We’re absolutely delighted to share that Recycle IT has been selected as a finalist in the Repak Resource Awards 2026! 🎉♻️
Being recognized alongside organisations and initiatives that are driving Ireland’s circular economy forward is a fantastic achievement for our team — and one we’re incredibly proud of.
At Recycle IT, we believe that responsible recycling is about much more than simply collecting waste. It’s about recovering valuable resources, reducing environmental impact, supporting reuse, and keeping materials in the circular economy for as long as possible.
Repak Resource Awards 2026 – Finalist
Recognition
Every day, our team works hard to make responsible recycling more accessible, practical and impactful for businesses, organisations and communities in Dublin and surrounding areas. We’re passionate about giving unwanted electrical and electronic equipment a second life as something new – meaning materials can be responsibly recovered and recycled for reuse.
That’s why being named a finalist means so much to us. It recognizes not just what we do, but why we do it — to help create a more sustainable future and demonstrate that good environmental practices can deliver real, measurable value including the creation of training and employment opportunities to allow people to grow and develop.
Most importantly, this recognition belongs to our great team, our customers, partners and everyone who chooses to recycle responsibly. Your commitment helps make the circular economy a reality.
Repak Resource Awards 2026
A huge thank you to Repak and the Repak Resource Awards for recognizing the work being done across Ireland to improve resource efficiency, recycling and sustainability.
We’re proud to be finalists, proud of the work we do, and excited to celebrate alongside some of the organisations helping shape a more sustainable Ireland.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is anaward-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
Here’s to keeping resources in use, reducing waste and building a more circular future. 🌍♻️
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
Battery: A rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides power to the device.
Coil or Heater: A small metal part, usually made from materials such as stainless steel or nichrome, that heats the liquid.
Wick: Usually made from cotton or another absorbent material. It soaks up the liquid and carries it to the coil.
Tank, Pod, or Cartridge: Holds the liquid and is usually made from plastic, glass, metal, or a combination of these materials.
Mouthpiece: The part where the user inhales the aerosol. It is usually made from plastic but can also be made from metal.
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 anaward-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
Ireland recycled a record 21.1 million electrical and electronic waste items in 2025, marking another significant increase in the country’s e-waste recycling efforts.
However, despite the record volume of electrical waste collected, Ireland still fell short of the European Union’s 65% e-waste collection target, according to new figures from WEEE Ireland.
The organisation’s latest annual report shows that almost 39,000 tonnes of e-waste were collected across Ireland during 2025 — equivalent to approximately 7,425 truckloads.
The number of items collected also increased substantially from 18.8 million in 2024.
Electronic Recycling At Work
What Electrical Waste Was Recycled in Ireland?
Small electrical appliances accounted for the vast majority of items collected in 2025.
WEEE Ireland reported the recycling of:
18.5 million small appliances
1.9 million lighting products
278,222 TVs and monitors
123,060 fridge-freezers
The figures highlight the growing volume of electrical equipment being diverted from general waste and instead entering dedicated recycling systems.
Why Did Ireland Miss the EU E-Waste Collection Target?
Despite achieving record e-waste recycling volumes, Ireland remains below the EU’s 65% collection target.
WEEE Ireland says the issue is partly linked to how the target is calculated.
Under the current European system, a country’s e-waste collection rate is measured against the amount of electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market during the previous three years.
In 2025, Irish producers placed around 25kg of household electrical equipment per person on the market.
The system, WEEE Ireland argues, does not fully reflect the increasingly long lifespan of modern electrical products.
Many products can remain in use for considerably longer than three years before eventually becoming waste.
This is particularly relevant for newer technologies such as solar PV systems and heat pumps, which can remain operational for decades.
As a result, equipment sold today can influence future collection targets even though it may not enter the recycling system for many years.
E-Waste – Collected by Recycle IT
WEEE Ireland Calls for a Modern E-Waste Measurement System
Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland, said Irish consumers are recycling more electrical waste than ever, but argued that the EU’s current measurement system was designed for a very different market.
He said current collection targets do not adequately account for modern consumption patterns, longer product lifespans or emerging technologies.
The comments come as the EU WEEE Directive is being re-evaluated, creating an opportunity to reconsider how national e-waste recycling performance is measured.
WEEE Ireland supports a more modern approach that better reflects how electrical products are purchased, used and eventually discarded.
Ireland Exceeds EU E-Waste Recovery Requirement
While Ireland did not meet the EU collection target, the latest figures show strong performance when it comes to recovering materials from collected e-waste.
An average of 82% of materials collected were recovered for reuse in manufacturing, exceeding the EU recovery requirement of 80%.
Meanwhile, 84% of counties increased their WEEE recycling rates year-on-year.
This suggests that the debate around e-waste should not focus solely on the quantity of waste collected.
How effectively valuable materials are recovered and returned to manufacturing is becoming an increasingly important measure of circular economy performance.
Battery Recycling in Ireland Continues to Grow
Ireland also achieved the EU’s 45% collection target for portable waste batteries, with WEEE Ireland collecting 1,284 tonnes during 2025.
Lithium battery collections have more than doubled over the past five years.
That increase reflects the growing number of products powered by rechargeable batteries, from consumer electronics to electric devices and other technologies.
Vape recycling is another emerging issue. More than 1.4 million vape devices were recycled through WEEE Ireland’s national takeback scheme in 2025.
Why Critical Raw Materials Matter
The growing volume of e-waste presents both an environmental challenge and an opportunity to recover valuable resources.
Electrical and electronic products contain critical raw materials including lithium, copper, cobalt and aluminium.
Recovering these materials through effective recycling can help reduce the need for virgin raw materials while supporting Europe’s ambitions to improve resource security and develop a more circular economy.
WEEE Ireland says the focus needs to move beyond simply collecting electrical waste.
The next stage is ensuring that valuable materials are recovered to high standards and kept within the manufacturing cycle for as long as possible.
How Can Consumers Recycle Electrical Waste in Ireland?
Consumers can play an important role in increasing Ireland’s e-waste recycling rate.
Old, broken or unwanted electrical items and waste batteries can be recycled free of charge through a number of collection routes, including:
Local authority civic amenity centres
Participating electrical retailers
WEEE Ireland collection events
Dedicated battery collection points
Electrical equipment should not be placed in general household waste where dedicated recycling facilities are available.
Ireland’s E-Waste Challenge Is Changing
Ireland’s record 21.1 million recycled electrical items in 2025 demonstrates that consumers are increasingly using dedicated e-waste recycling systems.
Heat Pump / Air Con – Photo by alpha innotec on Pexels.com
Yet the country’s failure to meet the EU collection target raises questions about whether the current measurement system accurately reflects the modern electrical goods market.
With products such as heat pumps, solar PV systems, rechargeable batteries and other technologies becoming increasingly common — and often remaining in service for many years — the way Europe measures e-waste recycling may need to evolve.
The future of Ireland’s e-waste strategy is therefore likely to involve more than simply collecting greater quantities of discarded electrical equipment.
It will also depend on recovering more valuable materials, improving recycling quality and keeping critical resources within the circular economy.
Ireland may have missed the EU’s collection target in 2025, but the record volume of electrical waste recycled shows that significant progress is being made.
Recycle IT is anaward-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
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 – 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.
