Category: Plastic

Plastic Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Vapes – Do the right thing!

On By JMCEIn We Recycle IT, Climate change, Electronic Equipment, metal, Plastic, sustainabilityLeave a comment

Vapes – Recycling Safely in Ireland

Europe recorded 274 million e-cigarette and vape unit sales in 2023 with approximately 90% of all e-cigarettes sold into the EU coming from China.

Only 6% of vapes sold in Ireland are returned for recycling, leaving over 20 million units improperly discarded in bins or the environment, according to data from WEEE Ireland. Its important to note the risks of improperly vapes disposed

Greenpeace say, animals are attracted to the sweet, fruity scents of discarded vape liquids. Chewing or swallowing the devices exposes wildlife and pets to high doses of nicotine, heavy metals (like lead and mercury), and toxic battery acid.

Vapes Collected for Recycling – Recycle IT

The Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA) reported that battery-related fires in bin lorries and recycling plants cost members tens of millions of euros over recent years.

The Marine Conservation Society say, if you use vapes, the best thing you can do for the environment is to switch from single-use to a reusable alternative.

Used electronic vapes should be recycled safely and never dropped on the street, thrown from a car window, placed in a general waste bin or forgotten in a drawer at home. Although a vape may be small, it is an electronic device containing a battery, plastics, metals and other components. In Ireland, vapes and e-cigarettes are classified as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) when they reach the end of their useful life, meaning they should be recycled through the proper system rather than treated as ordinary rubbish.

Vapes and Batteries

One of the biggest reasons for recycling used vapes is the risk posed by their batteries. Many vaping devices contain lithium batteries. If a vape is put into a general waste bin, it can be crushed or damaged during waste collection and processing. Damaged batteries can short-circuit, overheat and, in some circumstances, cause fires. This creates a serious risk for waste workers, members of the public and waste facilities. The Irish Government has specifically warned that disposable vaping devices should not be placed in household bins because of these risks.

Vapes in the Hedgerow

Throwing vapes onto roads or pavements is also unacceptable. A discarded electronic cigarette. becomes litter and can remain in the environment long after it has been used. Its plastic casing and electronic components do not simply disappear. Litter can be carried into drains, rivers and other waterways, while batteries and electronic components can introduce unwanted materials into the environment. Ireland has already identified discarded vapes as an emerging litter problem, particularly around places such as schools and music events.

Throwing a vape from a car window is particularly irresponsible. Apart from creating litter, it can create a road safety hazard. A driver or pedestrian could encounter the device unexpectedly, and a battery-powered object being thrown onto a road or hard surface can be damaged. There is simply no good reason to dispose of a used vape in this way when free recycling options are available.

Keeping used vapes in a drawer at home may seem harmless, but it only delays the problem. A drawer full of old electronic devices is not a recycling solution. Used electronic cigarette. should be kept safely and taken to an appropriate collection point rather than forgotten about indefinitely. If a device is damaged or leaking, extra care should be taken and advice from an appropriate recycling facility should be followed.

Vapes for Recycling

The good news is that recycling used vapes in Ireland is straightforward and free. Vapes can be brought to participating retailers, WEEE collection points and local authority Civic Amenity Sites. www.mywaste.ie advises that if the battery can be safely removed, it should be recycled separately; if it cannot be removed, the whole device should be recycled. For rechargeable devices, the liquid tank should be removed before recycling.

WEEE Ireland – Vape Recycling

Vape Parts and Materials

  1. Battery: A rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides power to the device.
  2. Coil or Heater: A small metal part, usually made from materials such as stainless steel or nichrome, that heats the liquid.
  3. Wick: Usually made from cotton or another absorbent material. It soaks up the liquid and carries it to the coil.
  4. Tank, Pod, or Cartridge: Holds the liquid and is usually made from plastic, glass, metal, or a combination of these materials.
  5. Mouthpiece: The part where the user inhales the aerosol. It is usually made from plastic but can also be made from metal.
  6. Sensor or Button: Turns the heater on when the user presses the button or inhales. It contains small electronic parts, metal, and plastic.

Vapes are Valuable

Recycling also means recovering valuable materials rather than wasting them. Electronic devices can contain metals and other materials that can potentially be recovered and used again in manufacturing. WEEE Ireland reported that more than 20 million electronic cigarettes. sold in Ireland in 2025 were not returned for recycling, highlighting how much material is currently being lost from the recycling system.

