Tag: community

Authorised and Eco-Friendly Recycling for Schools and Colleges

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

Recycling Benefits

Educational institutions in Dublin and surrounding areas now have the opportunity to safely recycle outdated electrical, electronic, and metal equipment. Our initiative provides a secure and responsible way to declutter facilities while creating valuable space for educational purposes.”

Authorised Electrical and Electronic Recyclng for Schools

“It is important for schoolchildren, teenagers and adults to witness electronic recycling, as it helps them understand the value of protecting the environment by reducing electronic waste. Recycling also educates all age groups on conserving resources, preventing pollution, and taking responsibility for the proper disposal of old electronics—contributing to a healthier planet for everyone. This may be the perfect time to involve your students in some positive recycling activities.”

Reducing old electronics keeps harmful materials out of landfills, protecting the environment. When handled by authorised professionals, these materials are safely dismantled and processed using eco-friendly methods.

Mixed IT Equipment form Dublin School

Free Collection Service

Our service is offered free and is dedicated to reducing large amounts of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) which accumulates in classrooms, canteens, stores, and labs over time.

Recycle IT, is a community-based social enterprise, offering a simple and efficient route to recycle unused electrical and electronic items. After collection, items are broken down and recovered materials are processed for use in the manufacture of a new product. Your recycling helps sustain our organization and create employment and training opportunities.

The free collection service helps safely divert e-waste from landfills and makes use of old items that may have been thrown away. The types of items usually collected include computers, kitchen equipment, phone systems, mobile phones, laptops, tablets, monitors, projectors, printers, battery-operated toys, televisions, and radios. Please click here for a full list 

Our team can offer a cost-effective collection to a school further away. The fee charged covers operational costs related to the collection.

Our learning sector collection service is organised as part of our free community collection service. Recycle IT also support WEEE Ireland with collections of batteries from schools around Dublin which in turn supports the work of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

During the last 18 months, our teams have worked with hundreds of schools, colleges, and youth training organisations all over Dublin to achieve an overall increase in electrical equipment collected for recycling with a similar trend in 2025.

We are delighted to be in a position to help your staff, students and organisation safely recycle all types of electrical, electronic and pure metal equipment so do email us. Recycling with us directly creates real training opportunities and maintains employment levels within our social enterprise.

Register an interest

Schools, colleges, and trainers of all types in Dublin and the surrounding area are welcome to register an interest: Simply complete a registration form by clicking here or call our team on 01 4578321 Monday – Friday. Once you call or email we can help you plan and schedule your e-waste collection which will help:

School Electronics for Recycling
  • Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators.
  • Conserves natural resources such as water and minerals.
  • Increases economic well-being and creates local training and employment opportunities.
  • Prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials.
  • Saves energy.
School Collections Supported by WEEE Ireland

About Recycle IT

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

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

Mixed Metal Equipment

Office Recycling Tips for a Greener Office

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Awards, Climate change, Collections, Computer Recycling, Dublin, Electronic Equipment, IT Equipment, Social Enterprise, sustainability, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Green Office – Home Office – Any Office:

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 Recycling Categories
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

  1. Buy supplies in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
  2. Create a clear recycling station with labelled bins for paper, plastic, ink, and electronics.
  3. Your workplace should be encouraged to go paperless.
  4. Use digital signatures to avoid printing documents for signing.
  5. Only print if there is a real need for a hard copy.
  6. Meeting clients or colleagues online to save resources. It’s the norm now!
  7. Use e-mail or instant messages to save paper, time and money.
  8. Share team and event calendars.
  9. Draft documents can be reviewed on-screen before emailing.
  10. Reports and presentation should be electronic only
  11. If paper is required, use FSC–certified paper
  12. Research purchasing printers which print double-sided copies only.
  13. Photocopy and print double-sided.
  14. Scrap paper can be used to make note pads to take phone messages.
  15. Introduce a centralized filing system. This reduces multiple files,
  16. Enable the reuse of paper envelopes by putting a label on top of the old address.
  17.  Cut down on excess equipment sitting in the store, going out of date, e.g. electrical and electronic office equipment.
  18. Regularly service equipment, particularly computers, photocopiers, and printers, to prolong their lifespan.
  19. When equipment reaches its end of life use a registered and licensed electrical and electronic recycler to ensure equipment is safely made ready for reuse and recycling.
  20. Employees should regularly empty out their desk and return any unwanted office supplies to the stationery cupboard.
  21. Free or fee-based online newspaper subscription can reduce the amount of paper to be recycled.
  22. Cancel any unwanted magazine or newspaper subscriptions to avoid unwanted waste accumulating.
  23. Reuse binders and file folders.
  24. Office announcements can be posted online, sent via email or posted once in a centralized monitor or TV screen.
  25. Consider renting equipment that you use only occasionally rather than having to store it in the workplace.
  26. Encourage colleagues to bring lunch to work in reusable containers.
  27. Encourage management to have reusable silverware, plates and cups and a small coffee station in the office.
  28. Research and purchase products with less packaging or with no packaging at all.
  29. Install filtered water rather than a water cooler.
  30. Give your team a reusable water bottle.
  31. Offer secure bike parking.
  32. Source used desks, chairs and lockers (if required).
  33. Unplug equipment when not in use or overnight.
  34. Work from home when possible.
  35. Offer unused or surplus items to other organisation for reuse.
  36. Think about how you can have a green work party or events during the year.
  37. Set printers to default to black-and-white to reduce ink usage.
  38. Use refillable ink cartridges instead of single-use ones.
  39. Switch to energy-efficient LED lighting in your workplace
  40. Encourage staff to use reusable coffee cups instead of disposable ones.
  41. Choose rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones.
  42. Donate or sell old furniture instead of throwing it away.
  43. Track waste and set reduction goals to encourage improvement.
General Office Recycling – Recycle IT 

