronic equipment, files which have not been filed, letters and cards, clothes thrown on the floor, and stuff that you no longer need, want or use but still possess. Remember, clutter is not usually confined to one area that can be spread across your home.
Before anything else, make a simple plan with specific and simple goals that will reduce your frustration and stress.
Here are 12 tips to keep in mind as you start de-cluttering your home:
Make a written note of all the areas you need to de-clutter.
Prioritize the areas/zones for decluttering and assign your time.
Do one area at a time.
Set start and finish dates for each area.
Be sure to pick dates that are real so you get the job completed.
Make time and get help to work on specific areas which may take longer like a garden shed or attic.
Use a system to save on time and energy.
Plan how you might lift on move heavy items.
Research and decide how you will have the clutter removed for recycling once assemble.
Check if items still work!
Use the 80/20 rule – we generally use 20% of the things we own 80% of the time so do we really use or need the rest?
Get over the money you spent on the items you never use. Once you do that it’s easier to offer for reuse or to recycle.
Once the items are ready you can decide what you want to do about removal. We have a list of some solutions which might work for you.
Toys and Light – Recycle IT
Outlets for your clutter
Don’t hold onto items once they have made the box.
Sell some items online, e.g. eBay, Done Deal or Adverts.
Repurpose old stuff with some DIY and help from friends.
Donate to charity shops.
Share items with family, friends, or colleagues e.g. kids’ clothes or toys.
Gift your items to friends or colleagues with an interest in them.
Share items free for reuse. Go online or find an exchange network.
Moving forward, recycle stuff immediately when used or end of life.
Consider gifting items based on condition.
After the clear-out consider what you buy and recycle one day at a time.
Switch to e-bills.
Scan old photos and paperwork.
Preventing a build-up is a key step in fighting clutter.
Making the decision to get rid of your old items can be the hardest part of de-cluttering. Like many people, you may have trouble getting rid of items you once used or loved. You have also spent your hard-earned money on the items so they do hold value for you. These are real and valid feelings but no matter how challenging the decision, de-cluttering is necessary and helps reduce stress levels and it will create space!
Office Clutter – Recycle IT
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT, is an award-winning social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop-off and collection. Recycling services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and South Dublin County Council.
Recycle IT is supported by Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across the east midlands waste region.
Our goal is to create training and employment opportunities through the provision of waste management services. Surplus earned income is reinvested in operational, and employment-related costs.
In December 2023, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, signed new legislation which means that every household in the State will be provided with a brown bin for food waste and light garden waste by their waste collector.
These changes will enable all households with access to a waste collection service to segregate their waste, minimize the amount of waste that goes to landfill, and reuse waste through measures such as recycling, composting or anaerobic digestion, thereby making a positive contribution to our national recycling rates.
Brown Bin Do’s and Don’ts
In Ireland, the brown bin plays a crucial role in recycling organic waste. It’s not just for garden waste but also for food items that can be composted. By using your brown bin effectively, you contribute significantly to reducing waste in landfills and aiding in the creation of compost.
EPA Report
A recently published study by the EPA* showed that 21% of the contents of the household residual waste bins was food and garden waste, which could be placed into the brown bin instead, helping to reduce costs for the householder and ensuring that less emitting waste is sent to our landfills. The added bonus of the brown bin is that the organic waste can also be used to make compost, which in turn can be used to help green our towns and cities naturally.
What Goes into the Brown Bin?
Dairy Products: Items like cheese, yogurt, and butter wrappers can be put into the brown bin. These items decompose and contribute to the production of nutrient-rich compost.
Eggs: Eggshells can be placed in the brown bin. They break down easily and add valuable minerals to the compost.
Raw and Cooked Meat/Fish and Bones: Leftover meat, fish scraps, bones, and even cooked food can go into the brown bin. They decompose and help create compost suitable for enriching soil.
Food-Soiled Paper Napkins and Towels: Used paper napkins, paper towels, and even greasy pizza boxes can be added to the brown bin. However, make sure to remove any large chunks of uneaten food before disposing of these items.
Why Use the Brown Bin for These Items?