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
For generations in Ireland and across Europe thriftwas 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.
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.
Consumers recycled a record-breaking 41,730 tonnes of electronic and electrical waste in 2023 – the equivalent of almost 200 forty-foot containers Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland’s annual report shows that approximately 18.1 million appliances were collected for recycling last year – exceeding all European norms.
Large Electrical Household Appliances – Collected for Recycling by Recycle IT
Over 15 million small appliances such as coffee makers, calculators, kettles and keyboards, along with the equivalent of 66 million used AA batteries were also handed back to make their way into the circular economy.
Recycling in Communities
Recycle IT want to further encourage communities, householders, families, and children to take action and recycle more old, unwanted or unused stuff from around your home. This includes kettles, cookers, games, batteries, phones, metals, and electronic toys; the list is endless so click here for more. To support we offer free resident association collection in many areas of Dublin.
Recycle IT has a focus on recycling old, once loved electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal. If your cooker, hobs or battery-operated toys, radio or phone is broken or surplus to requirements what do you do? Do you leave them to gather dust in the cupboard, attic or garden shed or do you add them to the weekly rubbish? (out of sight, out of mind) Why not consider recycling now! We will except metal including outdoor heaters, BBQ’s, old bikes, pots, pans and more…
Household TVs – Collected for Recycling by Recycle IT
Recycling Impacts
In 2024 Recycle IT through residents associations and community groups offered collections to over 40,000 homes located on roads and in estates across Dublin and surrounding area. The weight of items safely recycled by our team in 2024 totaled well over 700 tons.
Many of us simply don’t realize that items with a plug or battery can be reused, re-purposed or recycled. So if your TV’s, monitors, laptops or washing machine have become obsolete think about the positive impact you can make by recycling with Recycle IT. You can help the environment, sustain jobs and create training opportunities by taking part in our resident’s recycling days.
TV Recycling By Recycle IT
12 Reasons to avail of Free WEEE Recycle
Recycling conserves resources e.g. metal, plastics, water, fuel.
Recycling reduces clutter and creates space.
Recycling helps reduce Co2 emissions.
Recycling saves energy.
Recycling helps protect the environment e.g climate change
Recycling reduces landfill.
Recycling reduces domestic waste charges.
Recycling helps create and maintain local employment.
Recycling encourages others in your community to recycle.
Recycling using official locations or collections reduces the dumping of waste.
Recycling helps our children learn about sustainability so involve your kids.
Recycling provides access to materials for repurposing and reuse by others
You can drop off your items free of charge with Recycle IT or arrange a residents association collection for you and all your neighbors once loved electronic toys, laptops, PCs, white goods, kitchen appliances, electric gardening tools, TV’s, old video games consoles and lots more.
Household Electrical Equipment
Once received the items, they can be reused, re-purposed or recycled leading to an overall reduction in the number of electrical items going to landfill or illegally shipped to third world countries. Another real benefit is the fact that our service helps create training and employment opportunities.
Achieved to Date
Hugh reductions in CO2 emissions from fridge freezers.
Over 100 million electrical appliances already collected through WEEE Ireland.
A reduction in harmful batteries ending up in landfill.
Fewer light bulbs found in domestic waste.
Increased employment opportunities.
Better overall environmental awareness.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT an award-winning community recycler wishes to build on Ireland’s recycling success story and helped increase the 10 kg of waste electronic and electrical equipment recycled per person, per year. We are inviting resident associations and community groups including tidy towns to speak with us about arranging a FREE collection in your area over the coming months.
Our recycling service is provided FREE to resident associations and communities in South Dublin, Dublin City and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown with surrounding areas in Wicklow and Kildare also serviced so please give us a call to learn more and arrange a residents collection for your area.
Recycling home appliances helps protect the environment, saves energy, reduces waste, and conserves valuable materials. It’s a smart, eco-friendly choice for everyone. Recent statistics show consumers recycled a record-breaking 41,730 tonnes of electronic and electrical waste in 2023 – the equivalent of almost 200 forty-foot containers more than the previous year, new figures reveal.
Tons of Electrical and Electronic Waste
Over 15 million small appliances such as coffee makers, calculators, kettles and keyboards, along with the equivalent of 66 million used AA batteries were also handed back for safe recycling to make their way into the circular economy.
Members of the public may dispose of all their old household waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) free of charge at Recycle IT in Clondalkin, Co Dublin.
40 Foot Collection Trailer
Recycle IT are happy to say we have worked in partnership with WEEE Ireland for 20 year to help recycle appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, cookers, hobs, televisions, computers, laptops, tablets, cables, toasters, kettles, heaters, clocks, lights, lamps and lots more! You will find helpful lists here.
How it Works
WEEE Ireland supports Recycle IT in the collection and recycling of old damaged or unused electrical items. This service is part-financed by the payment of tariffs from the producers who originally put the WEEE into the marketplace. Recycling opportunities are available free to resident groups through a door to door collection services. Up to 500 homes per day are offered an electrical recycling collection with help provided with lifting and moving items. The service is age-friendly and our teams are helpful so don’t be shy!
What does Electrical / WEEE Recycling Mean?
The WEEE Regulations were introduced to promote the environmentally responsible disposal, recovery, and recycling of consumer electrical goods and appliances in Ireland. The Regulations apply to all kinds of Electrical & Electronic Equipment but contain limited exemptions for certain types of devices, such as some medical or military items.
These regulations require the Producers (manufacturers and importers) and Retailers of Electrical & Electronic Equipment to ensure systems are in place to fund and encourage the return, collection, and recycling of WEEE items from the general public. Recycle IT supports this recycling activity and is licensed to do so.
Retailer / Consumers Recycling
Retailers of Electrical & Electronic Equipment, including internet sellers, are now required by law to provide for take-back of WEEE articles from customers free of charge, subject to the conditions below:
Free retailer take-back only applies when a new item has been purchased and on a one-for-one basis.
Mixed Domestic Appliances
Any item for return must be of a similar type as the new item being bought; e.g. a retailer is not obliged to accept a television if a customer has only bought a toaster.
With any household items that require delivery, retailers must collect the old appliance free of charge, and give at least 24 hours’ notice of delivery. Items such as fridges must be properly de-frosted and disconnected by the customer before collection. Depending on the retailer there may be a delivery charge.
All retailers selling Electrical & Electronic Equipment to the general public are legally obliged to comply with various other requirements under the WEEE Regulations, including measures relating to the:
Display of statutory WEEE signage in-store, which must be displayed at each point of sale;
Provision of information explaining WEEE take-back procedures and deadlines to the public;
Provision of a suitable storage area for any returned WEEE items.
Further information on the WEEE Regulations is also available on the EPA website.
Civic Amenity Recycling
In Dublin and surrounding areas all old, damaged and unwanted household electrical items, batteries and energy-saving light bulbs can be brought to your nearest civic amenity site for free recycling. A list of these locations in Dublin is available here
Recycle IT Recycling
Electrical and electronics recycling services have been operated by Recycle IT since 2002. Our teams work with householders, charities, schools, colleges, businesses, government, non-government and community-based organizations in Dublin and the surrounding counties of Kildare and Wicklow.
