Category: Electronic and Electrical Recycling

WEEE – waste electrical and electronic equipment

Community Recycling Event

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

South Dublin County Council in partnership with Recycle IT will be holding a final community recycling day at the end of September 2023. We are inviting householders to avail of Free Mattress, Household Hazardous Liquid Waste and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling on the day.

Paint for Recycling

Reducing and preventing hazardous waste

The Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says we use household hazardous products every day in cleaning, decorating our homes, improving our gardens, car maintenance and even in personal grooming and hygiene. Check any Irish shed, garage, bathroom or kitchen and you will find a wide range of household products bearing hazardous symbols. Everyday examples include oil-based paint, weed killers, bleach or other cleaning products and nail varnish to name just a few. If these products are not properly used, stored, and disposed of, they can present a hazard to our health and our environment.

Mixed Household Liquid Waste

Reducing and preventing hazardous waste, particularly from households, is a key component of Ireland’s waste management plan. You can read the EPA householder’s guide Hazardous Waste Prevention here.

Household Hazardous Liquids accepted on the day

Householders can drop off a range of liquids including Herbicides/Pesticides; Aerosols; Waste Engine Oils; Antifreeze/Coolants; Adhesives/Glues; Waste Paints; Paint Thinners, Pain Strippers; White Spirit; Creosotes/Epoxy Resins; Cooking Oil; Cleaning Agents including Detergents and Bleaches

Recycling Event Poster

Recycling event location

Wastes can be dropped off at South Dublin County Council, County Hall Car Park, Belgard Square North, Tallaght, between 09:30am and 12:30pm on Saturday 30th September 2023. This is the last day for free mattress recycling drop-off in South Dublin for 2023.

Please note: Vehicular access can only be achieved via the entrance located on Belgard Square North. You will find maps and directions here. The Eircode South Dublin County Council, County Hall Tallaght is D24A3XC

THIS IS A HOUSEHOLD-ONLY EVENT, NO COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED ON THE DAY.

Mattress Recycling

About Recycle IT

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

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

On the Radio!
Listen to Una Lavelle, General Manager at Recycle IT speaking with Sunshine 106.8 FM about mattress and electrical recycling – click here to listen 

TV and Monitor Recycling

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

Monitors and Visual Display Units

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 people’s 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
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

Recycle IT – Truck

New Deposit Return Recycling Scheme

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

On February 1st 2024, Ireland introduced a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic bottles, aluminium or steel cans. This will change the way we recycle these items and hopefully increase recycling rates.

Reverse Vending Station

How it works

When you buy a drink in a plastic bottle, aluminium or steel can that features the Re-turn logo, you pay a small deposit in addition to the price of the drink. When you return your empty, undamaged container to any retail outlet, you get your deposit back in full.

Drinks purchased before 1 February 2024 are not included in the Deposit Return Scheme but should still be recycled in the usual way. Most households will place the empty drinks containers in the green bin until they see the new Re-turn logo in the container.

From 1 February 2024, when you purchase an ‘in scope’ drinks container, you will be charged a small deposit in addition to the purchase price of the drink. This deposit will be fully refunded when you return your empty, undamaged drinks container.

Re-Turn Logo

The Refund

The drinks containers included in the Scheme are PET plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans between the sizes 150mls and 3 liters. A deposit of 15c will apply to containers from 150ml to 500ml inclusive and a deposit of 25c for containers over 500mls to 3 liters inclusive.

In order to receive the deposit purchasers may return containers to any retailer that takes them back over the counter (manual), or through the use of a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM).

If returning to a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), you must insert all Re-turn drinks containers as directed. When complete, you will then be issued with a voucher which can be redeemed at the till. Please note that vouchers issued from an RVM must be redeemed at the same store.

It’s worth noting consumers will have the choice to receive the refund against in-store purchases, in cash or the refund can be offered to a charitable cause.

Plastic Bottles

Recycling

This new scheme brings together all parties involved in the manufacture, selling and consumption of beverages including beverage producers and retailers. This alliance fulfils obligations under the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2021. Similar recycling schemes operate internationally and are very successful in increasing recycling collection rates.

All the drinks containers collected will be sent for safe recycling. The Deposit Return Scheme focuses on increasing the volume and quality of material collected for recycling leading to an increase in Ireland’s recycling rates.

This new scheme intends to significantly increase recycling rates. The deposit fee will be paid back in full when the empty, undamaged drink container is returned to a reverse vending machine in a retail outlet.

Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy Ossian Smyth said it will eliminate the issue of waste drink containers on roadsides and beaches by turning such items into new bottles and cans. An estimated, two billion aluminum drink cans and plastic bottles are sold in Ireland each year and just over 60% are currently returned for recycling. The remainder end up in incinerators, or turn up as waste on the street, lakeshores, riversides and country roads. This scheme will tackle this issue, aiming to increase the recycling rates for drinks can and plastic bottles up to 90%.

To learn more please visit www.re-turn.ie You can also email info@re-turn.ie or call 014618680

About Recycle IT

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.

Learn more @ www.recycleit.ie

Reverse Vending Unit

Battery Recycling – Anytime is good!

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

How were doing? 

There was an estimated 60 million AA batteries recycled by householders in 2022 through retail drop-off points, civic amenity sites and at recycling center’s including Recycle IT – that is an average of 12 batteries for everyone in Ireland. (Source WEEE Ireland). This is great but we all can do more in 2023 especially with Christmas coming.

WEEE Ireland Battery Recycling Results 2022

Did you know?

Did you 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.

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 “ingredients” are conveniently recyclable at battery recycling points but not in your bin.

🔋 Primary (Single-Use) Batteries

These are non-rechargeable and commonly found in household/offices items:

  1. AA (LR6) – Used in remotes, toys, flashlights, etc.
  2. AAA (LR03) – Used in smaller devices like remote controls, wireless mice.
  3. C (LR14) – Used in larger toys, lanterns, and musical instruments.
  4. D (LR20) – Used in large flashlights, radios, and some appliances.
  5. 9V (PP3 or 6LR61) – Used in smoke detectors, clocks, guitar pedals.
  6. CR2032 (coin cell) – Used in watches, car key fobs, calculators, motherboards.
  7. CR2025 / CR2016 – Used in similar applications as CR2032 (smaller capacity).

🔌 Rechargeable (Secondary) Batteries

These can be reused hundreds of times:

  1. NiMH AA / AAA – Rechargeable alternatives to regular AA/AAA batteries.
  2. Li-ion 18650 – Used in flashlights, laptops, e-bikes (not typical AA-style).
  3. Li-ion 14500 – Same size as AA but 3.7V; used in high-drain devices.
  4. Li-ion 21700 – Used in newer flashlights and power tools.
  5. 9V Rechargeable – 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.

batteries-photo (2)
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 it’s 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 – 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!

Battery Recycling Week
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.

To contact us please call 01 4578321, email us here or visit our website

Van 2020
Van with Recycle IT Logo

Rowing Machine Recycling

On By JMCEIn Collections, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, News, Social Enterprise, Sport and ExerciseLeave a comment

Exercise at Home?

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 don’t assume that your old rowing machine is worthless. If it’s 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 doesn’t work anymore is the hard part. Most manufacturers don’t 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 you’ve 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 don’t 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 can’t 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

Visit our website www.recycleit.ie