Reducing Landfill Waste: Organic waste, such as food scraps and soiled paper products, typically ends up in landfills. By using the brown bin, you divert these materials away from landfills, minimizing environmental impact.
Composting Benefits: When organic waste breaks down in the brown bin, it undergoes composting. This process results in nutrient-rich compost, which is fantastic for enriching soil in gardens and agricultural land. It also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Environmental Impact: Recycling food waste and paper products through the brown bin reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with decomposing organic matter in landfills. Composting creates valuable soil additives without releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere.
How to Properly Use the Brown Bin:
Separate Your Waste: Ensure you’re segregating your organic waste properly. Use a separate container or bag in your kitchen to collect food scraps and soiled paper items before transferring them to the brown bin.
No Plastic Bags: When disposing of organic waste in the brown bin, avoid using plastic bags. They don’t decompose and can contaminate the compost.
Layering Technique: Consider layering food waste with garden waste or cardboard to help aerate the compost pile in the bin. This can aid in the decomposition process.
Regular Collection: Make sure to put your brown bin out for collection on the designated days. Check your local council’s schedule for collection times and guidelines.
Finally
Using the brown bin in Ireland for recycling is an essential step in responsible waste management. By doing so, we all contribute positively to the environment by reducing landfill waste and producing nutrient-rich compost. Remember to follow the guidelines for proper segregation and disposal, helping create a more sustainable future for all.
Start making a difference today by utilizing your brown bin effectively for organic waste recycling!
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is anย award-winning, not-for-profit, social enterprise established to create employment and promote environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. We work in partnership with WEEE Ireland and are authorized by your local authority to provide electrical, electronic and pure metal recycling collections across Dublin and surrounding areas since 2007. Recycle IT are fully compliant with WEEE collection regulations. Our permit details are availableย here.
Display technology is commonly associated with screens that present information in visual form. Most displays are used in television sets (TVs), computer monitors and mobile phones/smartphones.
In 2024 Recycle IT contributed to the 205,000 TVs and monitors recovered and safely recycled through the WEEE Ireland electrical recycling compliance scheme.
4 Aged Screens for Recycling
While data on the global television market vary there is an estimated 1.7 billion TV sets globally, (or roughly 1 per 4 people) exist globally, with projections showing over 1.1 billion TVs by the end of 2026 (Source: scoop.market.us)
The presence of smart TVs has seen substantial growth across various countries. For example, in the United Kingdom, smart TV ownership increased from 11% of households in 2014 to nearly 67% by 2022. (Source: scoop.market.us)
Other types of displays used daily include military displays, head-mounted displays, broadcast reference displays, public area displays and medical monitors.(Source: The Statistics Portal).
In Ireland, 96.5% of householders have a TV with 80.8% having a computer leading us to believe, that most people in Ireland are likely to have a screen of some sort at home (Irish Stats Source: CSO)
Monitors for Recycling
The Facts
Flat Panel Display shipments are only expected to amount to 3.2 billion units worldwide in 2020. This is due to the pandemic (Source: The Statistics Portal) In recent times curved monitor demand has been on the rise which means a greater number of flat-panel screens will be replaced in homes and offices leaving the old ones unused!
Irish adults living in households with a television set watched an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of television per day in 2024, according to official TAM Ireland/Nielsen figures.
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland says the percentage of young people citing TV as their main source of news has almost doubled in 2021. That is just one of the findings in the Reuters Digital News Report (Ireland) 2021,
What is in a TV / Screen
TVs, Visual Display Units (VDU) and Monitors are made up of 8 different core elements including glass 40%, zinc / Mazak 1%, plastic 21%, circuit boards 11%, iron/steel 15%, cable 3%, and transformers 2%. To allow recycling each element must be separated without leaving any cross-contamination i.e. clean plastic, clean glass, clean copper, etc.
Monitors for Recycling
What’s New
A CRT monitor is a computer monitor based on a device called a Cathode Ray Tube and has been around for decades. The size and shape of the tube have determined the dimensions of computer monitors.
In recent times CRT technology has been replaced by LCD and TFT screens but some people and companies are still using older CRT monitors. We estimate there are still thousands of tons of CRT monitors hoarded away in peopleโs homes and offices. These types of monitors need to be extracted and safely recycled and Recycle IT can help.
