Category: Electronic and Electrical Recycling

WEEE – waste electrical and electronic equipment

2025 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards

On By JMCEIn Awards, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Event, News, Social Enterprise, sustainabilityLeave a comment

Social Enterprise Awards:

The 2025 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards celebrate and support the amazing work done by social enterprises across Dublin. These awards, organised by Dublin City Council and is run by Inner City Enterprise (ICE) with support from Dublin City Council and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) based in Dublin City. These award really shine a light on the positive impact social enterprises have on communities.

Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards 2025

What is Social Enterprise

A social enterprise is a business that trades for a social or environmental purpose. They reinvest profits to create social change and support local needs. Social enterprises can be involved in anything from education and employment to climate action and health. They play a key role in building stronger, fairer, and more inclusive communities.

The Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards are open to all types of social enterprises based in the Dublin City area or Social Enterprises offering products or services in Dublin City. Whether your enterprise is just starting or has been running for years, applying can be a big step forward. There are many good reasons to enter.

Why Enter?

1. Recognition and Credibility
Winning or even being shortlisted for an award can give your social enterprise a huge boost in reputation. It shows the public, partners, and funders that your work is being recognised and valued by others. It can also make people more confident in supporting or working with your organisation.

2. Funding Support
The award includes financial prizes, which can be a great help. This funding can be used to grow your services, support your team, or try something new. For small and growing social enterprises, this support can make a real difference.

3. Promotion and Visibility
Finalists and winners are promoted through Dublin City Council and partner channels. This means more people will hear about your work. You’ll get the chance to tell your story to a wider audience, attract new supporters, and possibly reach new customers or clients.

4. Motivation and Morale
Awards recognise hard work and dedication. Being part of the awards can lift the spirits of your team and volunteers. It reminds everyone that their efforts are making a difference. This kind of encouragement can go a long way, especially when times are tough.

5. Networking and Opportunities
The awards give you the chance to meet other social enterprises, funders, and supporters. These connections can lead to future collaborations, funding opportunities, or new ideas. Sharing experiences with others in the sector can also help you learn and grow.

Award Winners 2024

The Value of Awards for Social Enterprises

Beyond the prize itself, awards help raise awareness of what social enterprises do. They bring attention to local solutions to social problems. By celebrating social enterprise, we help grow a stronger sector that can tackle issues like poverty, exclusion, and climate change.

Entering awards also helps organisations reflect on their impact. The application process can help you think more clearly about your goals, successes, and how you measure progress. This can be useful even if you don’t win—helping your enterprise improve and grow.

Final Thoughts

If you run a social enterprise in Dublin, the 2025 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards are a chance to share your story, get support, and be part of a growing movement. These awards are not just about winning—they’re about showing the value of your work and inspiring others to create positive change.

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.

During 2024 Recycle IT operated drop-off and collection services to homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE including thousands of batteries, computers, cables, monitors, kettles, microwaves and screens.

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 www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT – Dublin City Social Enterprise Award Winner 2022

Spring Recycling with Sandyford Business District

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

Free Electrical Recycling:

Sandyford Business District is hosting a Free Electrical Recycling Event to help local people, employees working in nearby businesses, and businesses themselves recycle their old or broken electrical items safely and responsibly. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to promote sustainability and reduce waste in the community.

Event Photos

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday April 10th 2025
  • Time: 10am – 12pm
  • Location: Dominic Smith Expert Electrical Sandyford, Unit 4, Leopardstown Retail Park, D18
  • Recycler: Recycle IT
  • Cost: Free (household / small office electrical / electronic equipment).

This event provides a convenient way for everyone to dispose of unwanted electrical items without harming the environment. Whether it’s an old laptop, a broken toaster, or outdated office equipment, all electrical items will be collected and recycled properly.

Who Can Participate?

  • Local Residents – Get rid of old electrical items cluttering your home.
  • Employees in Local Businesses – Drop off broken personal gadgets or work-related electronic waste.
  • Businesses – Dispose of obsolete office electronics in an environmentally friendly way.

What Can You Recycle? You can bring in a wide range of electrical and electronic items, including:

  • Computers, laptops, and accessories
  • Desktop printers and scanners
  • Mobile phones and tablets
  • TVs and monitors
  • Kitchen appliances (toasters, kettles, microwaves, cookers etc.)
  • Cables, chargers, and batteries
Lighting for Recycling

Why Recycle Electronics? Electronic waste contains materials that can be harmful if not disposed of correctly. Recycling ensures that valuable components are recovered, reducing landfill waste and preventing pollution. By participating in this event, you contribute to a cleaner and greener Sandyford.