Recycle IT / Recycle TV’s
Recycle IT offer Residents Association door-to-door collections, personal collections and business recycling collections. Recycling services are offered to homes and organisations to help ensure electronic, electrical and metal equipment is safely recycled. Equipment collected flows through an authorized and approved recycling supply chain which feeds the circular economy and ultimately reuse.
As a not-for-profit social enterprise, Recycle IT has benefited the WEEE sector since 2007 by collecting waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) from householders and community organizations who can find it costly and therefore hard to recycle.
Recycle IT Community Residents Collection
Examples of items that can be recycled for free include:
All types of batteries including farm fencing and automotive batteries
Torches, Power tools, and other Small Electrical Devices
Fridges, Freezers, Washing Machines, and Electric Ovens
PCs, Networking, TVs, Monitors, Cables, Chargers
Energy Saving Lamps and other Lighting Equipment
Along with any other household WEEE, you may have.
These types of items are accepted free by (Residents’ associations and organisations).
For full/downloadable lists of all items recycled please click here
If you miss your Recycle IT collection day remember that you can recycle your household electrical waste and waste batteries at our recycling centre free of charge. Click here for our location and directions. You can also arrange a cost-effective personal collection with Recycle IT. Just click here
Learn more about free recycling for school and colleges here.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is an award-winning, not-for-profit, social enterprise established to create employment and promote environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. We work in partnership with WEEE Ireland and are authorized by your local authority to provide electrical, electronic and pure metal recycling collections across Dublin since 2007. Recycle IT are fully compliant with WEEE collection regulations. Our permit details are available here.
Dublin City Council has introduced new waste compactors on Fownes Street Upper and St Stephen’s Green to help keep our city cleaner and remove rubbish bags from pavements.
These easy-to-use compactors can hold much more waste than regular bin bags, helping to keep streets clean, tidy, and free from litter. They compress loose garbage into dense, uniform blocks, often the size of a small caravan. By replacing plastic rubbish bags left on pavements, the compressor help prevent bags being ripped open by birds or animals and reduce illegal dumping.
‘No More Rubbish Excuses’ campaign by Dublin City Council
Reason!
The compactors are designed for busy city streets and are part of Dublin City Council’s plan to create a cleaner, safer, and more attractive city for everyone.
Residents and businesses in the pilot area are now asked to use these compactors or arrange suitable collection options with their waste provider instead of leaving bags on the street.
The new system will help remove up to 1,000 plastic bags from Dublin streets every day, creating cleaner, safer, and more attractive public spaces for everyone.
Waste Compactor Onsite
No More Rubbish
The compactors are easy to use and are part of Dublin City Council’s wider “No More Rubbish Excuses” campaign to reduce litter and improve waste management across the city.
Please remember:
Do not leave rubbish bags on pavements
Use the new compactors responsibly
Do not place electrical items or batteries in the compactors
Help keep the area outside your home or business clean
By working together, we can create a cleaner, greener Dublin for residents, businesses, and visitors alike so please use the compactors responsibly and help keep Dublin clean.
Waste compactor at Fownes Street Upper D2
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is a not-for-profit social enterprise providing a community collection service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Yearly Recycle IT collect from thousands of organizations in Dublin and surrounding areas. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland, with support from South Dublin County Council, South Dublin Country Partnership, Pobal and the Irish Government.
Recycle IT is authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities in the Eastern Midlands Waste Region.
Recycle IT as a social enterprise is part-funded through the Community Services Programme operated by Pobal. Any income earned is used to finance operations which include the provision of training and employment opportunities.
Reducing and reusing materials in workplaces like, schools, colleges, shops, offices and warehouses is one of the simplest ways to cut costs, reduce waste, and run a more sustainable operation. Small changes, done consistently, can make a real difference across your daily, repeatable, step-by-step routines you follow to get your work done, from start to finish. Think about how to include reuse and recycling into daily routines.
Reduce and Reuse – Photo by Martina Ignacia on Pexels.com
Recycling and reusing at work shows both staff and customers that your organisation takes responsibility for its impact. It signals that sustainability isn’t just a policy—it’s part of everyday decisions.
When you encourage a culture of awareness, teamwork, and pride in doing things properly, colleagues are more likely to follow good reduce, reuse and recycling practices. Once supported and normalized in the workplace, reuse and recycling efforts will take hold, continue and extend into home life!
For customers, it builds trust. It shows your business is forward-thinking, responsible, and committed to reducing waste—not just talking about it.
Reuse – Photo by Haftohasht Innovation Studio on Pexels.com
Overall, visible recycling and reuse demonstrate leadership, accountability, and a genuine commitment to sustainability.
21 practical reuse tips
Reuse sturdy boxes for internal shipments and storage.
Turn used pallets into shelving or workbenches.
Refill and reuse printer cartridges where possible.
Use both sides of paper before recycling.
Repurpose old folders for internal documents.
Store small parts in cleaned, reused containers.
Reuse bubble wrap and packing materials.
Turn damaged pallets into repair parts.
Share surplus supplies between departments.
Reuse cable ties and fasteners when safe.
With permission use scrap wood for projects at home.
Reassign older equipment to less demanding tasks.
Use refillable water bottles and dispensers.
Repurpose jars or tins for tool storage.
Reuse envelopes for internal mail.
Set up a reuse station for shared materials.
Repair items before replacing them.
Donate usable surplus equipment.
Reuse signage by updating inserts instead of replacing frames.
Building a reuse mindset doesn’t require major investment—just awareness and consistency. Over time, these habits reduce waste, save money, and create a more efficient and environmentally responsible workplace for everyone involved in daily operations.
Consistent reuse is important. When every team member follows the agreed small actions daily, waste is reduced, costs are saved, and the workplace becomes more efficient and environmentally responsible over time while encouraging stronger environmental awareness and teamwork.
For example, Recycle IT are well aware that recycling metal is crucial for sustainability, as it allows materials like aluminum and steel to be reprocessed indefinitely without losing quality. By collecting and sending metal for melting and purifying, we cut CO2 emissions and save significant energy compared to mining virgin ore. It reduces landfill waste, protects resources, and supports a cleaner, more sustainable future for businesses and local communities alike.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is a not-for-profit social enterprise providing a community collection service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Yearly Recycle IT collect from thousands of organizations in Dublin and surrounding areas. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland, with support from South Dublin County Council, South Dublin Country Partnership, Pobal and the Irish Government.
Recycle IT is authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities in the Eastern Midlands Waste Region.
Recycle IT as a social enterprise is part-funded through the Community Services Programme operated by Pobal. Any income earned is used to finance operations which include the provision of training and employment opportunities.
Summer is coming, it’s brighter so may be it’s time to declutter and tidy? With that in mind, please find some recycling tips to stay eco-friendly at work this spring and year round!
As we know, office waste mainly consists of electrical, electronic, cardboard, paper, packaging and food waste, all of which can be reused, recycled or composted. The one type of waste which is most commonly hoarded for disposal later is old, unused or damaged electrical/electronic equipment.
Office Waste Separation
Some items just appear event! They might include glass or plastic bottles, cans plastic cups, coffee cups, and food trays and wrappers to name a few. These items can all be segregated and recycled in work or you could encourage staff and suppliers to use reusable items which can be collected and reuse. Disposal items arrival and leave quickly, it’s just to make sure they are recycled for good.