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.

During 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

Recycle IT Approved and Verified

Old Telephony Equipment: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Collections, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Social Enterprise, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Innovation in Home and Work Phones

No so long ago desk phones were an essential part of business communication in every office, but over time and especially post pandemic, it has been replaced in many cases by the mobile and laptop communication using software such as Zoom or Teams.

Deskphone

Many telecoms companies in Europe are retiring PTSN and ISDN services The PTSN (Public Switch Telephone Network) gave us what we all know as a landline. This is the fixed phone connection that many of us used at home or work.  Similarly ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network phone services will be switched off because it’s now outdated and can’t manage modern business communications.

Change

Change has already come in the United States where a 2022 National Health Interview Survey, reveals 72.6% of adults (about 186 million) and 81.9% of children (nearly 60 million) lived in households that did not have a landline telephone but did have at least one wireless telephone

In Ireland the proportion of households with a fixed line telephone has fallen steadily since 2004, when 86.9% of households had a fixed line telephone in their home. By 2019 this had reduced to 59.2% of households – Source – Central Statistics Office.

Household Fixed Line Telephone Ownership

What next?

Home and work phone and broadband services are changing, as steps are taken to enhance and upgrade the technologies on Irish networks over time. These enhancements are not unique to Ireland and are happening all around the world.  

As change happens VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology will allow us make calls over an internet connection. This can be done using a computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet or any other electronic mobile communication device. 

As fibre broadband becomes an increasingly available technology, and fixed landlines decrease, VoIP services will be in more demand in years ahead. Consumers should see lower costs for calls particularly international calls

Office Phones and Cables

Desk phones service over broadband

You can still keep your home phone service over your fibre broadband internet. A home phone service over fibre broadband (Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)), can still use a standard telephone handset, but it will be plugged into the internet modem instead of into a socket in the wall.

If you need new equipment your service provider should arrange to supply the equipment needed to keep your landline phone working – for example, a new modem, new telephone handset or if you need a new broadband service installed, your provider may be able to advise you.

Office Phones

Recycling Old Phone Equipment

Landline or desk telephones should not be placed in the green or black bin. Landline telephones are made with chemicals and hazardous materials found in plastics, circuit boards and batteries. These materials are dangerous when placed in landfills because they can leach into water supplies.

For environmental sustainability, it’s important that desktop phones are recycled when they reach end of life. Recycle IT can collect phones from business organisations for safe recycling, possibly in combination with other computer or IT waste. All the old telephone waste will be sent for authorised electrical waste recycling, and none will go to landfill.

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.

Recycle IT Logo

Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards 2024

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Social Enterprise Awards

The Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards aim to support social enterprise startup and development in Dublin City. They are like a big celebration for social businesses that try to make the world a better place. These businesses aren’t just focused on making money to move forward; they also want to help people, our communities, and/or the environment.

Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards Logo

Imagine a competition where companies from Dublin show off their amazing ideas and projects that help the community or solve important problems. These could be things like creating jobs for people who might struggle to find work, activities to support young people or coming up with eco-friendly products that reduce waste.

Activities

Think about a coffee shop or cafe that hires people who might find it hard to get a job, like individuals with disabilities, people who are homeless and/or long term unemployed people. Or think about a company that sells eco-friendly services or products and uses its profits to support environmental causes. These are examples of social enterprises.

