Category: Electronic and Electrical Recycling

WEEE – waste electrical and electronic equipment

Unauthorised Recycling Collections – Know more!

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Benefits of Authorized E-Waste Recycling in Ireland

In the age of rapidly advancing technology, the importance of responsible electronic waste disposal cannot be overstated. Recycling e-waste prevents toxic substances from entering our bodies and into the environment and reduces the harmful environmental impacts created by new materials. Ireland, like many other countries, faces the challenge of managing electronic waste efficiently.

My Waste – Dumping Poster

In this blog post, we will explore the pitfalls associated with using unauthorized electrical recycling collections in Ireland and shed light on the benefits of opting for authorized services. Additionally, we will delve into the positive impact authorised electrical recycling organizations have on training, employment, and their broader social and economic contributions. Below you with find some of the pitfalls of unauthorised electrical recycling Collections:

Environmental Hazards:

Unauthorised electrical recycling collections often lack the infrastructure to handle electronic waste responsibly. This can lead to environmental hazards, as hazardous materials from improperly disposed electronic devices may contaminate soil and water, posing a significant threat to ecosystems and public health.

Data Security Risks:

With the abundance of sensitive information stored on electronic devices, unauthorized collections present a significant risk to data security. Inadequate data destruction methods can leave personal and confidential information exposed, potentially leading to identity theft or other forms of data misuse.

Legal Implications:

Ireland has strict regulations governing electronic waste disposal. Engaging with unauthorized services may result in legal consequences, including fines and penalties. Authorized electrical recycling services adhere to these regulations, ensuring compliance and safeguarding individuals and businesses from legal repercussions.

Drop Off Safely – Its Free at Recycle IT

Lack of Accountability:

Unauthorized collections operate in a legal grey area, making it challenging to hold them accountable for their actions. This lack of accountability can result in irresponsible disposal practices, further exacerbating environmental and legal concerns.

There are huge benefits related to authorised electrical recycling collections some of which you will find listed below.

Environmental Responsibility:

Authorized electrical recycling services prioritize environmentally sustainable practices. They employ advanced technologies to safely dismantle and recycle electronic devices, reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste and contributing to a greener, healthier planet.

Data Security Assurance:

Authorized services implement robust data destruction measures to ensure the secure disposal of sensitive information. This commitment to data security offers peace of mind to individuals and businesses entrusting their electronic devices for recycling.

Training and Skill Development:

Authorized electrical recycling organizations contribute to the training and skill development of their employees. Workers receive specialized training in electronic waste management, fostering expertise in handling, dismantling, and recycling various types of electronic devices.

Recycle IT Collection Van

Employment Opportunities:

Authorized electrical recycling services create employment opportunities for individuals, contributing to economic growth. The demand for skilled workers in electronic waste management opens doors for those seeking employment in a field that addresses both environmental and technological concerns.

Social and Economic Impact:

Authorized organizations play a pivotal role in the community by promoting responsible waste management practices. They contribute to a circular economy, reducing the reliance on finite resources and creating a sustainable model for future generations.

WEEE Ireland – Recycle for Good

Please Remember

The choice between authorized and unauthorised electrical recycling collections in Ireland extends beyond immediate convenience. Authorised collection support environmental sustainability, data security, legal compliance, and accountability. Opting for authorized services not only ensures responsible electronic waste disposal but also contributes positively to training, employment, and the broader social and economic fabric of the community. As we navigate the complexities of our digital world, making informed choices in electronic waste management becomes increasingly crucial for a sustainable and thriving future.

You can learn more about Illegal Waste Collections here

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning, not-for-profit, social enterprise established to create employment and promote environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. We work in partnership with WEEE Ireland and are authorized by your local authority to provide electrical, electronic, and pure metal recycling collections across Dublin since 2007. Recycle IT are fully compliant with WEEE 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

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

Recycle IT Pakman Award Winner 2023

Protect Data and the Planet: Recycle Your Memory Chips

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

The Importance of Removing and Recycling Computer Memory Chips Safely

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

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

Electronic Waste – Vapes

On By JMCEIn Awards, Collections, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic Equipment, NewsLeave a comment

Vape Waste

A 2024 survey carried out by Coyne Research for ERP Ireland of 1,000 adults found a third of people incorrectly believe vapes can be disposed of in the normal refuse bin, while one in five said they put them in their domestic recycling bin. Source: Irish Examiner.

A 2023 study by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research found that roughly 844 million vapes are disposed of every year, equaling the weight of six Eiffel Towers. Wow! Its also worth noting, vape devices contain lithium, considered by the European Commission a ‘strategic raw material’ crucial to the EU’s economy and green energy transition, but supplies are at risk. Really it needs to be recovered and recycling safely really helps.

Vapes Sales

According to figures for the Irish grocery trade compiled by Nielsen IQ, in the year ending May 2021 there were 5.6 million units of vape sold. One year later, that had jumped 44 per cent to 8.06 million. In the year ending May 2023, that figure had more than trebled to 26.3 million sales as published in the Irish Times.

What are Vapes?

