Category: Electronic and Electrical Recycling

WEEE – waste electrical and electronic equipment

Fridge-Freezer Recycling

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Questions on Recycling Refrigerated Appliances?

Fridges are essential household appliances that keep food fresh, safe, and ready to enjoy. They work by maintaining cool temperatures to slow bacterial growth. Common types include top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, and French door models, each offering different storage layouts. Fridges help reduce food waste, save money, and make meal planning easier by preserving ingredients longer.

With most homes and apartments in Ireland using a fridge some are bound to get old, damaged or just fail after years of usage. They become waste fridges that are hazardous and require specific treatment. The most significant environmental risks are in the refrigerant, in the compressor oil and the blowing agent which is used in the insulating Polyurethane (PU) foam.

Different Fridge Types for Recycling

When a fridge of any sort comes to the end of its life it’s important that appliance owners, buyers and users play their part in protecting the environment by safeguarding against reckless appliance disposal. It’s worth remembering refrigerated appliances can be hazardous if not recycled correctly by authorised, licensed and experienced recyclers.

Below you will find some of the reasons why!

Household appliances may contain hazardous components including used oil and mercury. For example, cooling circuits contain oil that can be contaminated with ODS refrigerant. Some refrigerators and chest freezers manufactured before the year 2000 have mercury-containing components (i.e., switches and relays).

  • If improperly disposed of, used oil and dissolved refrigerant oil from refrigerated appliances can be released resulting in contaminated soil and/or groundwater.
  • Exposure to used oil or dissolved refrigerant can result in health concerns.
  • If leaking or damaged appliances are dumped mercury can leak and accumulate in plants and animal life. When consumed by humans this can lead to health concerns.
  • A variety of toxic substances (carcinogenic and non-cancerous) when released in a non-controlled environment can cause health concerns for humans.
  • The use of refrigerated appliances over the years has increased the risk, of climate change mainly due to the use, and improper disposal of greenhouse gases.
  • Refrigerators and freezers manufactured before 2005 are insulated with foam that contains ODS that contribute to both ozone depletion and climate change.
    Mixed Household Appliances

    Environmentally responsible disposal?

    Electrical appliance retailers offer appliance take-back schemes and sometimes offer pick-up and disposal services with the purchase and delivery of a new model.

    Some retailers may allow you to drop off the old appliance at the retail establishment so it is worth checking it out in your area.

    Civic amenity sites take dual-purpose home and office electrical items including large household appliances free once you can transport them.

    Trained and authorised appliance repair services and service engineers can decommission, remove and sometimes repair, damaged appliances safely.

    Home appliance recycling centres such as Recycle IT offer collection, and free drop-off services for large and small electrical appliances.

    Electrical Waste for Recycling

    Why recycle

    Almost all the materials used to make your refrigerator or freezer can be recycled. This includes the metal cabinet, plastic liner, glass shelves, the refrigerant and oil in the compressor, and the blowing agent contained in polyurethane foam insulation. Appliance recycling typically entails the recovery of refrigerant and removal of hazardous components followed by shredding of evacuated appliances. It is important to say that trained individuals should only remove refrigerants and compressors.

    When you recycle with an authorised recycler it means your fridge will be disposed of correctly and not just buried in the ground.

    Finally

    Please use an authorised collection service to pick up and recycle your old fridge and other electrical items. This ensures they are handled safely and recycled properly. Using authorised collectors helps protect the environment and keeps your community safe. To help, Recycle IT offer free collections to schools, colleges, residents groups, community and charity organisations.

    About Recycle IT

    Recycle IT is the only Community Electronic Recycling Social Enterprise in Dublin providing a community collection service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Recycle IT offers collection services to homes and organisations across Dublin and surrounding areas each year collecting a range of WEEE including monitors, televisions and much more.

    Our award-winning services are supported by South Dublin Country Council, and South Dublin Country Partnership and provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. We are authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authority.

    Visit our website for further details or learn more about reuse month here

    Recycle IT 2025 – Recent Awards

    Sustainable Business Impact Awards 2025

    On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

    For over twenty years, the Sustainable Business Impact Awards have celebrated and showcased the best examples of sustainable business practices in Ireland.

    These awards recognize organisations that are making a real difference through their commitment to people, communities, and the planet. Each year, winners across twelve categories demonstrate how Irish businesses are embedding sustainability into their everyday work, showing that positive environmental and social change can go hand in hand with good business.

    Awards Night Sept 2025

    In 2025, Recycle IT (Ireland) was honored to win the Sustainable Impact by a Medium Business Award. This recognition highlights the organisation’s ongoing efforts to promote recycling, protect the environment, and support communities across Dublin and in surrounding areas.

    Recycle IT is a community-based social enterprise that collects, recycles, and reuses waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The organisation works to prevent useful materials from ending up in landfill, helping to reduce pollution and save valuable resources. Equally important, Recycle IT creates local employment, provides work experience and training opportunities, and raises awareness about the benefits of recycling and sustainable living.

