Category: Electronic and Electrical Recycling

WEEE – waste electrical and electronic equipment

Photocopier and Printer Recycling

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

Today

According to Transparency Market Research the global photocopier market was valued at US$ 727.2 million in 2023. The market is projected to reach US $1.2 billion by 2034 through the increasing demand for multifunctional devices and the expansion serval end-use industries. People working from home and rising disposable income are other reasons for increased demand for smaller printers & copiers across the globe.

Some History

The photocopier has come a long way since the first model’s produced in the early 20th century with models found in homes and offices across the world!

In 1937 Chester Carlson, a patent attorney in New York invented a process called electrophotography. In 1938, this was renamed Xerography and the first known photocopied document was the “10-22-38 Astoria”.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Office Photocopier – Recycle IT

The Xerography copying process went on to become one of the most well-known inventions of the 20th century and it’s estimated that Carlson gave away almost $100 million to charity and foundations before his death in 1968. Well done Chester.

Developments

In 1955, Haloid – by then Haloid Xerox – produced Copyflo, the first automated xerographic machine and many other companies followed Xerox into the market over the next 50 years.

Companies that manufacture photocopier cartridges and printers began offering recycling services in the early 1990s. Over the years many businesses developed photocopiers and cartridge recycling services as part of their customer sales, returning an environmental policy.  It may take decades to figure out if these policies are good for the environment, but one thing we can say is it’s best to reduce, reuse and recycle!

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Office Copier, Printer, Scanner – Recycle IT

Safety 

Over the years photocopiers have developed into a computer with scanners and printers attached. As with other computers and servers, photocopies have a hard disk drive. This hard drive allows scans of documents and images to be stored on that drive.

As photocopiers and printers are replaced or upgraded the older model which has been in your office for years may have a hard disk drive filled with pages that have been copied over those years. Some of those pages will contain all sorts of business and personal information.

Think about what you or your office colleagues might have copied – bank account details, birth certificates, passports, tax forms – As old photocopiers are replaced think about any potential risks which the disposal of the old machine might create for your business and staff.

Desktop Printer

Recycling

Today technology for printing and copying comes in a variety of sizes, from lightweight and budget-friendly printers to larger standalone multifunction machines. Printers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines are among the most common office equipment in work environments that need to be recycled.

When you dispose of your printer, please do so responsibly to ensure no toxic materials or e-waste go’s to landfills or is dumped in a remote location.

Recycle IT can remove large standalone photocopiers from office buildings and work spaces with lift access or no lifted access. Our trained team and specialised equipment can help clear old heavy equipment from second or third, floor buildings letting you take back the space. Just let us know the manufacturer name and model number of the photocopier or multi-function printer and we can check the specifications prior to removal.

If you need to safely and cost-effectively recycle copier and printing equipment, please call 01 4578321 or email Recycle IT.

Larger Photocopier and Stand

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

Printer / Copier /Scanner

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 collection regulations. Our permit details are available here.

Recycle IT – Community Recycling Initiative of the Year 2023

Dublin Recycling Centre’s

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical Recycling, We Recycle IT3 Comments

New Recycling Centre in Dublin

Dublin City Council have opened a new operations centre including a recycling facility located at St. Margaret’s Road, Ballymun D11. The facility opened in August 2023 and is a great addition to the city as you can easily recycle the majority of recycling streams including old household electrical items. The centre is located at St. Margaret’s Road, Ballymun, D11VF5Y with the public entrance accessed via Carton Way.

The North Dublin Operations Depot

This new centre will not be accepting commercial waste in any category and large commercial vans will not permitted. You can click here to find out more.

Recycling Mixed Household Stuff in Dublin

In general, recycling centre’s accept a range of items like paper, cardboard, plastic and glass bottles, drinks cans and food tins, textiles and footwear, electrical equipment, fluorescent tubes, waste oil and DIY waste. Some will also accept garden waste and even Christmas trees just after the festive season ends!

It is always best to check before a visit! 

Recycling Electrical Equipment

Many recycling centre’s accept old or damaged electrical equipment with approx. 75 million waste electrical items collected 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 trash at home. (Source: WEEE Ireland).  

In 2020 Ireland collected a record 64,856 tones of WEEE for treatment, a 4% increase from the quantity collected in 2019 (62,600 tones). Some 59,404 tones of WEEE were recovered and 55,012 tones were prepared for reuse or recycling in 2020, both up 3% on the 2019 quantities. (Source EPA Ireland).