Vapes and e-cigarettes are electronic devices that simulate tobacco smoking and are said to have fewer toxins than cigarette smoke. They consist of an atomizer, a power source (usually a battery), and a container for the liquid (cartridge or tank). Instead of smoke, users inhale vapor. At 26.3 million sales that a lot of batteries for safe recycling?

Recycling Vapes

It is possible to recycle single use vapes and reusable e-cigarette devices in Ireland. This service is provided free of charge by WEEE Ireland

Disposable and rechargeable vapes or e-cigarette devices can be recycled using WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes. These can be found at local recycling centres, newsagents, supermarkets, and workplaces. These collection boxes can be found across Ireland.

Products that are battery-powered often include a symbol of a crossed-out wheelie bin. This is to signify that they should not be placed in household waste bin or green bin. 

Disposable vapes are not required to take them apart recycled as one unit.

Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency categories disposable vapes and e-cigarette products as electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). This means that retailers are legally required to accept them for collection. If you would like to recycle you vape, you could also return it to whatever shop you purchased it from and ask them to take it.

Vape Components

Battery: The battery in a vape device is a lithium-ion battery, which should be recycled properly. Many electronic stores or recycling centres including Recycle IT accept lithium-ion batteries for recycling.

Metal Parts: Metal components like the coil, casing, and other parts can usually be recycled with other metal items. Check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept these materials. Again, Recycle IT will accept metal components.

E-liquid Bottles: If you’re using refillable e-liquid bottles, they can usually be recycled with other plastic containers. Make sure to rinse them out thoroughly before recycling.

E-Waste Compliance: Many areas have specific locations for electronic waste (e-waste), which may accept vape devices. Check with your local authority or your local recycling centre for options.

Disposal: If you’re unable to recycle your vape components, make sure to dispose of them properly. Do not throw them in the green or black bin, as they can end up in landfills and harm the environment. Instead, look for electronic waste disposal facilities or programs in your area.

Remember: Disposable vapes are not required to taken apart. They can be recycled as one unit but not in the green or black bin. Please dispose of your vape responsibly.

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

Learn more about WEEE Ireland Vape Recycling here.

Recycle IT – Repak Award Winner 2023 – Community Recycler of the Year

Recycling Radiators and Heaters

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

Heater Recycling

According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), home heating typically accounts for about two-thirds of annual household energy bills, with most of the costs occurring during the winter months.

Cast Iron Radiator

Many people are now trying to reduce the amount of energy used in homes to save money, lower the carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, greener environment which is crucial to living safely on earth in the future,

Over a lifetime, all types of appliances age and work less efficiently. This will have an negative effect on energy efficiency and energy costs. This leads us to believe old radiators are less efficient than newer ones. Some reason why include:

Old Household Radiator

Less Energy Efficient – Older heaters and radiators often use more energy than modern systems, leading to higher heating costs.

Slow Heating Time – Traditional radiators take longer to heat up compared to newer, high-efficiency models.

Heat Retention – Cast iron radiators retain heat for a long time, even after being turned off, making them energy-efficient in certain situations.

Uneven Heat Distribution – Older radiator systems may create hot and cold spots in a room due to inefficient circulation.

Energy Waste from Poor Insulation – Heat loss can occur if pipes and radiators are not properly insulated, reducing overall heating efficiency.

New models are designed with the latest technology with energy efficiency prominent in peoples mind when choosing new heating systems. Homeowners are replacing old heating systems with newer and increasingly efficient systems meaning old heating equipment is discarded but radiators and heaters can be safely recycled.

Recycling your Home Heating Radiators

If your old household radiators are faulty, broken or being replaced with heating systems to help reduce environmental harm, it’s worth noting the old radiators can be recycled.  Before doing anything, you will most likely need to remove the radiators from the walls and empty the radiator of water and debris. Then you can safely recycle as many as you have.  You can drop the items free to Recycle IT where the team accept cast iron and stainless-steel radiators, tubes, pipes and more.

Electric Heater

Recycling Electric Radiators

There are certain things to consider when recycling old electric radiators. Electrical equipment that isn’t recycled or disposed of correctly can end up in landfill sites all over the world causing environmental and health concerns. Electric equipment like heaters contains hazardous substances that will leak. This then contaminates local water and soil.

What to do?

Recycle IT are happy to accept radiators, small heaters, and air heaters at our recycling centre where they are recorded by weight and sent for further processing and metal breakdown in Ireland.

Electric Storage Heater

Recycle IT accept electric, old filled pure metal heaters and radiators of all sizes. They might have been fixed to a wall or mobile depending on your needs. Examples of electric heating and radiators are listed below, and all can be safely recycled.

Recycle IT accept

  • Storage heaters*
  • Panel heaters
  • Fan Heaters
  • Convection radiators
  • Infrared radiators
  • Oil-based electric radiators
  • Wall mount heaters
  • Wall mount radiators (oil or water).

*Recycle IT will accept storage heater bricks for recycling. The bricks are usually part of an older type of storage heater and should be removed from each storage heater before colleciton – for safety reasons. (Please see the photo below).

