Category: News

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 Instead of allowing your old treadmill to become out of date why not sell it at an affordable price.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.

Recycle IT Logo

Social Enterprise Conference Dublin – May 2023

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

Oakfield Trust presents an international conference entitled ‘Social Enterprise. Achieving Real Social Impact and Developing the Space’ in the warm surroundings of the wonderful Wood Quay Venue in Dublin City.

About the Organiser

Oakfield Trust based in Clondalkin provides a range of property-based services and related support for community and local projects. These supports offer projects a chance to develop and succeed – thereby benefitting the whole community.

The primary activity is Property Management & Development involving the acquisition, customisation and management of properties that are leased to organisations working with marginalised groups in socially excluded communities.

Oakfield Trust also provided assistance to local organisations in the form of Project Development Loans and Grants as well as New Build Project Management.

The Conference

The team at Oakfield Trust are looking forward to an open, thought-provoking event with contributions and discussion from highly regarded figures from the sector and many opportunities for audience participation.

The conference will run from 9.45am to 13.30pm on May 24th 2023, at The Wood Quay Venue, Fishamble Street, Wood Quay, D08 RF3F.

Dublin City Council – Wood Quay Venue, D8

The event will feature:

MC / Moderator – Susan Hayes Culleton

Main Speakers:

  • Joyce Murray (Founder and CEO, Grace Chocolates in Scotland)
  • Karen Leigh (Founder and CEO, Sensational Kids in Ireland).

Panel Discussion 1: ‘Achieving Real Social Impact’ – featuring:

  • Siobhán Cafferty (Social Enterprise Project Manager, Working to Change)
  • Emma Connors (CEO, Recreate)
  • Ivan Cooper (CEO, The Wheel)
  • John Lonergan (Former Governor, of Mountjoy Prison)
  • Joyce Murray (Founder and CEO, Grace Chocolates, Scotland)

Panel Discussion 2: ‘Developing the Social Enterprise Space’ – featuring:

  • Lorraine Corcoran (Director, SERI)
  • John Kearns (CEO, Partas)
  • Una Lavelle (General Manager, Recycle IT)
  • Karen Leigh (CEO, Sensational Kids)
  • Donal Traynor (Group CEO, Community Finance)

Video contributions from sector figures at home and abroad.

To book your place, learn more, get directions, parking information and view the frequently asked question section please click 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, 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 are Awardees for 2023

Climate Change: 4 Changes for All!

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

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

The Irish government can make national changes and introduce initiatives which can help reduce the effects of Climate Change but as individuals, living in Ireland we also contribute daily to carbon emissions.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Here are some things you can do to reduce your personal impact.

At Home

Insulation is a key step in making your home more comfortable and energy efficient. SEAI grants can help you to insulate your walls and attic to reduce heat loss and your heating bills. Attic insulation, cavity wall insulation, internal Insulation or dry lining and external wall insulation all can help.

Learn more about the different types of insulation for your home. You can also download our homeowner’s guides to insulation. They will give you all the information you need about creating a cosier home.

Photo by Tomu00e1u0161 Malu00edk on Pexels.com

All homeowners, including private landlords, whose homes were built and occupied before 2011 can apply. This is defined as the date your electricity meter was installed.

Otheroptionla for your home includes floor Insulation, insulation of windows and doors, installation of a heat pump, updated heating controls or moving to solar heating or solar electricity panels. This all helps improve your home energy usage and therefore Ireland’s energy usage.

Learn about the grant values and how to apply here

While Travelling

The travel industry is responsible for approx. 8% of total global emissions so every action you take to curb your travel footprint is worthwhile. Here are some tips to consider ahead of your next trip.

Photo by Leah Kelley on Pexels.com

Cars are a major source of carbon emissions so try to eliminate the car from travel plans. It’s one of the best things you can do for reducing your carbon footprint. (You could consider the same for the daily commute or reduce the number of daily commutes).

  • Use green public transport
  • Book electric taxis
  • Don’t fly to nearby destinations or within a small country like Ireland.
  • Fly economy to lower your carbon footprint
  • Pack small and light (all the time).
  • If you going a greater distance book a non-stop flight
  • Visit fewer locations while on a trip – enjoy the location you are in!
  • Limit the use of air conditioning and charging equipment
  • Stay at an Eco- Friendly location – places where people care about the environment.
  • Finally, calculate your own travel carbon footprint here

Wasting Food

In 2022 the Irish EPA said, food waste is a global problem that has environmental, social and economic consequences.

More than one-quarter of the food produced globally is wasted. It is a significant contributor to climate change, as food loss and waste contribute to 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions. 

Growing, processing and transporting food all use significant amounts of resources such as land, water and energy. 

The EPA estimates that Ireland generated 770,300 tonnes (t) of food waste[2] in 2020.

Source: EPA – Food Supply Chain

What to do?

Stop Food Waste is a national campaign to give you information and tips on how to make the most of your food and avoid food waste. 

Reducing food waste is an easy action you can take to save money, save time, and lessen your impact on the environment.

As a starting point, we can all follow the A-Z of Foods. This is a useful resource with top tips and techniques to best manage food at home in order to prevent food waste.

Have a look at the BBC Climate change food calculator – it’s easy and great – give the kids ago

Fashion – Buy Less – Think More

It takes 3,781 litres of water to make one pair of jeans, according to the UN’s Environment Programme, taking into account cotton production, manufacture, transport and washing.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Mass-market fast fashion may soon stop for European shoppers, with the EU saying it plans to implement new regulations to limit the wasteful trend and encourage fashion sustainability.