TV Recycling
Recycling
According to manufacturers, the lifespan of an LED TV varies between 4 and 10 years (between 40,000 and 100,000 hours), depending on usage and maintenance. So where do the old TV go?
Recycle IT want to encourage people in Dublin and the surrounding areas to support our social enterprise and the environment by giving up old yet functional monitors and recycling broken or damaged monitor. Choosing to give up your used electronics rather than placing them in the bin reduces the need to process new raw materials for new products and helps the earth stay green for longer!
Recycle IT offer a recycling service for all types of TVs, VDUs, and Monitors which guarantees safe recycling for your end-of-life screen.
CRT Computer Monitors
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT offer recycling opportunities to home and business customers for all types of electronics equipment. With Recycle IT, TV and monitor recycling is available using free, drop-off, free community collections or through a cost-effective personal or business collection and disposal. We will accept your old electrical items alongside your old TVs and monitors.
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.
To learn more about recycling electrical equipment please call Recycle IT at 01 4578321, email us or visit www.recycleit.ie
Did you know 1,284ย tonnes of portable waste batteries were collected in 2025, achieving the EUโs 45 per cent battery collection target. Lithium battery collection more than doubled in five years, while more than 1.4 million vape devices were recycled through WEEE Irelandโs national takeback scheme.
We are all encouraged to recycle old and broken electricals, and waste batteries free of charge through local authority civic amenity centres, participating retailers and WEEE Ireland collection events nationwide. Recycle IT can help with free drop off in Dublin.
Battery Recyclng – WEEE Ireland
Did you know?
Its important to know some waste batteries are classified as hazardous waste and recycling is always the best option? For example
Batteries contain Sulfuric acid.
Flammable Gases: Hydrogen and oxygen are produced as a part of the operation of the battery.
Some batteries can cause electrical shock and burns if not handled safely
Don’t forget about the potential physical injury from the weight of the batteries packed together.
Battery Recycling – WEEE Ireland
Ordinary household batteries used in a radio, remotes, kids, toys and other gadgets contain some chemicals so ideally should not be thrown in the green or black bin with your other types of waste. The same can be said for rechargeable batteries which also contain harmful materials.
The average alkaline AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt or button-cell battery is made of steel and a mix of zinc/manganese/potassium/graphite, with the remaining balance made up of paper and plastic. Being non-toxic materials, all of these battery โingredientsโ are conveniently recyclable at battery recycling points but not in your bin.
๐ Primary (Single-Use) Batteries
These are non-rechargeable and commonly found in household/offices items:
AA (LR6) โ Used in remotes, toys, flashlights, etc.
AAA (LR03) โ Used in smaller devices like remote controls, wireless mice.
C (LR14) โ Used in larger toys, lanterns, and musical instruments.
D (LR20) โ Used in large flashlights, radios, and some appliances.
9V (PP3 or 6LR61) โ Used in smoke detectors, clocks, guitar pedals.
CR2032 (coin cell) โ Used in watches, car key fobs, calculators, motherboards.
CR2025 / CR2016 โ Used in similar applications as CR2032 (smaller capacity).
๐ Rechargeable (Secondary) Batteries
These can be reused hundreds of times:
NiMH AA / AAA โ Rechargeable alternatives to regular AA/AAA batteries.
Li-ion 18650 โ Used in flashlights, laptops, e-bikes (not typical AA-style).
Li-ion 14500 โ Same size as AA but 3.7V; used in high-drain devices.
Li-ion 21700 โ Used in newer flashlights and power tools.
9V Rechargeable โ NiMH or Li-ion versions of standard 9V batteries.
Why recycle batteries?
Recycling electrical items and batteries helps reduce the number of items entering landfill and ensures any heavy metals and chemicals contained in batteries are managed in an environmentally responsible way.
Waste Batteries – Recycle IT
Do something new!
It takes lots of energy to manufacture batteries that are simply disposable so why not save energy and other valuable resources including your money by trying rechargeable batteries and/or electricity-operated equipment instead of batteries. Rechargeable batteries are a more environmentally friendly option as they can last for several hundred charging cycles resulting in less waste being produced.