How to Take Part Simply bring your unwanted electrical items to the designated collection point on the event day. Our team will handle the rest, ensuring all items are processed safely.

Join us in making a positive impact!

About Recycle IT

Spread the word and encourage others to participate. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for our community.

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.

During 2024 Recycle IT operated drop-off and collection services to homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE including thousands of batteries, computers, cables, monitors, kettles, microwaves and screens.

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 www.recycleit.ie

Mixed IT for Recycling

Reusing or Recycling Toys

On By JMCEIn Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic Equipment, Family, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

Seven Billon Toys:

Did you know, the world threw out more than 7 billion e-toys in 2022. Electronic toys can be overlooked as electronic waste by many which means toys are not recycled correctly. According to the research completed by The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, 9 billion kg of so-called “invisible” e-waste, worth nearly $10 billion, is thrown away yearly. Around one-third of this waste comes from children’s toys containing some 3.2 billion kg of hidden electronics.

Toy Fun

Toys help create an imaginative world of play and fun, they can help build social skills and ease demands on parents!  Sometimes the most expensive toys are not the best option as kids enjoy playing with items from their homes. They can build props like a playhouse or space rocket out of reused cardboard boxes and tubes, creating their own special world.

Most homes with kids have lots of toys. Storage containers are filled to the brim with, dolls, action figures, building blocks, cars, remote-controlled flying machines, games devices,  and many other items. Our question? What do parents and children do with old favourites when the new toy or game arrives?

Battery-Operated Toys for Recycling – Recycle IT

Involve Children

Kid toys are exactly that, kids toys so it’s wise to keep children involved in any decisions regarding the future of their toys. Parents can be helpful by reinforcing the fact that their once loved yet unwanted items will be reused by kids with a greater need and the fact that the environment benefits by keeping these items out of landfills or incinerators should be valued.

Toy Reuse

With Christmas right around the corner, many people are looking to find the best toys to buy this Christmas. And if you’re adding new toys to your children’s collection, you might be wondering what to do with the old toys.

Here are all the places you can donate gently used toys, including electronics, stuffed animals, dolls and other items. Before you pack up the car, call ahead to make sure the organisation you’ve chosen is currently accepting donations.

Battery-Operated Toys for Recycling - Recycle IT
Mixed Battery-Operated Toys for Recycling – Recycle IT
  • Local charity shops
  • Community creche facilities or playgroups
  • Facebook or online community reuse groups
  • Hospitals or doctor’s surgery play areas
  • Children’s homes and shelters
  • Community daycare facilities
  • Schools
Battery-Operated Toys for Recycling - Recycle IT
Battery-Operated Toys for Recycling – Recycle IT

Electronic Toys

Toys with computer chips, computer screens, lights, noise, plugs, batteries or other electronic components can and should be recycled. They should not be added to domestic waste. We know from experience this is not the case as very few electrical toys make their way to us for recycling. Recycle IT offer collection and drop-off services and will accept electrical and electronic toys including games consoles, cameras, tablets, remote control cars or planes, dolls, action figures, watches or replica phones. The list is endless but any toy with a plug or battery is acceptable for recycling.

Finally… 

Recycling and repurposing are environmentally responsible. You should involve your children. You can make sure your children understand the concept of recycling and the value old or broken toys have for others. Reused toys can bring joy to a child or recycling can help create a job!

Toys IMG_1195 (1)
 Electronic Toys / Entertainment Equipment for Recycling – Recycle IT

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.

During 2024 Recycle IT operated drop-off and collection services to homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE including thousands of batteries, computers, cables, monitors, kettles, microwaves and screens.

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 www.recycleit.ie

It’s Spring Clean Month – April 2025

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Community Spring Clean 2025:

National Spring Clean is Ireland’s most popular, well-recognized and successful anti-litter and waste initiative. It takes place in April each year.  The campaign encourages all sectors of society to actively participate and take responsibility for litter and waste. Remember you don’t have to wait for April!

National Spring Clean has been operated by An Taisce since 1999 in partnership with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

The size and scale of National Spring Clean events have grown steadily and significantly over the years. Taking part has real benefits for people including feeling good about supporting environmental activity, aiding practical clean-ups and increasing social interaction with people in your community.