Recycle IT want to encourage you to recycle electrical items using local services. With that in mind, we have compiled a list (all on one page) of WEEE recycling centre’s and services in Dublin.

Recycling Services

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

Recycle IT - Electrical Toys and Fridges for Recycling
Recycle IT – Electrical Toys and Fridges for Recycling

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 previously listed with a cost-effective solution 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 centre’s promoted or operated by their Local Authority. At these centre’s, people can dispose of items such as toasters, cookers, kettles, lamps, and really any domestic appliance.

Recycle IT - WEEE Collection Service
Recycle IT – WEEE Collection Service

Alternatively, householders can take back WEEE to retailers free of charge. The take-back system usually operates 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.

Recycling Centre’s in Dublin

There are recycling centre’s located across Dublin which will take back household WEEE and lots of other waste items.

Waste by Image
Waste by Image

The main centres are listed below:

Details on Recycling Centres in Co Wicklow can be found here.

For general information click Back to Waste and Recycling

Trade waste is usually not accepted at Household Waste Recycling Centre’s. 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 centre’s in advance of a recycling visit. The call can ensure to don’t make a wasted trip.

You will find details on local bring centre’s in Dublin city here. You will also find a list of bottle banks located in South Dublin 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 and electronic equipment (WEEE). Recycle IT provides 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.

Recycle IT – Truck

Visit our website for further details.

Mattress Amnesty 2025

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Free Household Mattress Recycling

Starting on August 11th, 2025, South Dublin residents will have a great opportunity to get rid of old, unwanted mattresses for free. This new Mattress Recycling Amnesty is supported by South Dublin County Council and operated by Recycle IT, a community-based recycling service.

Mattress Recycling Work at Recycle T

This special initiative means that people living in South Dublin and sounding areas can drop off old mattresses without paying any fees. It will help households dispose of bulky waste in a safe and environmentally friendly way during a number of weeks across August and September 2025.

What is a Mattress Amnesty?

A mattress amnesty is a time-limited program that allows people to bring old mattresses to a drop-off point for free recycling. Normally, getting rid of a mattress can cost money or involve arranging special collections. But during this amnesty, you can bring your mattress to a collection point without any charge.

Why Recycle Mattresses?

Mattresses are large, heavy, and difficult to dispose of. Many old mattresses end up in landfills or are illegally dumped. This is bad for the environment and costs councils time and money to clean up. Recycling mattresses is a much better solution.

Mattress Community Collection with Recycle IT

Mattresses are made from many materials that can be reused. For example:

  • Steel springs can be melted and reused for metal products.
  • Foam and fabric can be recycled into insulation or carpet padding.
  • Wooden frames can be reused for other furniture or broken down for wood chips.

By recycling mattresses, we reduce waste, save resources, and protect the environment. It also helps keep our local area clean and green.

The Benefits of Taking Part

Here are some great reasons to take part in the South Dublin Mattress Amnesty:

  1. It’s Free – You don’t have to pay to recycle your mattress during this event.
  2. It’s Weekly – Open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 3pm during the amnesty.
  3. It’s Convenient – Multiple drop-off locations will be available throughout South Dublin.
  4. It’s Eco-Friendly – Recycling keeps bulky waste out of landfills and gives materials a second life.
  5. It Reduces Illegal Dumping – Offering free disposal means fewer mattresses dumped on roadsides or in parks.
  6. It Helps the Community – Cleaner neighbourhoods and better waste management help everyone.

Who Can Take Part?

The amnesty is open to residents of South Dublin County and surrounding areas. Households are encouraged to bring clean and dry mattresses to our drop-off site. We generally, standard single, double, king, queen and foam mattresses. If in doubt you can call 01 4578321 with any questions.

Mattress Recycling Drop Off at Recycle IT

Businesses, hotels, or other commercial groups may not be included in this offer, so they should check with Recycle IT directly if they have mattresses to dispose of.

How Recycle IT Helps

Recycle IT is a social enterprise that focuses on recycling electrical and bulky household items. With help from South Dublin County Council, they are managing this amnesty to make sure all collected mattresses are safely broken down and reused.

Recycle IT has experience running similar programs and is committed to helping people recycle in a simple and responsible way.

When and where?

The free mattress drop-off started in mid-August 2025 and ran until Sept 27th 2025. Mattress recycling was be available at Recycle IT, Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 3pm.