Vapes – Car Window Disposal

Ultimately, responsible vape disposal is a simple matter of doing the right thing. Don’t drop used electronic cigarette. on the street. Don’t throw them from car windows. Don’t put them in the general waste bin. Don’t leave them forgotten in a drawer. Recycle them safely. Ireland already has free systems in place to make responsible disposal possible. Every used vape returned for recycling helps reduce litter, protect waste workers, prevent avoidable fires and recover valuable resources for the future.

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 www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT Electric Van and Wheel Bin

Mattress Recycling 2026 – Authorised

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Climate change, Dublin, Event, Family, Plastic, Reuse, Social Enterprise, sustainability, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Household Mattress Recycling Free Summer 2026

Replacing an old mattress often leaves householders with one important question – what do I do with the old one? From early August through to late September 2026, that question has a simple answer.

Mattresses for Recycling in the Community

Recycle IT, in partnership with South Dublin County Council (SDCC), is delighted to launch a Free Household Mattress Recycling Amnesty, giving residents the opportunity to recycle unwanted household mattresses responsibly and completely free of charge.

The initiative aims to make household mattress recycling more accessible while reducing waste, supporting the circular economy and helping to keep communities across South Dublin clean and free from illegal dumping.

Free Mattress Recycling Drop-Off at Recycle IT

Throughout the amnesty period, householders can bring unwanted mattresses directly to the Recycle IT recycling facility in Clondalkin, where they will be accepted free of charge.

Every mattress received will enter an authorised recycling process where valuable materials such as steel springs, timber, foam, textiles and fibres are separated and recovered for reuse wherever possible. This helps divert bulky waste from landfill while ensuring recyclable materials remain in productive use. Recycle IT operates as a not-for-profit social enterprise in cooperation with South Dublin County Council and other recycling partners to deliver environmental and community benefits.

Directions to Recycle IT

Directions to Recycle IT Recycling Centre:  

  • The recycling facility is located at: Unit 14/2 Crag Terrace, Clondalkin Industrial Estate, Dublin D22 TK37
  • Recycle IT will be open between 9.30am – 3pm, Monday to Friday for mattress drop from Tuesday, August 4th to Friday September 25th, 2026 
  • Call us on 01 4578321

Community Mattress Collection Events

Recognizing that not everyone can transport a mattress to the recycling centre, Recycle IT and South Dublin County Council will also organise a series of Community Mattress Collection Days throughout the amnesty period.

Mattress Recycling Community Events
Mattress Recycling Community Events – Click to Enlarge

These local collection events will take place at authorised drop-off locations across South Dublin, making recycling even easier for residents.

Instead of travelling to Clondalkin, householders will be able to bring their old mattresses to designated community collection points closer to home.

These community events demonstrate how local partnerships can deliver practical environmental solutions while making recycling more convenient for everyone.

Why Recycle a Mattress?

Many people don’t realise that a mattress contains several recyclable materials.

These include:

  • Steel springs
  • Timber
  • Foam
  • Cotton
  • Polyester fibres
  • Fabric coverings

When processed correctly, these materials can be recovered and reused in manufacturing new products.

Without recycling, bulky mattresses occupy valuable landfill space for many years while wasting materials that still have significant value.

Choosing recycling instead helps conserve natural resources while reducing unnecessary waste.

Mattresses for Recycling
Mattresses for Recycling

Supporting Ireland’s Circular Economy

The Mattress Recycling Amnesty supports Ireland’s move towards a more circular economy, where products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible.

Instead of disposing of useful resources, recycling allows valuable components to be recovered and used again.

This reduces demand for new raw materials, lowers manufacturing impacts and supports more sustainable production.

Every mattress recycled contributes to reducing waste while improving resource efficiency.

Environmental Benefits

Recycling a mattress may seem like a small action, but collectively it makes a significant difference.

The benefits include:

  • Reducing bulky waste entering landfill.
  • Recovering valuable recyclable materials.
  • Conserving natural resources.
  • Lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing new materials.
  • Supporting sustainable waste management.
  • Helping keep neighbourhoods cleaner.

When thousands of householders recycle rather than dispose of mattresses, the environmental impact is substantial.

Benefits for Householders

The Mattress Recycling Amnesty has been designed to make responsible recycling as easy as possible.

