Category: Event

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 from Monday July 27th 2026.

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

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

Cycle and Recycle your Bikes

On By JMCEIn Awards, Climate change, Collections, Dublin, Event, Family, NewsLeave a comment

Recent Trend

A study for the National Transport Authority (NTA) released in 2024 shows walking and cycling in the Dublin area takes 530,000 cars off the streets every day. This has to be good news.

Trips taken on foot, by bike and by wheeling – using mobility scooters or wheelchairs – instead of cars, prevents around 680,000 car journeys daily. The study say, 25% of adults cycle at least once a week in the Dublin Metropolitan Area. The study also suggests, 72% of residents support building cycle tracks physically separated from traffic and pedestrians even where that means less room for other traffic. – You and read and learn more here.

Cycling In Dublin City

Environment and Bikes!

The bike is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health. With this in mind, the United Nations General Assembly decided to dedicate the 3rd of June as World Bicycle Day – Add this to World Environment Day on June 5th and we are on a real winner!

These days encourage awareness and action on health, wellbeing and the protection of our environment. World Environment Day is the “people’s day” for doing something to take care of the Earth. Recycle IT believe these two “UN” days can work in harmony!

2020 Cycling Eayet29WAAAFS4z
Dublin City Council – Cycling in Dublin

World Bicycle Day aims to emphasize and advance the use of the bicycle as a means of fostering sustainable development, strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance, mutual understanding, and respect and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace. All these aims can really be achieved using a bike while also helping us travel without creating carbon miles.

Celebrate the bicycle

Initiatives promote cycling at both national and local levels can help build physical and mental health and well-being and develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly culture of cycling in society.

Dublin Bikes
Reuse Dublin Bikes

National Bike Week

Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of the benefits of cycling. Bike Week 2024 will take place from Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th May 2024. Bike Week 2024 events will be posted on this page over the coming weeks.

Here are 8 reasons to celebrate the bike (some encouragement)

  1. The bicycle is a simple, affordable, reliable and clean way to get about.
  2. The bike is environmentally friendly and is a sustainable means of transportation;
  3. The bicycle can serve as a tool for social, community and economic development
  4. Cycling can help people access education, health care, and sporting activities.
  5. The union between the bicycle and the user creates an immediate awareness of the local environment you are cycling through.
  6. Using a bike saves time, reduces traffic and helps you arrive on time.
  7. The bike has a positive impact on climate with fewer carbon emissions.
  8. Biking can help grow your social circles, real friends and enjoyment of life.

Encourage Cycling and Environmental Awareness.

Recycle IT want to encourage as many people as possible to read and share this blog post. Then throughout the summer weeks and months take the bike out and bring friends and family along to discover your local environment.

As the summer sun shines there is no better time to get on the bike and grow your awareness of the local area. This can happen in the full knowledge that you are improving your health and reducing environmental harm.

Damaged Bike in Crash? Make a Claim.
Damaged Bike

Recycle IT and Bike Recycling

Recycle IT are happy to accept old bikes for free recycling. Just drop your old bike off with us Monday to Friday in Clondalkin. We also accept bikes from communities all over Dublin as part of our residents door to door community collection service.

Reuse

Members of the Recycle IT team not only recycle bikes but cycle regularly. Where possible we reuse and recycle bikes and bike parts.  At the time of writing this post, we have a staff member waiting to get a bike frame and parts for reuse and another who just rebuild a bike from recycled parts. Once on the road, these bikes will enable easy, affordable and environmentally friendly travel into work.

A small number of bikes may go for reuse depending and quality and repair requirements. All remaining bikes are recycled safely.

Old Bike @ Recycle IT

Community Grant Scheme – Bike Week 2024

Dublin City Council, with funding from the National Transport Authority, is pleased to announce that they have a community grant scheme for groups that would like to organize events to celebrate cycling during Bike Week. Click here to learn more.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, are a social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, the Dormant Accounts Fund, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.

For further details about our services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT – Repak Award Winner 2023 – Community Recycler of the Year

National Social Enterprise Conference 2023

On By JMCEIn Event, News, Social Enterprise, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

5th Annual National Social Enterprise Conference

The Department of Rural and Community Development is delighted to invite you to the 5th Annual National Social Enterprise Conference which will take place on International Social Enterprise Day, Thursday, 16th November, 2023.

This event will be held in the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe. Co. Galway from 9.30am. The conference will also be virtually live-streamed if you can’t be in Ballinasloe on the day.

Event Header

About the day?

Ireland’s National Social Enterprise Policy wisely includes a commitment to hold an annual Social Enterprise Conference as part of its objective to build awareness of Social Enterprise and the services offered to communities across our country. The Conference aims to provide networking opportunities, disseminate information, share experience and inform policy implementation.

What to expect?

  • Key policy updates from the Department of Rural and Community Development including planning for the next Social Enterprise Policy 2024-2027.
  • Panel discussions on trading income, philanthropy, technology, governance and climate action.
  • Networking opportunities with social enterprise practitioners and support organisations.

Just a reminder?

The definition of social enterprise is evolving nationally and internationally and is likely to continue to do so as social enterprises themselves adapt to new societal challenges.

Definition of Social Enterprise – National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019-2022

The definition will also evolve as national and local governments and wider society understand more fully the nature of social enterprise and their contribution to social and economic development.

How to attend?

Those wishing to attend the event in Ballinasloe are invited to confirm your attendance – either in-person or via live stream – before 30th October at 12pm. Please click here to do so.

The Speakers

Click here to get to know the speakers and panelist for the conference. You can also get an insight into the breakout sessions which you might like to attend on the day.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning, not-for-profit, social enterprise established to create training, and employment and promote environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. We work in partnership with WEEE Ireland and have been authorized by your local authority to provide electrical, electronic and pure metal recycling collections across Dublin since 2007. Recycle IT is fully compliant with WEEE Recycling Requirements and permit details are available here.

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

Recycle IT Collection Van