In 2024 , 5,430 groups registered to carry out clean-ups throughout the country – Volunteers who participated in the Spring Clean 2024 collected an estimated 2,725 tonnes of litter. As many as 500,000 volunteers participate in the Spring Clean each year which is a credit to all involved. This year, it’s is your turn!

National Spring Clean 2025 aims to build on the progress and momentum from prior years to make this year the most successful April anti-litter campaign yet.

You can contact local resident associations, tidy town groups, schools, youth groups and other community groups as they usually get involved or organize events in your area.

Tips

Recycle IT have assembled some tips for organizing a successful National Spring Clean event in your area! We can all do a little bit in our immediate area to make a difference. While involved stay safe, wear hi-vis, and gloves, follow guidelines and enjoy the company of others.

National Spring Clean Photo

Time

  • You will need time to organize your event. Start planning at least a few weeks in advance. Spring is the best time to do a cleanup – before grass and weeds have a chance to hide rubbish and litter and make retrieval more difficult.
  • When you select a day or weekend for the cleanup, check with local community organisations and the local authority in your area to avoid any event conflict
  • Arrange for the collection and disposal of the waste collected.

Planning

  • A good plan will help your group set a direction and document the steps you need to take to organise the spring cleanup. Using an existing neighborhood cleanup committee or forming a new group is a great way to get things done efficiently and build ownership at the same time.
  • Use a Clean Up notebook to record names, numbers emails, dates and other important information. It’s good to document everything and maintain a clean-up file including photos. This can be used for grant applications and PR.
  • Determine your “cleanup area” to get an idea of the support you will need. Use a map to coordinate teams and pickup routes. Records litter black spots and any locations requiring special tools or equipment to get the job done.
  • Work to estimate the number of volunteers, assign tasks and develop a schedule.
Community Recycling – Itemed Collected for Safe Recycling

Teaming

  1. Remember letters or social media networks work well. If you do not know your neighbors, now is the right time to arrange Zoom or What’s-App calls. Introduce yourself and tell them what you would like to do. Do not ask for a commitment — that will come later — just get a feel for the support you have.
  2. There may be groups within your community that regularly organize community projects. Consider partnering with these or other groups, even if they are not in your area.
  3. Businesses and your local authority take pride in their communities. Ask them to help with this community effort by donating items or funding to support the event.
  4. Take photos to share photos on websites, social media and in newsletter articles or annual reports.

Promotion

Hi Vis – National Spring Clean
  • Consider creating a promotional flyer to distribute via email to local businesses and organisations.
  • Specify what will be or will not be accepted; provide options for those items.
  • Inform residents about the pickup times. Specify the clean-up will occur regardless of the weather. 
  • Include details of the cleanup in your parish and community newsletters, on social media, websites, local radio and newspapers.
  • Invite the media to do a story on your cleanup – this is good recognition of volunteers, donors or sponsors.

Getting Started

Before you start, gather everyone together, to review the event and answer questions. Have a cleanup plan with a start and finish point in an estate or street with groups starting at both ends and working towards the middle. Spread volunteers out so they have plenty to do while having fun.

Organizer Duties

  • Register interested parties.
  • Ensure everyone is aware of safety requirements and areas to avoid.
  • Make sure children are safe and supervised by adults.
  • Answer questions on collection and removal.
  • Have brochures and coupons available on how to dispose of items you cannot accept (WEEE, batteries, hazardous waste, tires, oil, etc.).
  • Make sure plenty of water, mobile phones and a first aid kit on-site.
  • Keep details for emergency service at hand.
  • Keep a positive attitude. don’t get overwhelmed and avoid overwork – you can do more another day!

Whats Needed!

  • Volunteers
  • Bin bags
  • Safety signs and general safety
  • Gloves/heavy-duty
  • Buckets for sharp objects
  • Tools (ropes, rakes, shovels, etc.)
  • Trees/wildflowers/grass seeds
  • Hi-Vis Safety Vests
  • First Aid Kit
  • List of mobile phone numbers
  • After clean-up events e.g. BBQ or picnic
WEEE To Work - Recycle IT
WEEE To Work – Recycle IT

Say Thanks

Take every opportunity to mention the support of your volunteers, especially when talking to the media. You should write thank you letters to key community groups and local businesses/donors. Provide copies of photos for their archives.