Householders will benefit from:

  • Free mattress recycling throughout the campaign.
  • Convenient drop-off at the Recycle IT facility.
  • Additional community collection locations across South Dublin.
  • Confidence that mattresses are recycled through authorised facilities.
  • An easy alternative to costly disposal services.
  • Cost effective personal collection service. (No access to transport / very large mattress / multiple mattress for collection from a home.

Many people store unwanted mattresses for months because they are unsure how to dispose of them responsibly.

This initiative removes that barrier and provides a simple solution.

Working Together for Cleaner Communities

Illegal dumping of mattresses continues to affect many communities throughout Ireland.

Dumped mattresses spoil neighbourhoods, damage green spaces, attract additional waste and increase clean-up costs.

The partnership between Recycle IT and South Dublin County Council aims to encourage responsible disposal by making recycling easy, accessible and free.

By providing both central and community-based collection options, the initiative helps remove barriers that can sometimes lead to illegal dumping while encouraging greater public participation in recycling. Recycle IT has a long-standing relationship with South Dublin County Council in delivering community recycling initiatives and environmental awareness programmes.

Everyone Can Make a Difference

If you have an unwanted mattress in your home, garage, attic or spare room, now is the perfect opportunity to recycle it responsibly.

From Tuesday, August 4th until Friday September 25th, 2026, simply bring your mattress to the Recycle IT recycling centre free of charge or visit one of the authorised community collection events taking place across South Dublin.

Together, Recycle IT, South Dublin County Council and local residents can recover valuable materials, reduce landfill waste, discourage illegal dumping and create cleaner, greener communities for future generations.

For directions to the recycling facility and updates on community collection dates see below

Recycle IT will be open for free drop off between 9.30am and 3pm on Mondays – Friday. (Recycle IT don’t open on Bank Holidays).

You will find telephone, map and address details here

Summer Tips 51 – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

On By JMCEIn News, Awards, Climate change, Family, Plastic, Social Enterprise, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Summer Tips!

For generations in Ireland and across Europe thrift was one of the main reasons for reuse.  In the developing world, it’s still the case and leads to very high levels of reuse.  In Ireland as in other developed countries rising wages and greater consumer purchasing power have increased the demand for convenience products.

Some people are still careful about how much money they spend and on what items. Reusing is a feature of their life so as not to waste money. We all could learn something from careful management of our resources whether at home or in the office.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Scarecrow
A cheerful Reuse Scarecrow on a sunny day

Convenience products have helped us undervalue reuse in favor of disposal or recycling. Recycling is positive and has great benefits but uses resources including time, human capital and natural resources (e.g. fuel) to get the items to locations where they can be recycled effectively. Reuse is preferable!

If you can reuse an item yourself, it can help save money, save time, and the environment. Reuse helps reduce CO2 emissions and the mining of new raw materials.  Reuse can be a matter of thinking a little differently and figuring out how old milk cartons, cans, bags, bicycles, tires, packing or wood may be reused to match your needs. Reuse will truly find a new life for items around your home or workplace.

Reverse the Trend with Reuse

51 Tips 

We’ve listed some reuse tips for summer – Have a read and see what you can do, share with others and do involve any kids in your life.

Here are 51 short and simple reuse tips which are seasonal, creative, and encourages reuse in the garden, at the beach, on picnics, and around the home during the summer months.