Recycling for Good

Black Electric Heater Home of Office

If you look at the electrical equipment including heaters which you use in your home today chances are that they contain at least some materials that can be recycled into something new.

The steel from your heater casing can be melted down and turned into machine parts, metal frames or new heaters. Aluminium is another metal that can be reused. The plastic surrounds can be turned into bags and stationery. Even the circuit boards contain small amounts of certain metals like silver, platinum, and palladium. So, they are really worth recycling for reuse!

Remember many radiators are almost 100% recyclable metal so the Recycle IT team are happy to accept. Heaters also have metal and electrical parts. They can be safely recycled for reuse at our recycling centre.

Storage Heaters

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise established to create employment and promote environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. We work in partnership with WEEE Ireland and are authorized by your local authority to provide electrical, electronic and pure metal recycling collections across Dublin since 2007. Recycle IT are fully compliant for WEEE Recycling with permit details available here.

Recycle IT Logo

Recycling Centres Close to You

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

What’s New!

The Irish Times Newspaper has reported in 2024, that more than 60,000 instances of illegal dumping have cost Dublin City Council more than €5.2 million to remove since 2019, according to new figures. Data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act shows that labour, fleet and disposal costs to remove illegal disregarded waste on streets across the city from 2019 to April 2024 has cost €5,205,422.

In that same period, the council has received 61,824 reports of illegal dumping. In the first three months of 2024 alone, €214,424 has been spent responding to 3,496 reports of illegally dumped waste.

To counteract this and years of illegal dumping Councils will be allowed to use drones, dashcams and bodycam footage to tackle illegal dumping and littering under new powers agreed by the Government. Footage from fixed cameras installed at known dumping spots will also be usable as evidence against offenders. The Cabinet backed the moves as part of a series of measures aimed at preventing and tackling waste.

We are hoping everybody needing to dispose of old items will use authorised recycling centres rather than facing a littering or dumping offence. To help we have included a lot of helpful information below!

Recycling Centres

This map of legal waste recycling sites was launched in a bid to tackle illegal dumping. As you know illegal dumping of all types and quantities of waste is a big concern for many communities across the country.  This interactive map aims to help identify legal waste collection companies. A link to the map can be found below.

Waste Site
Selection of Waste Facility in Dublin – links below

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

In Dublin, you will find a range of recycling services and facilities which will accept old electrical items used at home. As well as reducing the volume of waste going to landfills, these centres help to recycle and compost domestic waste and can you save some money.

Many items used in homes across Ireland can be recycled. The benefits of recycling include a cleaner environment, the safe disposal of hazardous materials, greater awareness of excess packaging and a careful approach to the use and re-use of materials.

Old Electrical Items for Recycling
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) – Recycle IT

If we take electrical items, there has been approx 75 million waste electrical items recycled since 2005, that’s over 70 electrical items per household in Ireland but 1 in 4 Irish people are still hoarding or putting electrical waste in the bins at home. (Source: WEEE Ireland).

This post is all about encouraging you to recycle electrical items alongside other items at a local recycling centre. By taking action you will save the environment and money so please don’t place the electrical items in the bin (any bin) visit a recycling centre!

We have compiled a list (all on one page) of waste electrical recycling centres and services in Dublin. These are drop off centres for household items. If you need a collection Recycle IT can help. (Home or Business customers)

Recycling Centres in Dublin and other areas (Drop Off)

There are recycling centres located across Dublin that will take back household electrical items and lots of other waste items.

Waste by Image
Waste by Image

The main centres/services are listed below:

If you are interested in offering items for reuse you can visit www.jumbletown.ie/

Trade and business waste equipment are usually not accepted at Household Waste Recycling Centres. Recycle IT will support small and medium-sized businesses to recycle dual purpose electrical and electronic waste.  It’s always a good idea to call the centres in advance of a recycling visit. The call can ensure to don’t make a wasted trip.

You can also click here to get a list for Dublin City being centres and bottle banks.

Recycling Services – Collection and Drop Off

Recycle IT support householders, charities, community groups, schools and businesses with electrical and electronic recycling services in Dublin and the surrounding areas. Services offers are complementary to those offered by the Local Authorities across Dublin.

Services include a free drop off for domestic or dual-purpose electrical or electronic equipment with collection services available on request. Collection services are offered free to groups listed above with a cost-effective collection service is offered to business recyclers and or those with an immediate need.

Householders in Dublin City and surrounding areas can also bring their unwanted electrical items (WEEE) to a number of recycling centres promoted or operated by their Local Authority. At these centres, people can dispose of items such as toasters, cookers, kettles, lamps, really any domestic appliance.

Alternatively, householders can take back WEEE to retailers free of charge. The take-back system usually operators on a one-for-one basis, i.e. you can exchange an old toaster for a new one but it’s usually not possible to return a fridge freezer while purchasing a new hairdryer. A number of large retailers actively promote this scheme so keep an eye out.

Recycle IT - WEEE Collection Service
Recycling Collection Service – Recycle IT –
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.

Social Enterprise - Open for Business
Recycle IT are a Social Enterprise – Open for Business

Visit our website for further details.