The benefits of introducing a program of reducing, reusing and recycling include;
Big euro savings in time on waste disposal costs.
Boost to staff morale with a focus on reducing, reuse and recycling.
Demonstrates the organisation is commitment to the environment.
Enhanced public perception of your organization as a green organization.
Promotes a green agenda with your trading partners.
Offer time and cost saving opportunities to staff.
Relieves workplace anxiety – when you are organised, clean and tidy, anxiety is reduced.
Office Electrons Clear Out – Old Laptop Parts
Below you will find some tips that can be easily implemented and integrated into the day-to-day running of the office and office building. They may result in reduced office supplies usage, time ordering and money spent.
Tips on How to Reduce Office Waste
Buy supplies in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
Create a clear recycling station with labelled bins for paper, plastic, ink, and electronics.
Your workplace should be encouraged to go paperless.
Use digital signatures to avoid printing documents for signing.
Only print if there is a real need for a hard copy.
Meeting clients or colleagues online to save resources. It’s the norm now!
Use e-mail or instant messages to save paper, time and money.
Share team and event calendars.
Draft documents can be reviewed on-screen before emailing.
Reports and presentation should be electronic only
If paper is required, use FSC–certified paper
Research purchasing printers which print double-sided copies only.
Photocopy and print double-sided.
Scrap paper can be used to make note pads to take phone messages.
Introduce a centralized filing system. This reduces multiple files,
Enable the reuse of paper envelopes by putting a label on top of the old address.
Cut down on excess equipment sitting in the store, going out of date, e.g. electrical and electronic office equipment.
Regularly service equipment, particularly computers, photocopiers, and printers, to prolong their lifespan.
Employees should regularly empty out their desk and return any unwanted office supplies to the stationery cupboard.
Free or fee-based online newspaper subscription can reduce the amount of paper to be recycled.
Cancel any unwanted magazine or newspaper subscriptions to avoid unwanted waste accumulating.
Reuse binders and file folders.
Office announcements can be posted online, sent via email or posted once in a centralized monitor or TV screen.
Consider renting equipment that you use only occasionally rather than having to store it in the workplace.
Encourage colleagues to bring lunch to work in reusable containers.
Encourage management to have reusable silverware, plates and cups and a small coffee station in the office.
Research and purchase products with less packaging or with no packaging at all.
Install filtered water rather than a water cooler.
Give your team a reusable water bottle.
Offer secure bike parking.
Source used desks, chairs and lockers (if required).
Unplug equipment when not in use or overnight.
Work from home when possible.
Offer unused or surplus items to other organisation for reuse.
Think about how you can have a green work party or events during the year.
Set printers to default to black-and-white to reduce ink usage.
Use refillable ink cartridges instead of single-use ones.
Switch to energy-efficient LED lighting in your workplace
Encourage staff to use reusable coffee cups instead of disposable ones.
Choose rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones.
Donate or sell old furniture instead of throwing it away.
Track waste and set reduction goals to encourage improvement.
General Office Recycling – Recycle IT
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is anaward-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.
During 2023 Recycle IT operated drop off and collection services to of thousands of homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes 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
You will find some highlights below taken from The Irish EPA Circular Economy Programme – The Driving Force for Ireland’s Move to a Circular Economy published by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland in December 2024. The EPA is responsible for compiling national statistics on circular economy activities and the generation and management of waste in the Republic of Ireland.
Did you know?
Ireland is generating excessive waste, reaching a total of 15.7 million tonnes in 2022. Addressing this requires system-wide change to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Stronger regulation, incentives, and enforcement are needed to encourage industry, businesses, and consumers to adopt more sustainable production and consumption practices.
Circular Economy and Waste Statistics Highlight Report
Ireland’s circular economy and waste system is underperforming. Progress in reuse and recycling has stalled, municipal recycling targets are likely to be missed, and a consistent three-bin system has yet to be fully implemented. The country remains largely dependent on a linear economy, with persistently high levels of waste generation.
Packaging waste makes up about one-third of kerbside waste from households and businesses. Since 2016, it has increased by over 20%, while recycling rates have declined by 7%. As a result, there is a significant risk that Ireland will fail to meet recycling targets for both general packaging and plastic packaging waste.
Click to Enlarge – Circular Economy and Waste Data Highlights
The construction sector is another major contributor, generating over 8 million tonnes of waste and accounting for around half of domestic natural resource extraction in 2022. Moving toward a circular economy in the built environment will require prioritizing renovations and retrofits, designing buildings and urban spaces with lower carbon materials, and increasing the reuse of construction resources.
Waste treatment capacity in Ireland is also vulnerable due to heavy reliance on other countries. In 2022, over 1.2 million tonnes of municipal waste were exported, alongside substantial portions of hazardous and municipal waste overall, highlighting the country’s dependence on external processing.
Click to Enlarge – Waste Treatment and E xports
The EPA collects circular economy and waste data from a wide range of sources, including waste operators, collectors, and treatment facilities, as well as local authorities and EPA-licensed facilities.
The full report summarizes all of the EPA’s circular economy and waste statistics data releases published in 2024, covering the 2022 reporting year. For more detailed insights into individual waste streams and the most up-to-date data for Ireland, refer to the Circular Economy and Waste Statistics resources here.
Circular Economy News
In late April 2026, Minister Alan Dillon announces €29 million to support local jobs, reduce waste, and help communities reuse and repair. The funding, provided through the Circular Economy Fund, will support initiatives in every region of the country — from community repair hubs and reuse centres to innovative business projects that cut waste and make better use of materials.
This means more opportunities for people to repair items instead of throwing them away, more affordable second-hand goods, and more local jobs in areas such as repair, refurbishment, and sustainable manufacturing. You will get further details here.
You can learn more about the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028 here.
About Recylce IT
Recycle IT is a not-for-profit social enterprise providing a community collection service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Yearly Recycle IT collect from thousands of organizations in Dublin and surrounding areas. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland, with support from South Dublin County Council, South Dublin Country Partnership, Pobal and the Irish Government.
Recycle IT is authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities in the Eastern Midlands Waste Region.
Recycle IT as a social enterprise is part-funded through the Community Services Programme operated by Pobal. Any income earned is used to finance operations which include the provision of training and employment opportunities.
Free Recycling for Community/Charity Organisations:
One of the ongoing challenges for managers in the community, charity, and voluntary sectors is how to effectively manage space while safely removing and recycling surplus or redundant equipment, including metal, electrical, and electronic items.
These items can range from everyday objects like kitchen appliances, lamps, light bulbs, and batteries to office and IT equipment such as computers, monitors, cables, keyboards, photocopiers, servers, chargers, and even metal cabinets or storage racking. The list is really endless and once it builds up it takes up resources.
Mixed IT Equipment for Recycling
Recycling is crucial to our world today and taking small steps can have significant benefits for the environment. By taking a lead you can ensure recycling becomes a natural and important part of your organization’s life.
Finding a Solution
Organizations sometimes need to find a recycling service which, can offer a safe, timely and environmentally friendly recycling solution. Nonprofits often run on tight budgets. Free recycling programs reduce safe disposal and collection costs, leaving more money available for programs, staffing, or community services.