Where to recycle?
Thanks to EU Regulations implemented in 2008 itโs very easy to recycle your old batteries! According to the regulations, all retail outlets that sell batteries are now obliged to take back old batteries of a similar type.
Here are some options for recycling end-of-life batteries.
Chains of retail stores and shops where batteries are sold โ Aldi and Lidl Ireland are leading the way!
Local recycling center’s accept old and waste batteries.
School all over Ireland works in partnership with WEEE Ireland to recycle waste batteries.
WEEE Ireland waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling days.
Recycle IT recycle batteries from businesses, homes, schools, colleges, and charities daily through our collection and drop-off services.
WEEE Ireland
In Ireland, the WEEE Ireland battery recycling scheme operates on behalf of producers of battery and electrical appliances. It aims to encourage people at home and at work to manage their electrical and battery waste responsibly. Waste batteries can then be deposited in WEEE Ireland blue boxes at many locations across our country. Please find a list here
Eucobat is the European Association of National Collection Scheme for batteries. They assure that all waste batteries are collected and recycled in an ecologic way, and contribute this way to a better environment. WEEE Ireland promotes European Battery Recycling Week in September each year and has since 2015. Recycle IT support this week and make a great effort to increase batteries recycled. You might like to start planning a battery recycling event in your school, college or workplace!
Image: Eucobat – European Battery Recycling Week
Recycle IT
Recycle IT works in partnership with WEEE Ireland to offer collections and drop off recycling services for old electrical, electronic and battery-operated equipment including batteries. The collection service is offered throughout Dublin and the surrounding areas and our teams are delighted to accept waste batteries as part of any recycling collection or simply drop them off at no cost.
Rowing machines and all exercise equipment should be well looked after so it can be used to improve your health and well-being. This type of equipment is generally designed to help improve fitness levels while also saving time and money on trips to the gym.
After a lot of use over several years, exercise equipment can wear out or simply break down. Machines end up unused and the result is a large rowing machine taking up space in your home. Some people end up using home exercise equipment as clothes dryers.
Rowing machine
If this is your situation, please donโt assume that your old rowing machine is worthless. If itโs in good condition, you may be able to sell it or donate it to a charity or community group in your area.
For some households, the removal of a rowing machine that doesnโt work anymore is the hard part. Most manufacturers donโt have a scheme that collects old or damaged equipment for recycling.
Electronic or powered exercise equipment can be described as household appliances. They are larger appliances that have valuable materials, including metal and electronics which when handled correctly can be recycled to extract the material for reuse. This is an opportunity to reduce, reuse, and recycle while supporting the environment.
Reusing Exercise Equipment
If youโve still got an operational rowing machine, exercise bike, cross trainer, or other fitness equipment, you can try to sell or donate. If your rowing machine is under 8 – 10 years old and was not overused it may suit someone else, If the rowing machine has any mechanical or electronic damage recycling might be best.
Rowing Machine
Anyone buying a used machine should think about how to transport it, do a visual inspection, and get advice on the mechanical and electronic components. Maybe bring someone along who has knowledge of testing exercise equipment.
Recycling Exercise Equipment
If the equipment really is no longer functional, contact the manufacturer to check the warranty or service options and ask about any take-back scheme.
In Europe, some countries have started to require manufacturers to have the plan to take back and recycle equipment at the end of its life. This type of scheme is known as extended producer responsibility It started to apply to exercise equipment in France in 2022. You will find details on Ireland’s extended producer responsibility schemes here, last updated on September 5th, 2022.
If the above options donโt work for you, you can always safely recycle your old rowing equipment and more (treadmills, cross trainers, exercise bikes, etc) with a collection from Recycle IT
Recycle IT currently accepts dozens of old treadmills and bikes each year for safe recycling, some are damaged, parts are missing, or their owners are moving country or downsizing home and canโt take a rowing machine or treadmill along.
No matter, what your reason, if you wish to dispose of old or unused exercise equipment recycling is worthwhile. The metal, plastic and electronic components will be dismantled, separated, and broken down for future reuse in new products.