And Finally

Record what worked well and what didn’t. This means you do not have to reinvent the wheel this time next year! This information will be important for new and future members of the cleanup group.

If you would like to include a residents association door 2 door recycling collection for electrical, electronic and pure metal items as part of your local spring clean please call Recycle IT on 01 4578321 or email info@recylceit.ie.

You can get community clean-up guidelines here and register here.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, is an award-winning social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop-off and collection. 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

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

To get your spring clean pack and more information click here

Recycle IT Logo

Electrical Equipment – 36 Simple Recycling Tips 🌍

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

For Homes and Offices

Households and small offices should prioritize easy and safe electrical and electronic recycling to reduce e-waste, prevent pollution, and conserve natural resources. Proper disposal minimizes toxic hazards, supports a circular economy, and promotes sustainability. Recycling responsibly protects the environment, conserves energy, and fosters a cleaner, healthier community for everyone.

Here are 36 simple tips and reasons for households and small offices to focus on easy and safe electrical and electronic recycling in their community:

Promoting Electrical and Electronic Recycling – Recycle IT

Why Recycling Matters

  1. Reduces E-Waste – Prevents harmful waste from ending up in landfills.
  2. Protects the Environment – Stops toxic substances like lead and mercury from polluting soil and water.
  3. Saves Energy – Recycling materials requires less energy than mining new ones.
  4. Conserves Natural Resources – Reduces the need for raw materials like metals and plastics.
  5. Reduces Carbon Footprint – Helps lower emissions from manufacturing new products.
  6. Prevents Illegal Dumping – Ensures hazardous waste is properly handled.
  7. Promotes a Circular Economy – Recycled materials can be reused in new products.
  8. Supports Local Jobs – Encourages employment and training in recycling.
  9. Improves Community Cleanliness – Reduces clutter and dumping of old electronics.
  10. Encourages Responsible Consumption – Promotes awareness about sustainability.
Mixed Electrical and Electronic Equipment – Recycle IT

How to Recycle Safely

  1. Find Local Recycling Programs – Check government or community websites for e-waste collection and centres – Recycle IT is one!
  2. Use Retailer Take-Back Services – Many stores accept old electronics when purchasing new ones.
  3. Donate Working Devices – Offer functional electronics to schools, charities, or community centres.
  4. Schedule E-Waste Collection Days – Participate in local events for safe disposal.
  5. Remove Personal Data – Wipe all devices before or during recycling to protect your information.
  6. Separate Batteries – Dispose of all equipment properly to avoid leaks and fire hazards.
  7. Know What Can Be Recycled – Items like old phones, laptops, printers, and cables can be recycled.
  8. Avoid Landfill Disposal – Never throw electronics in any domestic or office bin.
  9. Use Authorised Recyclers – Choose recycling initiatives approved by authorities with collection and facility permits to allow safe recycling.
  10. Follow Local Guidelines – Some areas have specific rules for disposing of e-waste.
Mixed Electrical and Electronic Equipment – Recycle IT

Easy Steps for Home / Office Recycling

  1. Create a Recycling Station – Set up a dedicated space for used electronics.
  2. Label Recycling Bins – Clearly mark bins for batteries, cables, and devices.
  3. Educate Family & Employees – Inform others about e-waste recycling importance.
  4. Encourage Repairs – Fix devices instead of replacing them when possible.
  5. Upgrade Responsibly – Sell or trade in old electronics when upgrading.
  6. Use Cloud Storage – Reduce the need for physical storage devices.
  7. Unplug Unused Devices – Reduces energy waste and extends product lifespan.
  8. Buy Recycled Products – Support brands that use recycled materials.
  9. Minimize Purchases – Only buy new electronics when necessary.
  10. Support E-Waste Policies – Advocate for better recycling laws in your community.
Mixed Electrical and Electronic Equipment – Recycle IT

Benefits of E-Waste Recycling

  1. Less Clutter at Home & Office – Keeps spaces organized and free of old tech.
  2. Encourages Responsible Manufacturing – Companies improve designs for reuse and recyclability.
  3. Promotes Sustainable Living – Helps build a greener future.
  4. Reduces Health Risks – Prevents exposure to harmful e-waste chemicals.
  5. Improves Waste Management – Ensures better handling of hazardous materials.
  6. Builds a Conscious Community – Encourages collective efforts for environmental responsibility.

By adopting these simple habits, households and small offices can contribute to a safer and greener planet while managing their electronics responsibly!

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 Recylce IT