Recycle IT offer this service and collection is free to charities and community groups. Over the last year, we have worked with hundreds of schools, training, community, parish and not-for-profit organizations across Dublin and surrounding areas to collect and recycle tonnes of equipment. This service is central to the values and culture of our organization and our staff team is delighted to support it.
Items for Recycling
Our Work
With more than 20 years of experience and conveniently located just off the M50, Recycle IT offers an easy way to responsibly recycle dual-purpose electrical equipment from both homes and small offices. You can drop items off while you’re passing by, or arrange a licensed collection for added convenience.
Many items are accepted free of charge. However, certain commercial equipment—such as photocopiers, networked printers, display fridges, or larger electrical and metal production equipment—may be subject to a recycling fee. For more details, feel free to call us or send a photo of your items, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Recycling helps keep usable materials out of landfills, conserves resources, and lowers pollution. Nonprofits can contribute to broader community sustainability goals without additional expense with our free recycling collection service.
Free Collection Service
Our experienced teams provide a friendly and professional recycling service to charities and civil society organisations in Dublin and surrounding areas and we collect directly from a clear, accessible area in your building and ensure the safe recycling of your items. For charity organisations outside collection areas, we are happy to accept drop-offs. Just give us a call in advance.
Watch our Video
Many items collected are broken down into their component parts for processing into new raw materials. Our team can provide affordable physical destruction of hard disk drives and breakdown of other IT equipment upon request.
Our team will also collect items from staff or volunteers as part of any charity collection so please encourage your team to bring along old or damaged electrical items from home!
For further information or to book a collection just call or email us.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is a not-for-profit social enterprise providing a community collection service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Yearly Recycle IT collect from thousands of organizations in Dublin and surrounding areas. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland, with support from South Dublin County Council, South Dublin Country Partnership, Pobal and the Irish Government.
Recycle IT is authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities in the Eastern Midlands Waste Region.
Recycle IT as a social enterprise is part-funded through the Community Services Programme operated by Pobal. Any income earned is used to finance operations which include the provision of training and employment opportunities.
Metal is part of almost everything we use every day. It is in our food cans, kitchen tools, electronics, cars, bikes, scooters, gardening tools, and buildings. When these items reach the end of their life, the alloy inside them is still valuable. Instead of throwing it away, we can recycle it and use it again. Metal is one of the most useful materials to recycle, and doing so makes a real difference for the environment and the economy.
One of the most important things to know is that steel, iron, aluminum, and copper can be recycled again and again without losing its quality. This means it does not weaken or wear out during the recycling process. Materials like aluminium and steel can be melted down and turned into new products over and over making it one of the most sustainable materials we have.
Office Metal / Storage Metal – Recycle IT
Facts
Recycling steel, iron, aluminum, and copper saves a huge amount of energy. For example, recycling aluminium uses up to 95% less energy than making it from raw materials. Steel recycling can save around 60–70% of the energy compared to producing new steel. These energy savings help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major cause of climate change. Using recycled metals also means we need less mining, which protects natural landscapes and reduces pollution.
There are many types of metal we can recycle at home and in our communities. Common items include aluminium cans, steel food cans, foil wrap and foil trays (if clean) can all be placed in the Green Bin.
Larger items such as washing machines, ovens, bicycles, and even furniture like steel table legs or office chairs can also be recycled. Electrical items often contain valuable materials like copper, aluminium, and steel, so they should always be taken to proper recycling centres.
Metal for Reuse
Some facts help show just how powerful recycling can be. Recycling one aluminium can saves enough energy to power a television for a few hours. Steel is one of the most recycled materials globally, with high recycling rates in many countries. Aluminium is also widely recycled and can return to shop shelves as a new can in as little as 60 days.
Ireland achieved a 58% recycling rate for metal packaging in 2021.
According to 2023 data, approximately 357,947 tonnes of metal were recycled, largely related to construction and demolition activity.
You can identify metal types using a magnet; steel is magnetic, while aluminum is not.
Roughly 40% of the world’s copper demand is met using recycled material.
Recycling steel reduces related CO2 emissions by 58% compared to primary production.
A single computer contains around 1.5 kg of copper, making electronics recycling highly valuable.
The automotive industry is the largest consumer of recycled scrap metal.
91% of metals from end-of-life vehicles were recycled.
Mix of Recycling
Best Use
You can learn to identify metallic substance at home. A simple magnet test works well—steel is magnetic, while aluminium is not. This can be a fun and educational activity for children, helping them understand recycling in a hands-on way. Knowing what materials you have makes it easier to sort and recycle correctly.
It is important to remember that metallic materials are limited resource. Metals come from ores in the ground, and mining them takes time, energy, and effort. By recycling, we make better use of what we already have instead of constantly taking more from the earth. This helps protect natural resources for future generations.
Another benefit of metal recycling is reducing landfill waste. Metallic items that end up in landfill can take a very long time to break down. By recycling them instead, we reduce the pressure on landfill sites and prevent harmful substances from affecting soil and water. Clean recycling habits can make a big difference in keeping our environment safe.
Steel Chairs for Recycling
Change
Remember, there are simple changes we can make to improve how we use metal. For example, choosing reusable containers instead of disposable foil trays can reduce waste. When metal items do break or wear out, we should always think about recycling them instead of throwing them away. Many recycling centres accept a wide range of metal items, and some even offer collection services for larger appliances.
Working together as a community can make metallic recycling even more effective. Families, schools, and workplaces can all play a role by collecting and sorting metal waste properly. Small actions, when done by many people, add up to a big impact.
In summary, metal is too valuable to waste. It can be recycled endlessly, saves large amounts of energy, reduces pollution, and supports jobs. By recycling alloys—from small cans to large appliances—we help protect the environment and make better use of our resources. Next time you are about to throw away something made of steel stop and think: can it be recycled instead?
About
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 for WEEE Recycling with permit details available here.
In Ireland, Easter is a time of joy, family, and celebration, brighter days with summer not far away —but much like other times of celebration, it can also create a lot of unnecessary waste. This year, why not make a few simple changes to celebrate more sustainably?
Try reusing cardboard egg boxes for crafts is fun, creative, and eco-friendly. You can make models, decorations, or toys while reducing waste, saving money, and helping the environment at the same time.
Cut boxes into small cups to make bunnies or chicks, paint them, or turn them into decorated eggs. You can also use them to plant seeds, sort small items, or play colour games. When you’re finished, the cardboard can still go in the green recycling bin.
Change
Start by rethinking Easter packaging. Choose chocolates and treats with minimal or recyclable wrapping or support local producers who use eco-friendly materials. Better yet, consider homemade treats—they’re personal, delicious, reduce packaging waste and everybody in the house can lend a hand.
You can choose to ignore holiday trends. This includes avoiding web shops and high street stores selling decorations. Limit your social media exposure and focus on simplicity, keep spaces functional, and remind yourself decorations are costly, time consuming to buy, display, remove and store. They are not necessary for enjoyment or celebration.
Surplus Eggs
If you’re expecting lots of chocolate eggs as gifts, don’t let them go to waste once you’ve had your fill—incorporate them into desserts or cakes afterward. Leftover chocolate eggs are great for fun treats! Melt them for yummy hot chocolate, bake them into brownies or cookies, or make easy no-bake snacks like cornflakes nests or fridge cakes.
