Category: Electronic and Electrical Recycling

WEEE – waste electrical and electronic equipment

All Electrical Items can be Recycled?

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

Todays Electrical Equipment

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 Items might be damaged, outdated, unused with a charger missing.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The average product life-cycle of electronic goods is becoming shorter and the amount of outdated, damaged or broken equipment that is being thrown away is increasing all the time.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

Visit our website www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT – Winner – Dublin City Social Enterprise Award 2022

Electronic Hoarding – Reconsider!

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

A study funded by the European Commission says nearly half of all discarded waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in Europe is not properly collected and recycled.

Much WEEE goes under the radar because consumers often dispose of it in household waste or it becomes mixed up in mixed-metal waste streams where it gets recycled, but not under compliant conditions for WEEE.  

Mixed Small and Medium Size Electrical / Electronic Equipment for Recycling.

Furthermore, large amounts of WEEE are scavenged (stolen for parts), before they can be formally collected and exported abroad (legally and illegally), or simply hoarded by consumers in their homes.

Recycle IT is asking families and small businesses, across Dublin to find and recycle 7 – 10 end-of-life electrical and electronic items over the coming months to help improve Ireland’s recycling performance. This can include cables, chargers, plugs, batteries, phones, kettles, irons, headphones, and much more!

Hoarding

Did you know or even think most Irish homes contain an average of 15 to 20 damaged or unused electrical items. (Source: WEEE Ireland). Separate/y, EU data shows smartphones are the most unused and hoarded electrical items lying around homes. Experts expected about 5.3 billion mobile and or smartphones to drop out of use in 2022 alone.

Mixed Small IT Equipment

Surveys conducted between June and September 2022 in 5 EU countries and the UK showed households had an approximate total of 74 smaller electronic items such as phones, tablets, laptops, electric tools, hair dryers, toasters and other appliances (excluding lamps). 

Of that 74 electronic items, 13 are being hoarded (9 of them unused but working, 4 are broken).

Reasons given for hoarding include

  • I might use it again in the future (46%)
  • I plan on selling it / giving it away (15%)
  • It has sentimental value (13%)
  • It might have value in the future (9%)
  • I don’t know how to dispose of it (7%)

You can read and learn more here.

Recycle IT

Business Hoarding

When you update or buy new office IT equipment, hopefully, you don’t place the older electronic devices into a store or drawer! This is not good for the environment as items are not recycled for reuse. It’s also a risk in terms of unauthorized removal of the physical devices, and accessing the data stored on mobile phones, tablets laptops, memory keys and other portable devices.

With more people engaging in hybrid and remote working, mobility devices are preferred as they support flexible working. Unused office PCs may become redundant and if this happens hard disk drives should be removed and destroyed and the remaining parts safely recycled

With more laptops, monitors, keyboards and other accessories used for efficient remote working, e-waste numbers are bound to increase.

Change

We should all consider moving to a circular economy approach, not just at home but at work too. Change is good and has to start somewhere.

The move to a circular economy offers an opportunity to create new jobs in areas such as repair, refurbishment and reuse, as well as creating higher value employment for those who currently work in collection and bulk recycling

Help Offered

With many electronics containing hazardous materials, including lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, you cannot simply dispose of these electronics, in your regular black or green recycling bin.

Residents and small businesses in any part of Dublin and surrounding areas can drop off of dual- purpose home and small office equipment to Recycle IT for safe recycling. At present, this drop-off service is offered for free.

If you need a cost-effective personal or business collection please call our team on 01 4578321.

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

Visit our website www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT Van 2023

Summer Recycling – Gas BBQs, Heaters or Cookers

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Gas Barbecues Heaters and Cookers

The kitchen cooker or hob is often considered one of the most essential home appliances that many individuals and families across Ireland. They are used daily. In summer you can add the Barbecue (BBQ) and outdoor heaters to this list of gas appliances.

Summer Barbecue – BBQ

All these gas appliances can be purchased in different sizes, colors and finishes with gas long being the first choice of professional chefs and home cooks. Bakers seem to prefer electric ovens!

If you’re buying a new summer barbecue, gas cooker, oven or hob, we can help you safely recycle your old gas appliances  Did you know most gas cookers, hobs and even BBQs have a starter button either powered by mains electricity or battery which means Recycle IT can accept these type of appliances alongside all types of electrical items used in homes, gardens and small offices.

Outdoor Heaters

Why Recycle?

Unwanted appliances including items used in kitchens are one of Ireland’s fastest-growing types of waste. As you know many items can be repaired or reused while others simply need to be recycled. All options save natural resources and the environment so please do what is best for you.

If you do not recycle your appliance properly they tend to end up in landfills or illegally dumped where hazardous substances can leak out and cause soil and water contamination – harming wildlife, plant life and human health. If you are removing a gas cooker remember to do so safely.

Household Gas Cooker
Household Gas Cooker

Recycle IT can Help?

In accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations, cookers, ovens, hobs and all types of electrical or electronic household items can be recycled by Recycle IT.

Unused or old household gas items including decommissioned boilers, gas-powered water heaters and BBQs will be accepted for free. If they don’t have electric components, don’t worry, they are generally manufactured from metal which is accepted by Recycle IT. Household appliances can be dropped off at no cost or collected cost-effectively in Dublin and surrounding counties.