  • Turn glass jars into iced coffee cups.
  • Make a herb garden from old tins.
  • Use old towels as beach picnic blankets.
  • Turn worn t-shirts into reusable shopping bags.
  • Reuse takeaway tubs for picnic food.
  • Store seashell collections in glass jars.
  • Make bird feeders from plastic bottles.
  • Use egg cartons to grow salad seedlings.
  • Turn wine corks into plant labels.
  • Reuse yoghurt pots for kids’ painting.
  • Make fairy lights from clean jam jars.
  • Repurpose old buckets as garden planters.
  • Store garden twine in coffee tins.
  • Use cereal boxes to organise holiday photos.
  • Turn old jeans into gardening aprons.
  • Save gift bags for summer birthdays.
  • Make a bug hotel from scrap wood and bamboo.
  • Reuse shoeboxes to store flip-flops.
  • Turn old mugs into succulent pots.
  • Keep rubber bands for sealing food bags.
  • Make colorful bunting from fabric scraps.
  • Reuse paper bags to wrap homemade gifts.
  • Turn old drawers into raised planters.
  • Use old toothbrushes to clean sandals.
  • Refill water bottles before every outing.
  • Decorate tin cans as flower vases.
  • Turn old blankets into outdoor cinema rugs.
  • Reuse bread bags for freezer storage.
  • Make wind chimes from old cutlery.
  • Store pegs in reused ice cream tubs.
  • Use cardboard boxes to build play forts.
  • Turn old scarves into picnic table runners.
  • Save jars for homemade lemonade.
  • Reuse ribbons to tie garden plants.
  • Make plant markers from ice lolly sticks.
  • Turn old CDs into garden bird scarers.
  • Reuse plastic trays to catch plant drips.
  • Store beach toys in old mesh bags.
  • Turn paper rolls into seedling pots.
  • Use old baskets for garden harvesting.
  • Make coasters from leftover tiles or corks.
  • Reuse envelopes for shopping lists.
  • Turn old socks into dusting mitts.
  • Save shipping boxes for moving or storage.
  • Make a scarecrow from worn clothing.
  • Turn broken crayons into colorful art shapes.
  • Reuse glass bottles as garden edging.
  • Make outdoor games from cardboard.
  • Repurpose old ladders as plant displays.
  • Turn fabric offcuts into reusable gift wrap.
  • Share or swap unwanted summer items with neighbors.

Soft Plastics – Recycling for Reuse

Soft plastics, along with rigid plastics, paper and card, tins and cans are now accepted in your household recycle bin. Soft plastics like plastic film (wraps, bags, etc.) are now accepted in the household recycling bin. This change is due to advancements in recycling technology and the opening of new markets for processing these materials. To ensure proper recycling, make sure the soft plastics are clean, dry, and loose when placed in the bin. Watch this short video

Waste is a treasure! 

We all know one person’s waste is another person’s treasure. Instead of discarding unwanted tools, clothes, furniture or electrical appliances, try reuse with friends or donating them can reduce waste and help others save money.

Outdoor Reuse of Space

Local community groups, charity shops, schools, and nonprofit organizations may accept a variety of donated items, including used books, paint, working toys, and unneeded furniture. Please click here to learn more

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 –Sustainability Award Winner 2025

Cleaning Up E-Waste

On By JMCEIn Awards, Climate change, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Green Technology, Plastic, Social Enterprise, sustainabilityLeave a comment

Process that transforms Hazardous Plastic

For many years, electrical and electronic waste (also known as e-waste) has been building up across Europe and around the world.

A lot of this waste includes plastics that contain chemicals such as flame retardants. While these chemicals are important for fire safety, they have made plastics very difficult to recycle. Because of this, much of this plastic has been treated as hazardous waste and sent for disposal instead of reuse.

PLAST2bCLEANED machinery

© PLAST2bCLEANED

A new project – PLAST2bCLEANED

This helpful project has developed a new recycling method that safely removes these harmful chemicals from plastic. This makes it possible to recover clean, high-quality plastic, as well as valuable materials like bromine and antimony trioxide. This supports Europe’s goal of creating a circular, closed-loop recycling system.

Instead of shredding plastic into lower-quality material, the process uses heat and special solvents to fully dissolve the plastic. The harmful additives are then separated out, leaving behind clean plastic that can be reused again and again in manufacturing.

Based in the Netherlands, the PLAST2bCLEANED project shows real progress in reducing environmental damage and lowering Europe’s reliance on imported raw materials, especially antimony*, which is considered a critical resource.

* Antimony is a metalloid, which means it has properties of both metals and non-metals. Antimony is utilized in various applications, including:

  • Alloys: It is commonly added to lead and tin alloys to improve their properties, making them suitable for use in batteries, solders, and bullets.
  • Flame Retardants: Antimony trioxide is a key component in flame retardants used in textiles and plastics including plastics use in electrical products.
  • Semiconductors: It is used as a dopant in semiconductor devices, enhancing their electrical properties.

New EU Regulation

A new era of EU regulation is changing how products are made and recycled. New rules now require manufacturers to use more recycled materials, including valuable substances like bromine and antimony.

Digital Product Passports will also track how clean and recyclable materials are over a product’s lifetime. At the same time, the EU wants to recycle more of its own critical raw materials to reduce reliance on imports.