For Easter baskets, swap small chocolate eggs and single-use plastics for shredded paper, fabric scraps, or even reusable cloth and include gifts that last longer, like books, plants, or experiences instead of chocolate and disposable toys.
Finally, remember to recycle properly and compost food waste where possible. Small changes can make a big difference.
This Easter, celebrate thoughtfully—less waste, more meaning. 🌸
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is anaward-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
Every year in Ireland, we support events such as Spring Clean Month, Recycling Week, and Reuse Month. These events help people understand why it is important to recover, reuse, and recycle waste. They give you, your children, family, friends, and coworkers a chance to learn more and take action together in your community to reduce waste.
Recycling helps bring positive change. It encourages people in communities to work together and make a real difference. Recycling is good for the environment, supports community volunteering, and also creates jobs in cities, towns, and villages across Ireland. The more people reuse and recycle, the more benefits everyone gains.
When recyclable items are collected carefully, some of them can be repaired and reused. Others can be taken apart and used as materials to make new products. This process helps create jobs, supports businesses, and strengthens the local economy.
Recycling Plastic Parts Safely
Targets
Ireland is expected to miss its EU recycling targets for 2025. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the country is currently recycling about 42% of municipal waste, which is well below the EU target of 55%.
Recycling rates for packaging are also below the required levels. In 2023, Ireland recycled 59% of packaging waste, while the EU target is 65%. Plastic packaging recycling is even lower, at 30%, compared with the 50% target set by the EU.
Key points about Ireland’s recycling performance include:
Municipal waste recycling: Around 42%, which is far below the 55% EU target.
Packaging recycling:59%, compared with the 65% target.
Plastic packaging recycling:30%, well short of the 50% target.
There has been some progress. Ireland introduced the Deposit Return Scheme in 2024, which has helped increase the collection of drink containers such as bottles and cans. Early results show return rates of around 76%, bringing Ireland close to the EU target of 77% for PET bottles.
Plastic Bottles
However, overall recycling levels have not improved significantly in recent years, while the total amount of waste being produced continues to rise.
The EPA estimates that Ireland needs to recycle about 400,000 more tonnes of waste every year to meet EU recycling targets.
Most of these figures are based on 2023 waste data published in 2025, as the full data for 2025 has not yet been finalized.
Electronic and Electrical Recycling
When you think of electronic or electrical waste equipment (WEEE) or e-waste, do you think of items like computers, radios, light bulbs, zip disks, and tapes drives, clock alarms or wall clocks, even cameras, it’s really any items with computerized parts.
These items and similar are adding to an ever-increasing e-waste mountain and the pile usually starts building in people’s homes. We know electrical or electronic items are not recycled as easily or as frequently as other recyclable materials such as paper, glass or plastics. Some of the items are very large and hard to recycle, others are small and have a personal or perceived value so people don’t want to let them go!
Recycle IT Free Drop Off
Sharing Recycling Facts
Most laptop owners replace their device after about three years, while many mobile phones are replaced every two years or even sooner. This creates a lot of electronic waste that needs recycling.
Around 91% of households in Ireland had a computer with internet access in 2019, showing how common digital devices are in everyday life. (Source: Statista Research Department)
Today, about 90% of people in Ireland have access to a smartphone, making it one of the most widely used electronic devices. (Source: Ipsos MORI)
Smartphone ownership in Ireland is near-universal, with approximately 93% – 95% of mobile phone users owning a smartphone., and many checked their phone over 50 times a day and up to 200 times.
A record 62 million tonnes (Mt) of e-waste was produced in 2022, Up 82% from 2010; This is on track to rise another 32%, to 82 million tonnes, in 2030;
Recycling electrical and electronic equipment allows valuable materials to be recovered and reused, helping to support new jobs and industries.
Recycling one million laptops saves enough energy to power about 3,657 homes for an entire year. (Source: How to Save Your Planet One Object at a Time)
Electronic waste can contain more than 1,000 different components, many of which include toxic materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
Devices such as computers and televisions often contain small amounts of gold, but it can also be found in mobile phones, game consoles, camcorders, and media players.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, a single computer can contain about 3.6 kg of lead, which is a toxic metal.
A global survey by Nokia found that 74% of people do not think about recycling their old mobile phones, even though 72% believe recycling helps the environment. Only about 12.7% to 15% of smartphones are actually recycled globally, despite up to 80% of a phone’s materials being recyclable.
Large household appliances, such as washing machines and refrigerators, made up 48% of all waste electrical items collected in Ireland in 2019. (Source: WEEE Ireland)
Devices like computers, laptops, and tablets are difficult to recycle mechanically because they contain many mixed materials and complex components that must be carefully taken apart. (Recycle IT)
WEEE Ireland collected 38,215 tonnes of e-waste in 2024, achieving a 9.5kg per capita recycling rate and exceeding EU targets with a 96% material recovery rate. . (Source: WEEE Ireland)
Irish households disposed of 3.2 million lamps and lightbulbs, 195,000 televisions and monitors, and 13 million small appliances including toys in one year. (Source: WEEE Ireland)
Many electronic devices contain valuable metals such as copper, silver, and gold, which can be recovered through recycling.
Recycling e-waste helps reduce the need for mining new raw materials, which protects natural resources.
When electronic devices are thrown away instead of recycled, hazardous chemicals can leak into soil and water.
Proper e-waste recycling ensures that dangerous materials are safely handled and removed.
Reusing or repairing electronics can extend the life of devices and reduce waste.
Recycling electronics supports the circular economy, where materials are reused instead of thrown away.
Mixed Small Electricals
There are many ways that recycling helps our environment. Why not try to remember and introduce these 5 points.
A reduction in landfill and industrial waste by reuse or recycling.
Reduced energy usage by reuse or recycling.
Less pollution through reuse or recycling.
Increased employment by reuse or recycling.
Sustainable usage of natural resources by reuse and recycling.
When Irish people wish to make a point, they usually do it well. This needs to be the case with reduce, reuse and recycling
By recycling, your positive actions make you part of the solution rather than part of a global problem. As local communities we must plan and first take steps to reduce the amount of waste and including e-waste that is clogging up our lives .
Making sure that recyclable items such as computers don’t end up in the wrong bin, landfills or illegally dumped is an important step toward green living and environmental conservation for future generation.
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 for WEEE Recycling with permit details available here.
Some of the many questions facing householders and business managers include how to create additional space while safely removing and recycling surplus or redundant electrical, electronic and metals items including, heaters, kettles, coffee makers, computers, servers, cables racking and much more.
The next question is, can we find a single solution which will safely collect and recycle domestic and office equipment all at the same time, Cost-Effectively or FREE (see below) and in an environmentally friendly manner.
Electrical Recycling at Work – Collection by Recycle IT
Recycle IT Can Help!
Recycle IT, based in Dublin, is an award-winningelectrical and electronic recyclingsocial enterprise with over 20- years experience in offering a collection and drop off services. From our centrally located recycling center just of the M50 near Clondalkin village offers a one-stop recycling service for all types of electrical and electronic equipment. Household and commercial items can be recycled.
With collection vehicles serving Dublin and surrounding areas daily (Monday – Friday) you should never have to wait long for a safe recycling collection. Our teams can usually collect within 3 to 6 days of your decision to recycle.