The proposal by the EU calls for minimum use of recycled fibres by 2030 and a ban on the destruction of many unsold fashion products.

The European Commission regulations also seek to contain the release of microplastics and improve global labour conditions in the garment industry.

But as fashion shoppers what can we do now?

Well, The Guardian Newspaper has come up with a fast fashion fix: 20 ways to stop buying new clothes forever. Click here to have a read and change your ways.

You will find 7 quick tips below

  1. Buy less and more durable clothes—choose slow-fashion
  2. Avoid fast-fashion companies and support small local businesses instead;
  3. Rent clothes you’re only likely to wear once;
  4. Buy pre-owned items;
  5. Swap clothes with friends;
  6. Repair and upcycle your clothes;
  7. Resell or give clothes for free online.

What Next?

Ireland Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 requires Ireland to achieve a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030, relative to 2018 levels, and net-zero emissions by 2050. We all must do more and learn more to help. To get up to speed please visit the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Click 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, 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 at Work

Office Copier and Printer Recycling

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

Today

The global printer and copier market was valued at USD 10.9 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at an annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.4% from 2021 to 2028 with the Asia Pacific region predicted as the biggest purchaser.

A growing number of people working from home and rising disposable income are the principal reasons for increased demand for 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!

1626873387795
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.

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

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

District Heating – Launched in Tallaght

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Dublin, Family, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

One of Ireland’s first district heating programmes has started operating in Tallaght, south Dublin.

The Tallaght District Heating Scheme takes waste heat from an Amazon data centre and uses it to heat South Dublin County Council offices and the local library. This environmentally friendly initiative provides low-carbon heat to nearby public buildings.

The Scheme, which is the first of its kind not-for-profit, publicly owned District Heating Scheme in Ireland, will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the South Dublin County area by approximately 1,500 tonnes per year in its first phase.

Tallaght District Heating Scheme Works are now completed. Source: Echo Newspaper

How it Works

The heat is carried by hot water pumped through a network of insulated pipes. The scheme will also serve 133 affordable apartments to be built on public land in Tallaght and a 3,500 sq/m innovation centre hosting tech start-ups on the same site.

The council says that over the lifetime of the scheme, it could also heat 2,000 to 3,000 apartments.

The objective of the scheme is to decrease greenhouse gas emissions associated with the use of fossil fuels for heating in the area in order to contribute to national-level renewable energy, energy efficiency and CO2 targets and establish Tallaght as a leader in innovation in the area of climate change.

District Heating Scheme, which officially opened by Minister for the Environment and Climate, Eamon Ryan TD

Launch Event

The Minister for the Environment and Climate described the Tallaght scheme as “an example of the future being delivered today”.

Speaking at the launch of the project Eamon Ryan TD said the Government will soon publish a heat policy as part of its Climate Action Plan commitments.

“The delivery of heat is probably one of the most important in Climate, you don’t tend to see it, it’s not as visible or as high profile as transport or agriculture, as electricity generation but actually managing how we use to heat and how we keep heat in is probably the biggest change we need to make to keep our climate targets,” Minister Ryan says.

Video of Launch – RTE News

Donated

For the Tallaght project, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Ireland donates the waste heat from its data centre which is used to pipe water into the Heatworks Energy Centre next door.

Amazon Web Services, Ireland Country Manager Mike Beary says the company is very happy to be involved.

“We’ve been investing in Tallaght for 15 years. Amazon Web Services has been part of this community, and we’re very proud of our relationships with this community here. This is also a part of the drive to help Ireland meet its climate change targets for 2030.”

Future

Codema, the energy agency for Dublin, says most homes in the capital could be served by district heating systems by 2050.

Codema is the project partner with South Dublin County Council to develop the Tallaght District Heating Scheme (TDHS), which is the first large-scale district heating network of its kind in Ireland. 

Waste heat from data centres, power stations and other industrial facilities will be one source but there is also a significant geothermal resource.

What are the Benefits?

  •  Lower emissions and greater use of renewable energy
  •  Hot water on demand 24/7 – very reliable system, no more worrying about leaving the immersion on!
  •  No boiler in your home – more space, less maintenance
  •  Improved air quality
  •  Better Building Energy Ratings
  •  Flexible system – future-proofed to provide heat from multiple renewable sources
  •  Cost – The heat price will be competitive with alternative heating technologies
Energy Centre Tallaght, South Dublin

Funding

The scheme is funded by the European Union’s NWE Interreg HeatNet programme, a multi-million-euro fund for schemes that reduce CO2 emissions in Europe’s north-west, by €4.5 million from the Project Ireland 2040 Climate Action Fund and through direct funding from South Dublin County Council.

Phase one of the Tallaght District Heating Scheme will provide heat to over 32,800msq of public buildings including South Dublin County Council’s office headquarters and the TU Dublin Tallaght campus. During normal operation, the connected buildings will be warmed by heat generated at the data centre.

The subsequent phases of the project will facilitate the connection of other public, private, and residential customers in the Tallaght area including the proposed 133 affordable rental apartments in Tallaght, as well as further buildings within TU Dublin’s Tallaght Campus currently under construction.

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 provide 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 Collection

Visit our website for further details