Technologies like PLAST2bCLEANED will play a key role in supporting a circular economy.

Digital Product Passport

Read more at: Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and Critical Raw Materials Act

Original post shared by Directorate-General for Environment: Visit here.

About Recylce IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning, not-for-profit, social enterprise established in 2003 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.

Sustainable Business Impact Award Winner 2025

Cables and Wire Recycling

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic Equipment, Plastic1 Comment

Cable and Wires

We are all using cables daily, we replace them, have spares and get new cables with most new electronic items purchased. The global wires and cables market is projected to be worth $200 billion in 2022 and grow to $294 billion in 2029. Source: Fortune Business Insights. From these figures alone we can see electrical, and electronic cable is a growth area.

Today, recycling and recovery of valuable metals from all sorts of waste equipment including electrical and electronic items is a normal enough occurrence. We are all familiar with recycling and recycling centres and the need to segregate electrical equipment including cables from other types of household or office equipment for recycling.

Some of the main reasons for segregating items for recycling relate to the circular economy, climate change, global warming and reducing mining of raw materials to make new items such as phone charger cables. It also ensures reusable items don’t go to landfills or for incineration.

Mixed Computer Cables for Recycling – Recycle IT

Everyday Wires and Cable

A wire is a single electrical conductor while a number of wires bundled together are called a cable. Cables are a feature of everyday life and are an essential part of electrical and electronic equipment. They mainly consist of plastic covering, aluminium (Al), and copper. Cables are usually recycled once the electronic equipment they relate to, has reached the end of their useful lives.

If you have cables of any type including, electrical, phone, internet, power or charger cables they can be recycled safely at a recycling centre alongside other small electrical items.

Whatever you do, cables, wiring, and chargers should never go in the waste bin or green bin. They contain metals like copper that make them hazardous waste if they’re put in the bin. Some cables and wire can be long and stringy, like outdoor lights, office cabling, and simply wire coat hangers but all can cause havoc for collection equipment and recycling staff when not disposed of correctly.

Cables for Recycling – Recycle IT

Reusing Cable

Sometimes, phone and computer chargers can be reused for a different device than the one they came with. So before buying a new charger, see if you have any old ones that will fit. You can also sell cables for reuse or upcycle cable and wire for craft items or homemade and unique jewellery like rings or broaches. Please do ensure plastic and PVC covering once removed are recycled safely.

Recycling Cable

For some, the recycling and recovery process involves burning the plastic that covers the wire in order to recover the copper and aluminium. This method is extremely harmful to the environment since it releases toxic gases. Please ensure your cable does not end up on fire.

Generally, safe cable recycling works with dry cables with copper or aluminium conductors. The insulation is made of plastic, rubber, or paper with many power cables having, steel or lead armouring for additional safety. These cables can be processed in a cable stripper prior to being downsized into bulk metal and plastic granules which are both reused to make new equipment.

Plastic Granules recovered from Cables

When you recycle anything with a power cable, plug or a battery you are helping to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. Electrical items generally contain hazardous components and therefore need to be disposed of correctly. By recycling, you help with the reuse of plastics, glass and metals as they are recovered for use again in manufacturing.

It’s easy to check if an electrical item, toy or game is recyclable if it reached the end of its working life. Simply ask the following questions and if the answer is yes, to any of these, it is recyclable: Does it have a plug? Does it use batteries? Does it need charging? Does it have a picture of a wheelie bin crossed out?

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.

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

Recycle IT Collection Van

Plastic Free July is here!

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Family, News, PlasticLeave a comment

What can you do this July?

Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics? Choosing to refuse plastic packaging in July might be an option for you!

Ask you family, friends, sports club or office to commit stop buying or using items packed in single-use plastic. Swap to a reusable alternative. For example, you could swap out takeaway coffee cups for a reusable one, you could start buying plastic-free toothbrushes or use a personal reusable water bottles and so on. 

Plastic Free Poster 1

Can you Refuse’ Single Use Plastic?

Each year in July people all over the world aim to exclude plastic bottles, cutlery, fruit packing, coffee cup lids and other common plastic waste items from their daily life, opting instead for reusable containers or those made from biodegradable materials.  We think this is a great idea and why not make it a year round effort at home and in the workplace. Change is good.

The vision started in Western Australia in 2011 and has since moved across the world to help promote and stop the earth becoming further saturated with plastic materials which are part of our convenience lifestyle.