    Winning the Sustainable Impact Award means a great deal to everyone involved with Recycle IT. It reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team, who are passionate about making recycling accessible and practical for households, schools, businesses, and community organisations. Every television, computer, kettle, or phone collected by Recycle IT contributes to a cleaner environment and a more circular economy, where waste is seen as a resource that can be recovered and reused.

    The photo above captures a proud moment for the Recycle IT team. From left to right are Ian Talbot from Chambers Ireland, Mark, Una, and Gerard from Recycle IT, and Margaret Considine from Chambers Ireland. Their smiles reflect not only the joy of winning but also the shared commitment to sustainability that connects all those involved in the awards.

    Recycle IT would like to extend sincere thanks to Chambers Ireland, the judges, and everyone who entered the awards this year. The Sustainable Business Impact Awards are about more than just recognition—they are about celebrating collective progress and inspiring others to take action. Each business, no matter how big or small, can make a difference by reducing waste, conserving energy, supporting their employees, and engaging with their community.

    For Recycle IT, sustainability is not a short-term goal but an ongoing journey. The organisation continues to expand its services, invest in greener processes, and build partnerships with local authorities, schools, and voluntary groups. By working together, they aim to create a culture of recycling and reuse that benefits both people and the planet.

    The Sustainable Impact Award is a reminder that environmental and community action are most effective when driven from the ground up. Through small, consistent efforts—like recycling electronic waste, educating others, and supporting local jobs—Recycle IT is helping to build a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable future for everyone.

    Dara Calleary, TD, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

    Winning this award is both a recognition of what has been achieved and a motivation to keep improving. The Recycle IT team remains committed to innovation, collaboration, and social responsibility. They believe that every community can become more sustainable through shared action and awareness.

    Recycle IT is grateful to all partners, supporters, and customers who have made their success possible. Together, they have shown that social enterprises can lead the way in creating positive, lasting change.

    Thank you to Chambers Ireland for organising such a meaningful event. It was a wonderful evening, a fantastic celebration of Irish business, and a proud moment for Recycle IT and all those who care about sustainability and community impact.

    Great event, great award, and a great step forward for recycling in the community!

    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.

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

    Recylce IT is EcoMerit Certified

    The Benefits of Recycling Pull-Up Banners

    On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

    Pull-up banners are used by many organisations across Dublin. They are helpful tools for events, promotions, and public information. However, once these banners are out of date, they are often stored and forgotten. Many are kept in cupboards or storerooms for years. Over time, they take up space and collect dust. But what if we started to recycle them instead? Recycling pull-up banners has many benefits for organisations and the environment.

    Pull-Up Banners – Recycling for Reuse

    1. Reducing Waste

    The first big benefit of recycling pull-up banners is reducing waste. Most of these banners are made from plastic and metal. If they are thrown away, they often end up in landfills where they do not break down easily. Recycling helps to reduce this waste and keeps these materials out of our environment. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference over time.

    2. Saving Space

    Old banners take up storage space in offices, community buildings, and schools. By recycling them, organisations can free up this space for other, more useful things. This helps to create cleaner, more organised workplaces. It also reminds people to keep only what they truly need.

    3. Reusing Materials

    Pull-up banners contain materials that can be reused. The metal frame and poles can often be used again once a new banner insert is fitted.  Triest Press, Ireland’s leading social enterprise print & design house is helping with this. They are passionate about producing high-quality digital print and design while making a positive social impact.

    The banner material itself is usually made of PVC, vinyl, or polyester, and can sometimes be turned into bags, covers, or other useful products. We would be happy to work with an organisation wishing to source these material for reuse. Reuse gives these materials a new life instead of letting them go to waste.

    Pull Banner Sizes

    4. Encouraging Environmental Responsibility

    When an organisation recycles its old banners, it shows that it cares about the environment. This sets a good example for staff, customers, and the wider community. It encourages others to think more carefully about how they dispose of old items. Every small action adds up, and recycling banners is a great way to lead by example.

    5. Supporting the Circular Economy

    Recycling helps build a circular economy. This means that instead of throwing things away, we find ways to keep materials in use for as long as possible. Recycling banners supports this idea. It creates demand for recycling services and products made from recycled materials. It also helps to reduce the need for new raw materials, which uses a lot of energy and natural resources.

    Pull-Up Banners For Recycling

    6. Cost Savings

    While there may be a small cost to recycle banners, it can save money in the long run. Storing large numbers of unused banners takes up space that could be used more effectively. Also, buying new banners for every event is expensive. Some companies now offer banner systems where only the printed part is replaced, which can be more cost-effective and greener.

    7. Creating Awareness

    A recycling project for old banners can raise awareness among staff and the public. It gets people thinking about how they use and reuse materials. It might even inspire new recycling or sustainability projects in the future.

    Finally

    Collecting and recycling pull-up banners can be very cost-effective and helps create and maintain worthwhile training and employment opportunities in our community.

    You can visit your local drop-off point at Recycle IT in Dublin 22 or you avail of a city wide collection service. This low-cost recycling for reuse pilot project reduces waste while promoting sustainability for organisations.