This initiative has now CLOSED – You will get further detials here.

There were seven community drop-off events happening across South Dublin. The exact locations and times are listed directly below. The seven events listed will operate between 10am and 1pm over 7 Wednesday starting on August 13th 2025 in Tymon Park, D12.

This initiative has now CLOSED – You will get further detials here.

Community Mattress Recycling – Event Days – Click to View

During this period if you wish to have a cost-effective personal mattress collection from your home in Dublin we can help. Email mail us here

Finally

This free mattress recycling amnesty is a great chance for households to clear out unwanted items without harming the environment. By taking part, you are helping your home, your community, and the planet.

Teamwork – Mattress Recycling

Start preparing now! If you have an old mattress in your shed, spare room, or garden, plan to drop it off for recycling in August. Stay tuned for updates from South Dublin County Council and Recycle IT so you don’t miss out.

Let’s work together to reduce waste and make South Dublin a cleaner, greener place to live!

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

Recycle IT has People and Planet First Verification

Dublin Bike, E-bike and Scooter Recycling

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

The Market:

In 2024, Ireland saw a significant increase in bike sales, particularly in April, with a 19% increase in spending on bikes, according to AIB. This surge is attributed to the anticipation of summer and the beginning of warmer weather, leading people to prepare for outdoor activities. 

The Electric Bicycles market worldwide and in Ireland has been steadily growing due to factors such as the rising demand for eco-friendly transportation, increasing health consciousness, and the convenience of online purchasing. Despite a mild growth rate, the market is expected to continue expanding as more consumers embrace the benefits of electric bikes.

E-bike Facts

The unit sales in the Electric Bicycles Ireland is expected to reach approx. 160,000 bicycles by 2029 with e-scooter expected to reach approx. 150,000 over the same period, so lot of both on Irish roads. (Source: Statista)

With this growth, recycling older or damage metal and battery-operated bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters is crucial for environmental sustainability and offers significant opportunities for job creation through recycling for reuse initiatives. Proper recycling practices not only conserve valuable resources but also play a vital role in mitigating climate change.

E-Bike Charging

The Importance of Recycling E-Scooters and E-Bikes

Bikes, E-scooters and e-bikes have become popular modes of transportation in Dublin, offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional vehicles. However, as all types of bikes and e-scooter reach the end of their life cycles, improper disposal can lead to environmental hazards. Components such as batteries contain materials like lithium and cobalt, which are hazardous if not handled correctly. Recycling these materials prevents soil and water contamination and reduces the need for mining new resources.

Recycling for Reuse

In Dublin, initiatives focused on metal and electrical recycling will accept standard bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, for safe recycling. Organisations like Recycle IT, a not-for-profit social enterprise, specialize in recycling electrical, electronic and metal equipment from homes and workplaces. Teams collect, process, and prepare devices for recycling, ensuring that valuable materials are recovered and reused, thus extending the lifecycle of many components.

E-Bike

Job Creation Opportunities

The recycling industry, particularly in the realm of electronic waste, presents substantial job creation opportunities. By focusing on the collection, sorting, and processing of items like e-scooters and e-bikes, new employment avenues are opened. Recycle IT, for example, creates sustainable local employment through their recycling initiatives, providing training and jobs to individuals in the community.

Sustainability and Climate Change Mitigation – E-Bikes

Recycling bikes, e-scooters and e-bikes contributes significantly to sustainability efforts. By recovering materials including, mixed metals, lithium and cobalt, we reduce the demand for new mining operations, which are often environmentally destructive. Additionally, recycling reduces the energy consumption associated with manufacturing new products from raw materials. This decrease in energy usage leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions, directly combating climate change. WEEE Ireland emphasizes that recycling batteries prevents potential shortages of essential materials, supporting the production of new technologies in an eco-friendly manner.

E-Scooters

The Need for Increased Recycling

Despite the benefits, many consumers still dispose of standard bikes and metal scooters, e-scooters, e-bikes, and their batteries improperly. Increasing public awareness about the importance of recycling these items is essential. Educational campaigns can help but easy free recycling initiatives encourage people to participate, ensuring that hazardous materials are handled safely, and resources are conserved.

Local Recycling Initiatives in Dublin

Dublin has made significant strides in e-waste recycling. In 2023, residents recycled over 11,000 tonnes of electrical waste, setting a national record. This achievement highlights the community’s commitment to proper waste management and environmental stewardship.