Kitchen / Household Equipment for Recycling
Our experienced teams provide a friendly, professional and timely service across Dublin and the surrounding areas daily. We collect directly from homes and organizations of all sizes and ensure safe recycling of your items.
Many items collected are broken down into their component parts for processing into new raw materials. Our facility team can cost-effectively physically destroy hard disk drives upon request.
Recycle IT – Collection of Business Electronics
Free Collections
Our collection teams are happy to accept any electrical items so do call or email with questions. If your part of a residents groups, you can arrange a free collection for your estate. We collect free from schools, charities, community and care organization. Recycle IT can also support FREE WEEE to Work Days for staff and as part of this collection we can accept non commerical items from your business.
We usually required work places to gather together 50 – 75 items for a free collection. This is usually easy when the staff team and management work together to arrange.
About Recylce IT
Recycle IT, are an award-winning Dublin based social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling. Community recycling services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland.
Recycle IT are supported by, WEEE Ireland, Pobal, the Dormant Accounts Fund, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.
Dublin City Council have opened a new operations centre including a recycling facility located at St. Margaret’s Road, Ballymun D11. The facility opened in August 2023 and is a great addition to the city as you can easily recycle the majority of recycling streams including old household electrical items. The centre is located at St. Margaret’s Road, Ballymun, D11VF5Y with the public entrance accessed via Carton Way.
Dublin Recycling Centre
This new centre will not be accepting commercial waste in any category and large commercial vans will not permitted. You can click here to find out more.
Recycling Mixed Household Stuff in Dublin
In general, centre’s accept a range of items like paper, cardboard, plastic and glass bottles, drinks cans and food tins, textiles and footwear, electrical equipment, fluorescent tubes, waste oil and DIY waste. Some will also accept garden waste and even Christmas trees just after the festive season ends!
It is always best to check before a visit!
Recycling Electrical Equipment
Many centre’s accept old or damaged electrical equipment with approx. 75 million waste electrical items collected since 2005, that’s over 70 electrical items per household in Ireland but 1 in 4 Irish people are still hoarding or putting electrical waste in the trash at home. (Source: WEEE Ireland).
In 2020 Ireland collected a record 64,856 tones of WEEE for treatment, a 4% increase from the quantity collected in 2019 (62,600 tones). Some 59,404 tones of WEEE were recovered and 55,012 tones were prepared for reuse or recycling in 2020, both up 3% on the 2019 quantities. (Source EPA Ireland).
Recycle IT want to encourage you to recycle electrical items using local services. With that in mind, we have compiled a list (all on one page) of WEEE recycling centre’s and services in Dublin.
Recycling Services
Recycle IT support householders, charities, community groups, schools and business with electrical and electronic recycling services in Dublin and the surrounding area. The service offered are complementary to those offered by the Local Authorities across Dublin.
Recycle IT – Electrical Toys and Fridges for Recycling
Services include a free drop-off for domestic or dual-purpose electrical or electronic equipment with collection services available on request. Collection services are offered free to groups previously listed with a cost-effective solution offered to business recyclers and or those with an immediate need.
Householders in Dublin City and surrounding areas can also bring their unwanted electrical items (WEEE) to a number of recycling centre’s promoted or operated by their Local Authority. At these centre’s, people can dispose of items such as toasters, cookers, kettles, lamps, and really any domestic appliance.
Recycle IT – WEEE Collection Service
Alternatively, householders can take back WEEE to retailers free of charge. The take-back system usually operates on a one-for-one basis, i.e. you can exchange an old toaster for a new one but it’s usually not possible to return a fridge freezer while purchasing a new hairdryer. A number of large retailers actively promote this scheme so keep an eye out.
Recycling Centre’s in Dublin
There are recycling centre’s located across Dublin which will take back household WEEE and lots of other waste items.
Trade waste is usually not accepted at Household Waste Recycling Centre’s. Recycle IT will support small and medium-sized businesses to recycle dual-purpose electrical and electronic waste. It’s always a good idea to call the centre’s in advance of a recycling visit. The call can ensure to don’t make a wasted trip.
You will find details on local bring centre’s in Dublin city here. You will also find a list of bottle banks located in South Dublin here.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop-off service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Recycle IT provides drop-off and collection services to thousands of homes and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of laptops, computers, cookers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TVs.
Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities in the Eastern-Midlands Waste Management Region.
Ireland has experienced a notable uptick in the sale of electrical goods, with devices like vapes and solar panels particularly leading the surge. This trend signals a growing appetite among consumers for both convenience gadgets and sustainable technologies.
Vapes and solar panels have driven a 75 per cent increase in electrical device sales over the last five years and a total of 93 million household electronic items were purchased in 2024 – almost three times the volume sold in 2006 according to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland, the country’s biggest e-waste recycling scheme.
“Each one of those 93 million devices contains valuable materials like aluminium, copper, lithium, cobalt,” said WEEE Ireland chief executive Leo Donovan. Based on the that fact these items should all be recycled safely.
Electric & Green Tech Boom
Sales of solar panels have jumped significantly, reflecting strong interest in home energy solutions—especially across suburban and rural areas. The popularity of smart home accessories, electric vehicle chargers, and battery storage systems is reinforcing Ireland’s move towards greener lifestyles. For example over 2.5 million solar panels have entered the market in the last five years, but with a life of 15 to 20 years, they won’t reach recycling centres for at least another decade.
Disposable Vapes: Convenience at a Cost
Disposable vapes have also seen sharp sales growth, sparking concern among public health and environmental experts. Containing lithium batteries, plastics, and chemical liquids, they pose serious waste challenges if not processed correctly .
Research from WEEE Ireland also shows the proportion of households hoarding unused devices rose from 22 per cent in 2023 to 29 per cent in 2025, highlighting a massive untapped opportunity for reuse and repair. “We need to move beyond recycling alone. Extending the life of products through repair and reuse must become the norm,” Mr. Donovan said.
The message is simple – take your old gadgets—especially batteries and plastics—to your nearest WEEE or e-waste recycling drop-off in Dublin. It’s quick, local, and significantly reduces pollution.
Recycle IT is a community-based social enterprise in Dublin that helps households, charities, community groups, schools, and businesses safely recycle thousand’s of electrical and electronic items (e-waste) yearly. Here’s how we can help you:
Recycle IT – Electrical Recycling
Services Recycle IT Offers:
Free Household Collection: Our team offer free door-to-door residents association collection of unwanted electrical items like toasters, kettles, laptops, TVs, and more in many Dublin areas.
Business & Organisations Recycling: Schools, offices, and community groups can book collection services for bulk electrical items—ensuring safe and secure disposal.
Drop-Off Recycling: You can drop off items at their facility in Clondalkin if preferred.
Data Destruction: Secure disposal of hard drives and other data-storing devices for privacy protection.
Community Awareness: We promote awareness of e-waste and provide tips on reducing, reusing, and recycling electronic goods.
Environmentally Friendly Practices: Recycle IT recycling for reuse as much as possible helping reduce landfill waste and conserve resources.
Let’s turn this sales surge into a sustainability win for Dublin and beyond!
Recycle IT – Mixed Electrical Equipment
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). During 2018 Recycle IT offer to 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 computers, cables, monitors, microwaves, cookers, dryers and TVs and much more.
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.