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. During the last 18 months Recycle IT offered drop-off and collection services to homes, charities, schools and business organizations of all types. Our recycling teams operate across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of dishwashers, computers, cables, monitors, microwaves, screens, 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.

Household Gas Cooker
Household Gas Cooker and Oven

Call us on 01 4578321 or email us here

Visit our website www.recycleit.ie

New Waste Regulations for Business Bins!

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Background

A report published by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2018 found that 70% of the contents of the average business or commercial waste bin could be diverted to recycling.

This represents a significant loss of potentially-recyclable material and an unnecessarily high cost to businesses, whose waste charges would be lowered by improved segregation.

Commercial Waste Bin

Benefits

By improving waste segregation, the commercial/business sector would make a significant contribution to achieving EU recycling targets which have changed in an upwards trajectory over recent years.

Ireland faces targets under the EU Waste Framework Directive for recycling municipal solid waste (MSW) of 55% by 2025, 60% by 2030 and 65% by 2035.

The most recent figures from the EPA show that Ireland achieved a rate of 41% in 2020.

Eamon Ryan TD, Leader of the Green Party, and Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport has recently signed new legislation to change the current situation.

Incentivised charging for waste collection in the commercial sector will come into effect on July 1st 2023. This change to current legislation requires waste collection companies in Ireland to provide a residual, mixed dry recyclable and bio-waste bin to any business or commercial customers they service.

Dry Mixed Recyclables

The legislation aims to ensure that all commercial customers are placed onto a price plan that ensures that costs to the customer for dry mixed recyclables or bio-waste are less than the cost of disposal for municipal waste.

  • Dry mixed recyclables materials include paper, cardboard, metal cans and plastic, which can then be put into one waste stream and be processed efficiently & effectively. 
  • Bio-waste can be described as biodegradable garden and park waste, food and kitchen waste from households, restaurants, caterers and retail premises.

This change will align the commercial sector with the residential sector, for whom incentivised pricing has been in place since 2017.

The Waste Management (Collection Permit) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2023 will come into effect on 1 July 2023.

Ministerial Statement

Welcoming the regulations, Minister Eamon Ryan said: “Improved recycling of commercial waste will benefit not just the environment but will improve the viability of recycling infrastructure and reduce waste costs for business.” 

You can read the full press release here:

Just to say!

Please don’t place electrical waste including batteries, bulbs, cables and chargers in any waste bins. Waste Electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) should be recycled separately. There are many locations across Ireland including Recycle IT in Dublin 22 which accept old household electrical and electronic items for safe recycling. Recycle IT will accept both domestic and commercial electrical/electronic 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, 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

Visit our website www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT

Treadmills Recycling and More!

On By JMCEIn Collections, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Family, News, Sport and ExerciseLeave a comment

Recycling Exercise Equipment

Workouts from the comfort of home are great, they get you the exercise you need, and save you time travelling to and from the gym as well as the membership fee. Treadmills, rowing machines and exercise bikes also record the amount of energy you use and the time it takes to complete your workout.

Treadmill Exercise Equipment

As with many electrical and electronic items treadmills and other types of electronic gym equipment, do wear out or get damaged after years of usage. Sometimes old equipment just ends up taking up space that is needed for a new or different priority.

Old or unused exercise equipment like a treadmill, steppers and exercise bikes really should be recycled if no longer in use. Removing these items from homes, apartments and even offices frees up valuable space, especially when the exercise equipment is no longer needed.

Exercise Equipment

There are a number of options to consider including reuse, resale or recycling!

Many people are looking for second-hand treadmills to buy. New models are costly and people might only be starting out on a home exercise plan. Instead of allowing your old treadmill to become out of date why not sell it at an affordable price.

Recycling Treadmills

Consider reuse by donating your old treadmill, exercise bike or stepper to a friend, a local community group or a charity. Remember any exercise equipment for reuse or donation should be in good condition and fully operational.

Ask a local gym to place a notice on the gym notice board or online asking if a member might be interested in taking your treadmill either free or for a small fee. Again the equipment should be in good condition and fully operational before handing it over for reuse.

Treadmill for Recycling at Recycle IT

Before making your final decision, try asking work colleagues, family members, or neighbours, whether they would use your treadmill. Someone in your network may be interested in your old exercise equipment.

Recycling Gym Equipment

If these options don’t work, you can always safely recycle your old metal gym equipment, treadmills, steppers, or any electrical or metal home exercise equipment. Recycle IT accepts dozens of treadmills and bikes each year for safe recycling, some are damaged, parts are missing or their owners are moving house or apartment and can’t take a treadmill or other types of exercise equipment along.

No matter why you wish to dispose of old or unused items recycling is worthwhile. The metal, plastic and electronic components will be dismantled, separated and broken down for future reuse in new products.

Electronic Exercise Bike – Recycle IT

Encourage Recycling

Recycle IT want to inspire all users of electrical items to safely recycle their unwanted, damaged, broken or outdated equipment. Recycle IT offer pre-arranged resident collections, cost-effective personal collections and free drop-off Monday – Friday for households from across the Dublin region and surrounding areas. We like to see an increase in the amount of equipment received for safe recycling rather than an accumulation at home

Please don’t horde items in the hope of future repair for reuse. You should get them repaired quickly and if not recycle them!

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning social enterprise providing a community, personal and business collection service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in Dublin and surrounding counties.

During 2019 Recycle IT offered to drop off and collection services to tens of thousands of homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and screens

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, Dormant Accounts, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.

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