How to Recycle Bikes, E-Scooters and E-Bikes in Dublin

For Dublin residents looking to recycle e-scooters, e-bikes, and their batteries:

  • Retailer Take-Back Programs: Many retailers offer free take-back services for batteries. Consumers can return waste batteries to any retail outlet that sells similar types, regardless of where the batteries were purchased.
  • Recycling Centres: Facilities like Recycle IT or others listed here accept waste batteries from privately registered vehicles at no charge.
  • Special Collection Events: Organisations such as WEEE Ireland organise events all over Ireland where residents can drop off e-waste, including batteries, for proper recycling. Recycle IT offer community recycling events in Dublin on request and with support from WEEE Ireland.

Conclusion

Recycling metal bikes and battery-operated scooters and e-bikes in Dublin is a vital practice that supports environmental sustainability, conserves resources, and creates local employment opportunities. By participating in recycling programs and supporting reuse initiatives, residents contribute to a healthier planet and a robust local economy, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change.

E-Bike

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.

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

Team Recycle IT

EcoMerit Certification for Recycle IT

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Recycle IT Receives EcoMerit Certification

Recycle IT is proud to share some exciting news – we have received the EcoMerit Certification! This is an important step forward in showing our commitment to the environment and to making the communities we serve better places for everyone.

But what is EcoMerit, and why does it matter? Let us clarify in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

EcoMerit Certification Logo

EcoMerit Certification Explained?

EcoMerit is a trusted environmental certification. It is given to organisations that work hard to reduce their impact on the environment. This means using less energy, cutting down on waste, and making better choices that help protect our planet.

Getting EcoMerit certified means that Recycle IT is meeting high environmental standards. It also shows that we have made a long-term plan to keep improving how we work to be greener and cleaner.

What Did Recycle IT Do to Earn It?

To receive the EcoMerit certification, Recycle IT looked closely at everything we do – from how we use energy to how we manage waste and water.

Here are some of the steps we’ve taken:

  • Reduced Energy Use: We worked to lower the amount of electricity we use every day. This helps reduce pollution and saves money too!
  • Reused and Recycled More: As a community recycling organisation, we already recycle a lot. But we found ways to improve even more, especially when it comes to safely handling electronics and household appliances.
  • Improved Waste Management: We made sure waste is sorted properly so that as much as possible can be recycled or reused instead of going to landfill.
  • Set Clear Goals: We created an environmental plan that sets targets for reducing waste and saving energy over the coming years.
  • Trained Our Team: Everyone at Recycle IT learned about ways to help the environment at work. Teamwork made a big difference.
Happy to be Certified

Why Is This Good News?

Getting the EcoMerit Certification is good news for many reasons:

  • It’s Good for the Planet: Everything we do to reduce waste, save energy, and recycle more helps the environment.
  • It Builds Trust: The certificate shows that Recycle IT is serious about protecting nature. People and organisations who work with us know they are supporting a green company.
  • It Inspires Others: We hope our work encourages other organisations and people to take simple steps that protect the Earth.
  • It Supports Our Community: By recycling safely and helping people recycle old items, we keep harmful waste out of landfills and create local jobs.
  • It Supports Our Team: It is good for the staff team because it creates ongoing awareness, a cleaner, safer workplace and it shows we all care about the environment. It empowers our team to make a positive impact both at work and in their personal lives
Eco Building Blocks

What’s Next?

The EcoMerit certificate is not the end of our journey – it’s just the beginning! We will continue to look for new ways to protect the environment. We’ll keep working with our community, staff, and partners to do better every day.

The EcoMerit Certification shows that Recycle IT is doing things the right way – by putting people and the planet first. Together, we can continue to build a cleaner, healthier future for everyone.

Let’s keep recycling, reusing, and reducing waste – and let’s keep making a difference, one small step at a time!

Final Words

We want to say a big thank you to everyone who helps make Recycle IT more environmentally friendly. Your support made this recognition possible.

A special thanks goes to the Irish Social Enterprise Network, the other participants across Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, and the EU GreenBoost4WISEs program. This program, launched in 2024, and gave social enterprises like ours a great chance to learn and grow.

European Union Logo Flag 

It helped us take real steps to become more sustainable—making sure our work, especially in areas like energy, waste and resource use, can keep going without harming nature or the needs of future generations.

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

Mixed Electrical Equipment for Safe Recycling @ Recycle IT