As the Irish weather heats and days get longer our evenings fill up with activities including visits to the beach or park. We have weekend BBQs, games and lots of opportunities for fun. This all adds up to lots of leisure time spent outdoors in our beautiful Irish green environment.
Hot Days – Reusable Water Bottle
So, while we are playing, eating, swimming or sunbathing we can still have a focus on reducing waste, saving resources and keeping the environment green with these summer reduce, reuse and recycling tips:
1. Lawns and Gardens
Don’t let that cut grass end up in a landfill! Used your grass clippings as organic fertilizer. It can be reused to benefit your immediate garden environment. Instead of binning the grass as you cut, leave it on the lawn where it will return valuable nutrients to the soil. Alternatively, you can add your clippings to a compost heap. Either way, grass recycling will make a big impact on the environment and help to reduce landfill burdens.
Lawn Care
2. Summer Travel
Whether travelling in a group or by one’s self consider using public transport, walking or cycling to your preferred location. This can help reduce the environmental impact of Co2 emission and save you money. If you are in a city location like Dublin, you can avail of the Dublin Bike Scheme so plan in advance. If you really need to use a car, you could try sharing a Go Car for once off summer events, might be a real alternative to buying a car which sits at home for long periods unused.
3. Summer Food and Snack
On family trips to the zoo or a visit to the beach try packing homemade sandwiches, fruit and snacks in reusable containers, bring a flask and use reusable water bottles instead of buying bottled water, tea and coffee. Take bags along to collect recyclables and look for recycling bins when you stop for breaks. The average household of four people uses approx. 330 glass bottles and jars each year. Recycling 6 glass bottles per week saves enough energy to boil 2 kettles with enough water in each for five cups of coffee, so please drop off your bottles at the local bottle bank this summer! (Source: Recycling Live)
Summer BBQ and Food
4. Summer Toys
If you have footballs, beach balls or pool toys that are old, try finding other uses for them or patching holes before throwing away. You might even offer them to a charity shop for use by others. These products are usually made of PVC and therefore not recyclable, so think about that before buying new ones. If you are shopping for new summer toys, buy those made from recyclable materials to minimize the environmental impact.
5. Summer BBQs and Picnics
Whether at home, or in a park make recycling easy by taking and using a clearly labelled recycling bin. Recycle cans, glass, plastic, and aluminium foil. Since plastic cutlery usually can’t be recycled, offer reusable knives and forks for your guests. If you really want to work toward zero waste, put out reusable napkins, plates, cups, and cutlery at your next event! Of course, this isn’t always practical so, if you must buy disposable, try to find paper products that are made from biodegradable or compostable materials.
Wood Broken Pallets – Cut Up
If your using a firepit try to source old wood like wood from damaged pallets. Pallets burn well in wood stoves or fire pits, providing warmth and energy while keeping materials out of landfills.
6. Summer Equipment
Do you need to dispose of 10 year old garden furniture, lawnmowers, old BBQs or outdoor grills?. You can recycle all these type items instead of throwing them away! When recycling the equipment, please clean it thoroughly and then take it apart, separating the pieces into piles of metal, glass and plastic. Stainless steel, steel, cast iron, brass and aluminium can all be recycled. Plastic parts should all have a recycling symbol and number that tells you how they should be recycled. Remember you can recycle the electronic and metal components with Recycle IT. Once you have recycled your old equipment and are looking for a replacements try to choose an eco-friendly, long life, easy clean model. Remember when cooking you steak, gas and electric BBQ’s or grills are better for the environment than wood or charcoal.
Summer Recycling – Lawn Mowers
7. Clothes
Try to reuse last year summer clothes. It’s possibly 8 or 9 months since they have been last worn and nobody will remember them. If you have to choose a new range of summer clothes for you or your family remember to recycle any used clothes with a local charity shops. They can be used by other people over and over while raising funds for much needed causes.
Opportunity Knocks
This summer is an opportunity to become a proactive recycler. Involved your kids and teach them about recycling now, so they will practice it throughout their life. It is important to teach our children about the environment and the positive effects of reduce, reuse and recycling. Start your summer with fun activities such as a garage clean out and car boot sale that will promote reuse and recycling, and keep your kids occupied! Tidy towns is another good option!
To learn more about recycling your once loved electrical items give Recycle IT a call on 01 4578321. or visit our website
WEEE Ireland, Ireland’s large waste electrical compliance scheme says over 15 million small appliances such as coffee makers, calculators, kettles and keyboards were handed back for safe recycling. This is alongside with the equivalent of 66 million used AA batteries which made there back to into the circular economy.
Mixed Cables and Chargers
WEEE figures also reveal that, for every 10 new tech products sold in Ireland, only 4 are eventually coming back for recycling when they become obsolete. Did you know, one in four 18-24-year-olds and one in five aged 35-44 get rid of common household electrical items such as smart watches, earbuds and blue tooth speakers in general waste bins.
Almost half of Ireland’s small electronics are bought in November and December each year – but data from WEEE Ireland shows only one in three are coming back for recycling.
Mixed Electronic Equipment
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland figures reveal more than 11 million small electronic items from personal grooming to tech were bought here last year, 4.4 million of them across Black Friday and Christmas.
People’s concerns about personal data are stopping one in five (21%) adults from recycling their unused tech items – while a further 22% of adults keep old technology equipment as backups, new research reveals.
The Empathy Research survey for WEEE Ireland, the largest Irish not-for-profit compliance scheme also found that 12% of people still put small electronic waste items in general household bins. This is truly unbelievable!
Mixed Electronic Equipment
Storing and hoarding
Digital hoarding, e-hoarding, e-clutter, data hoarding, or cyber hoarding are all terms used to describe keeping IT equipment beyond a reasonable time for use.
In Time Magazine Pascal Leroy, director general of the WEEE Forum, a Brussels-based association of global e-waste management organizations, says “It’s really an issue of great concern, this hoarding, and it’s difficult to address because it’s about consumer behaviour—why do people behave the way they do?” says “There is something in us that prevents us from properly disposing of it or properly recycling it.”
Old Electronic Equipment – Home or Office
When you choose to store or hoard older items (no longer used) you are limiting the number of reusable resources available to produce new electronic items. There are lots of components in older equipment that can be reused in the manufacturing of new mobile phones, tablets, or laptops.
For example, the plastic and glass from screens/monitors can be reused, therefore limiting the amount of glass and plastic that is required to create new monitors.
Recycling your old phones, tablets, and laptops with Recycle IT also helps create work experience opportunities and local jobs which is beneficial to the local community.
CEO of WEEE Ireland, Leo Donovan, is now urging consumers to dig out old and broken tech and their accessories for recycling, emphasising the straightforward nature of backing up and wiping old devices.
“Most phone and laptop manufacturers have user-friendly instructions on their websites for backing up and deleting data, ensuring that valuable information is not lost or exposed.
Mixed Electronic and Electrical Equipment
“If recycled correctly, these old and broken devices, along with their integrated batteries, chargers and cables, provide a significant source of critical and strategic secondary raw materials,” said Mr Donovan.
Recycling laptop, mobile phones and other household and personal electronic devices help reduce the use of new natural resources.
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!
If you require data destruction we can offer a cost-effective service to households and organisations. Just email us to find out more.
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