    Recycle IT Collection Van

    In summary, recycling old pull-up banners has many benefits. It reduces waste, saves space, supports the environment, and shows leadership. With so many unused banners stored around Dublin, now is the perfect time for organisations to take action. A small step today can lead to big change tomorrow.

    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.

    For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

    Sustainable Impact by a Medium Business – Recycle IT – Recycling in the Community

    35 Reuse Tip for October 2025

    On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

    Lessen Environmental Impacts

    In today’s world, reducing waste and being resourceful is more important than ever. Reusing items at home or at work not only saves money but also lessen environmental impact.

    Whether it’s repurposing everyday objects or finding creative ways to extend their life, there are countless ways to give new purpose to old things. Here are 35 simple reuse tips to help you get started.

    Reuse helps to reduce waste, saves energy, and cut pollution. By giving items new life, we conserve resources, lower emissions, and inspire eco-friendly habits that drive stronger climate action worldwide.

    35 Simple Home and Small Office Reuse Tips

    1. Reuse glass jars for storing spices, screws, or craft supplies.
    2. Turn old t-shirts into cleaning rags instead of buying paper towels.
    3. Repurpose cardboard boxes as organizers for drawers or closets.
    4. Use old coffee grounds as fertilizer for your plants.
    5. Reuse envelopes by placing labels over old addresses for mailing or storing small items.
    6. Save paper towel and toilet paper tubes to organize cords or hold plastic bags.
    7. Turn wine corks into bulletin board push pins or use them in crafts.
    8. Use leftover wrapping paper to line drawers or shelves.
    9. Turn old magazines into gift wrapping paper or collage materials for creative projects.
    10. Reuse broken crayons by melting them into new, multicolored crayons.
    11. Convert plastic containers (from yogurt, butter, etc.) into storage for snacks, screws, or art supplies.
    12. Repurpose fabric scraps into patches for clothes or use them in quilting projects.
    13. Use newspaper to clean windows, an effective and eco-friendly alternative to paper towels.
    14. Turn old towels into pet bedding or cleaning cloths for messes around the house.
    15. Use cereal boxes to make bookmarks, file dividers, or crafts.
    16. Repurpose broken dishes into mosaic art or garden décor.
    17. Reuse bubble wrap for storing fragile items or mailing packages.
    18. Turn old toothbrushes into cleaning tools for hard-to-reach areas.
    19. Reuse old lightbulbs as small vases for tiny plants or as decorative ornaments.
    20. Turn old picture frames into trays or whiteboards for notes.
    21. Use broken jewelry pieces in DIY craft projects like decorating bags or frames.
    22. Repurpose old calendars as artwork or use the images in scrapbooks or journaling.
    23. Reuse plastic bags as trash can liners or to store items like shoes when traveling.
    24. Turn wine bottles into candle holders or vases for flowers.
    25. Use leftover candle wax to make new candles by melting and repouring.
    26. Repurpose a broken ladder as a bookshelf or towel rack.
    27. Use egg cartons to start seedlings for your garden.
    28. Turn old scarves into gift wraps for a more sustainable wrapping solution.
    29. Repurpose empty pill bottles to store small office supplies like paperclips or pushpins.
    30. Use old shoes or boots as planters in your garden for a quirky and unique touch.
    31. Repurpose glass pasta sauce jars as homemade salad dressing containers or overnight oat jars.
    32. Use old bed sheets or curtains to sew reusable shopping or produce bags.
    33. Turn tin cans into pencil holders, utensil caddies, or even lanterns by punching decorative holes.
    34. Reuse worn-out tires as garden planters, outdoor stools, or play area features.
    35. Transform old ladders or wooden pallets into vertical garden stands or shelving units.
    Climate Action 2025

    Finally

    Incorporating these simple reuse ideas into your home or small office can lead to a more sustainable and creative lifestyle. By rethinking the purpose of items that might otherwise be discarded, you not only reduce waste but also discover new ways to organize and enhance your space. Small changes like these can make a big difference over time, benefiting both your wallet and the environment.

    About Recycle IT

    Recycle IT is an award-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop-off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.

    Recycle IT 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 

    Recycle IT – Hybrid Collection Van

    Mattress Amnesty – Closed

    On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

    Recycling News

    South Dublin County Council and Recylce IT would like to sincerely thank everyone who took part in this year’s mattress recycling amnesty. The free mattress recycling initiative has now officially finished for 2025.

    Over the years and during the course of the initiative, thousands of old and unwanted mattresses were dropped off and collected in the community for recycling, helping households clear space while ensuring bulky waste was kept out of landfill. Your participation made a real difference for both the community and the environment.

    Although the free mattress recycling amnesty has ended, we encourage residents to continue recycling responsibly and to explore other available recycling services throughout the year. Together, small actions add up to big impact.

    The Recycle IT team thanks everyone who recycled mattresses this year. Your efforts helped protect the environment, reduce waste, and support our community. Together, we’ve made a real difference—thank you for recycling responsibly, supporting local employment and creating training opportunities.

    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. Where possible, Recycle IT will recycle for reuse!.

    For more information about Recycle IT please click here.