Recycle IT offers cost-effective collections in Dublin and surrounding areas so send us an email including your location and we will get back to you.
You can read more about recycling treadmills here.
Part of a Rowing Machine
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop-off service for all types of waste electrical, electronic and metal items.
Our electrical community collection service is provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
To speak with Recycle IT please call 01 4578321 or email us here
In 2021 WEEE Ireland helped support the electrical recycling needs across 75% of Ireland with 120,000 fridges and 200,000 screens and many more items safely recycled.
The results for 2022 are listed in the infographic directly below and you can view the full WEEE Ireland Annual Report for 2022 here. Recycle IT are delighted to say we happily contributed to these achievements in partnership with WEEE Ireland.
WEEE Ireland Results 2022
Using Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Today adults and children at home, in school or at work find themselves using a range of electronic consumer items which all contain a variety of electrical or electronic components.
Think about the school whiteboard, the office safe, speakers, networking equipment, radios, TVs, power tools, cameras, fire alarms, printers, scanners, earbuds, cables, and plugs.
Think about home kitchens, you have cookers, toasters, kettles, coffee makers, washing machines, tumble dryers, slow cookers, fryers, smoothie makers and lots more.
These types of items are replaced and renewed regularly and the old stuff should be recycled. Last year WEEE Ireland helped us recycle 10.03 kg per head of population in Ireland.
Tumble Dryer at Recycle IT
What is WEEE?
WEEE is defined as waste electrical and electronic equipment. WEEE is really electrical items of all types which have reached the end of their useful life. Items might be damaged, outdated, unused with a charger missing. Equipment which is out of sight and out of mind.
Electrical and electronic equipment is any item with a plug or battery. It can be classed as both domestic and business with some electrical items used at home and in the workplace, for example, a kettle for making tea or coffee. To download a list of things, click here
Recycling WEEE
Any appliance or equipment that operates on electricity or batteries has the potential to cause damage to our environment if it is not disposed of in a safe and responsible manner.
The average product life-cycle of electronic goods is becoming shorter and the amount of outdated, damaged or broken equipment that is being thrown away is increasing all the time. Dealing with the electrical and electronic waste which households and organisations create is a specialist role and one which if carried out well can improve our environment and create training and employment opportunities.
Cooker and Oven at Recycle IT
Everyday electrical and electronic waste items include:
Large household appliances (refrigerators/freezers, washing machines, dishwashers)
Small household appliances (toasters, coffee makers, irons, hair dryers)
Information technology (IT) and telecommunications equipment (personal computers, telephones, mobile phones, laptops, printers, scanners, photocopiers)
Consumer electronics (televisions, stereo equipment, electric toothbrushes, transistor radios)
Lighting equipment (fluorescent lamps and LED bulbs)
Electrical and electronic tools (handheld drills, saws, screwdrivers)
Toys (PlayStation, Xbox, Wii)
Medical equipment systems (excluding implanted and infected products)
Monitoring and control instruments (security and alarm equipment)
Automatic dispensers.
Cables and wire.
Recycle IT has assembled a comprehensive list of electrical equipment you can recycle. The list can be viewed or downloaded in PDF format by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the webpage
Small Electrical Items at Recycle IT
What to do?
Humans, as consumers of electrical equipment, have to ensure items are safely recycled at an authorised waste facility (permitted by the Local Authority or Licensed by the EPA). These include Authority Civic Amenity Facilities or a local retailer on behalf of a compliance scheme (for example WEEE Ireland)
Recycle IT have a recycling facility in Dublin where we offer a free drop-off service for home and small office electrical equipment which is beyond reuse. You may also have your WEEE collected cost-effectively in Dublin and the surrounding areas, just email or call our team.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop-off service for all types of waste electrical, electronic and metal items.
Our electrical community collection service is provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
To speak with Recycle IT please call 01 4578321 or email us here
Oakfield Trust presents an international conference entitled ‘Social Enterprise. Achieving Real Social Impact and Developing the Space’ in the warm surroundings of the wonderful Wood Quay Venue in Dublin City.
About the Organiser
Oakfield Trust based in Clondalkin provides a range of property-based services and related support for community and local projects. These supports offer projects a chance to develop and succeed – thereby benefitting the whole community.