Lots of items are designed to be used once and disposed of. They fill up bins in homes, work, schools and on streets across the world including Ireland with Irish town and city bins full to capacity most of the time.

Ireland and some other countries have made some progress with a tax on single-use plastic bags which reduced usage but problems still exist with millions of plastics bags, cutlery, bottles plates and cartons used daily.

This usage is rapidly increasing the amount of non-biodegradable product on the earth. These plastics may be cheap and convenient, but it’s having real consequences. Plastic is polluting our land, air, and oceans; it is harming our marine life and even invading our bodies with Microbeads everywhere.

Plastic Free Poster 2

Where to start – We have added 10 Tips to help

BRING YOUR OWN BAG: Get yourself a couple of good cloth bags and leave them in the car or beside the front door so you’ll always have them on hand.

DON’T BUY BOTTLED WATER: Get some reusable bottles and fit a cost-effective water filter to the taps in your home.

FRUIT CARTONS:  Avoid plastic fruit and vegetable packaging. A single plastic produce carton can take more than 1000 years to degrade so shop for unpackaged fruit and veg when you can or leave the plastic with the store.  They will get the idea!

DAILY COFFEE: Take away coffee cups are lined with plastic and often can’t be recycled. Take your own coffee cup or have a sit-down coffee using the cafe’s cups.

PACK A LUNCHBOX:  Use a good sturdy lunchbox with separate compartments, to allow you to pack food straight into separately, eliminating the need for plastic wrapping and avoid plastic-wrapped snack foods like biscuits or bars. Try making some at home, it cheaper and somewhat healthier.

PLASTIC FOOD WRAP: Buy some stainless steel or long plastic containers to help eliminate the need for single life plastic food wrapping.

STRAWS: If you really want a straw, buy reusable straws for use at home and demand reusable straws from your local takeaways or restaurants.

CUT PLASTIC CUTLERY: Plastic cutlery is another single-use plastic item you can avoid. Keep some reusable cutlery in your lunch or picnic bag.

SOURCE A SODA MAKER: This helps reduce the amount of plastic soft drinks bottles purchased, used and disposed of in your home and office weekly.

SHOP WISE: Ask your local shop and supermarket to make the change away from plastic or vote with your feet until they do. It will happen and think about all the waste which won’t enter your waste and the related time saved.

Plastic Free Poster 3

Plastic Free 2024 – what to do! 

Just join the challenge and ‘Choose To Refuse’ single-use plastic during 2024. You can assist in achieving the goals of having a world without plastic waste.  Will you join and give up? If so learn more, and sign up at www.plasticfreejuly.org

Did You Know?

An article in the Irish Times in 2018 reported Irish retailers here produce an estimated 80,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year. From a recent look on the shelves of my local supermarket not much has changed. Some tomatoes have a cardboard trays covered with plastic, flimsy plastic fruit bags are still in use in many supermarkets and cereals still have a plastic bag inside the box.

In general retailers across Europe may not be doing as much as we think that are doing to reduce plastic in our supermarket shopping!

The first-ever analysis of the role European supermarkets play in addressing plastic pollution, “Under wraps? What Europe’s supermarkets aren’t telling us about plastic” is a result of collaboration of over 20 NGOs, members of Break Free from Plastic movement, from across Europe.

Here in Ireland the Sick of Plastic Campaign has facilitated this report, reaching out to Ireland’s top five Supermarkets; Dunnes Stores, Supervalu (Musgraves), Tesco, LIDL and ALDI.

The specially designed ranking developed by The Changing Markets Foundation revealed a near-complete lack of ambition across three categories: Transparency and performance, Commitments, and Support for government policy.

Read the full article at VOICE Ireland.

Read the full report here. 

About Recycle IT

As you know lots of electrical, electronic and metal items are packed in plastic and have a plastic cover or coating. When these items are recycled the plastic is removed and mainly reused in new products. We do our best to aid this process but like you we we can struggle with everyday soft plastics used in the office or canteen. We do our best to reduce and this is why we follow Plastic Free July its helps with tips and guides change!

Recycle IT is an award-winning not for profit enterprise providing a collection and drop off service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Last year Recycle IT offered to drop off and collection services to homes, schools, charities, and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TV’s.

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

Recycle IT Logo
Recycle IT Logo