The primary activity is Property Management & Development involving the acquisition, customisation and management of properties that are leased to organisations working with marginalised groups in socially excluded communities.
Oakfield Trust also provided assistance to local organisations in the form of Project Development Loans and Grants as well as New Build Project Management.
The Conference
The team at Oakfield Trust are looking forward to an open, thought-provoking event with contributions and discussion from highly regarded figures from the sector and many opportunities for audience participation.
The conference will run from 9.45am to 13.30pm on May 24th 2023, at The Wood Quay Venue, Fishamble Street, Wood Quay, D08 RF3F.
Dublin City Council – Wood Quay Venue, D8
The event will feature:
M๏ปฟC / Moderator – Susan Hayes Culleton
Main Speakers:
Joyce Murray (Founder and CEO, Grace Chocolates in Scotland)
Karen Leigh (Founder and CEO, Sensational Kids in Ireland).
Panel Discussion 1: ‘Achieving Real Social Impact’ – featuring:
Siobhรกn Cafferty (Social Enterprise Project Manager, Working to Change)
Emma Connors (CEO, Recreate)
I๏ปฟvan Cooper (CEO, The Wheel)
John Lonergan (Former Governor, of Mountjoy Prison)
Joyce Murray (Founder and CEO, Grace Chocolates, Scotland)
Panel Discussion 2: ‘Developing the Social Enterprise Space’ – featuring:
Lorraine Corcoran (Director, SERI)
John Kearns (CEO, Partas)
Una Lavelle (General Manager, Recycle IT)
Karen Leigh (CEO, Sensational Kids)
Donal Traynor (Group CEO, Community Finance)
Video contributions from sector figures at home and abroad.
To book your place, learn more, get directions, parking information and view the frequently asked question section please click here.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop-off service for all types of waste electrical, electronic and metal items. Recycle IT offer drop-off and collection services to both homes and organizations in Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of printers and we can help recycle yours!
Our electrical community collection service is provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
To speak with Recycle IT please call 01 4578321 or email us here
Schools, charities, community groups, and small businesses are invited to recycle or host an electrical recycling collection at their location over the summer starting May 8th 2023.
This initiative aims to divert waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) from offices and staff homes for recycling and is an opportunity to have a free WEEE from Work collection.
Mixed Electrical Equipment
Recycle IT – Recycling Electrical, Electronic, and Metal Items
The idea is to set up a temporary small WEEE collection point or containers in a central area of each school, community group or business to encourage recyclers to get into the habit of diverting more office and domestic electrical items away from the general waste bin.
Your colleagues, volunteers, students or project participants can easily take part. All you need to do is make people aware and reinforce the WEEE recycling message at every opportunity, then watch the container or box fill up.
Recycle IT will accept all types of electrical and pure metal equipment including older items once used and loved in the office, school classroom or canteen.
Close the Loop – Recycle IT
How it works
Our team can recycle all the old or unused small waste electrical and electronic equipment collected at your office in Dublin for โfreeโ with Recycle IT. Once you let us know, our team will pick up full containers or boxes of old, damaged or unused electrical, electronic or pure metal items. Just email us quoting FREEMAYRIT
From experience, items will be small and medium size and found at home or in small offices. Click here to see a list.
Recycle IT – Recycling Electrical Equipment in Dublin
Success this Year!
Recycle IT want to say a huge well done to over 200 schools, charities and community groups who have already participated in WEEE recycling collections so far in 2023. We really enjoy working with you and ask that you spread the word to others!
School and community recyclers in 2023 include:
St.Decalns College, Dublin 7.
St. Christopher’s Primary School, Dublin 4.
Sophia Housing Association, Dublin 8.
Terenure College, Dublin, D6W.
FIT, Dublin 11.
Tuath Housing, Dublin 12.
Dublin Simon Community Dublin 20.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop-off service for all types of waste electrical, electronic and metal items. Recycle IT offer drop-off and collection services to both homes and organizations in Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of printers and we can help recycle yours!
Our electrical community collection service is provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
To speak with Recycle IT please call 01 4578321 or email us here