So, in simple terms, social enterprises in Ireland are businesses that do good while also making a living. They aim to tackle social or environmental issues while running a successful operation. It’s all about balancing profit with a purpose to create positive change in society.

Social Enterprise Loaf Catering – Café in Kilmainham, Dublin

The Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards recognize these social businesses for their vision, hard work and the positive impact they have on society. It’s a way to cheer them on and encourage communities and people to start their own social enterprises based on an identified need. So, it’s a win-win situation – businesses get recognition for their good deeds, and the community benefits from their efforts.

Formally – What is a Social Enterprise in Ireland?

1: A social enterprise is an enterprise whose objective is to achieve a social, societal or environmental impact, rather than maximizing profit for its owners or shareholders.

2: It pursues its objectives by trading on an ongoing basis through the provision of goods and/or services, and by reinvesting surpluses into achieving social objectives.

3: It is governed in a fully accountable and transparent manner and is independent of the public sector. If dissolved, it should transfer its assets to another organisation with a similar mission

To us, a social enterprise is a special kind of business with a big heart. Instead of just focusing on making money, they care a lot about helping people and/or making the world a better place. Really, it’s all about using a business model and people skills to make a positive impact in a specific area of need which is underserved.

Social Enterprise – Frontline Bikes, Inchicore, Dublin 8

Apply Now

The Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards were established by Inner City Enterprise (ICE) and Dublin City Council with the support of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Dublin City in 2015. Each year, a fund of approximately €60,000 is distributed among innovative social enterprises. 

To learn more please click here. To download the application form click here

Once complete you can submit this completed application form along with all supporting documentation to lauradennehy@innercityenterprise.com.

Submission Deadline for Applications: 23:59 – 31st of May 2024.

What the 2023 awards footage here

Recycle IT

In 2022 Recycle IT were delighted to receive a Dublin City Social Enterprise Award. The award showed we make a real difference and it boost our credibility in the eyes of customers, funders, and the community.

Overall, receiving a social enterprise award can help you elevate your social business to the next level, both in terms of impact and sustainability. It opens up new opportunities and resources that can fuel your mission and drive positive change in the world.

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

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

Recycle IT at the Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards 2022

35 Reduce, Reuse Repurpose and Recycling Tips

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Go Green for Life

Recycling is an easy way to protect our environment and climate while ensuring the wellbeing of our community for the next generation. However, the success of recycling depends on the active participation of every member of the community including kids of all ages.

Homemade Bird Feeder

By everyone doing a little, we all can reduce the amount of waste that is deposited in the landfill or incinerated. Thinking about the reuse of materials made from recycled materials helps maintain the recycling circle and its part in the circular economy.

Reuse fosters creativity and innovation, encouraging individuals and communities to find inventive ways to extend the lifespan of products before finally recycling safely. Reuse promotes a culture of sustainability and responsible consumption, empowering people to make environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives

Eco-Friendly Reuse.

35 reuse and recycling tips

  1. Use both sides of the page when writing or drawing
  2. Give your kids or local schools part used printed paper for drawing
  3. Bring your food to school or work using a reusable tubs
  4. Books can be reused by donating them to libraries, schools, or community centers.
  5. Rent or hire school books and other school supplies (yearly reuse)
  6. Hire gardening tools that you only use occasionally
  7. Reclaim your plastic bottle deposit by recycling for reuse.
  8. Think about getting a sparkling water maker to reduce plastic bottles
  9. Make a bird feeder by reusing any medium size plastic bottles you have at home.  
  10. Opt for low-energy light bulbs
  11. Give your unwanted clothes a second life
  12. Reuse and repair as much as possible – shoes, clothes etc.
  13. Offer seasonal kids costumes to clothes to others as your kids grow!  
  14. Choose to buy bars of soap
  15. Choose long life or durable products e.g. reusable razors or ink pens
  16. Use rechargeable batteries in home appliances
  17. Avoid unnecessary purchasing of occasion products, e.g. Christmas, Easter
  18. Offer gifts, such as tickets for a show, sports event or concert leading to reduce material content
  19. Choose eco-friendly products – read the labels
  20. Buys product with less packaging
  21. Buy regularly use products in bulk, e.g. canned and jarred products.
  22. Reuse shopping bags
  23. Use refillable products e.g. coffee, loss tea
  24. Drink tap water from a reusable glass, cup or bottle
  25. Prepared food at home for picnics while reusing flasks, tubs, knives, forks, and reusable carry bags
  26. Choose fresh food rather than processed food, healthier and less packaging
  27. Bake cakes and muffins instead of buying! 
  28. Limited home and office printing, share files over email or file sharing tools e.g. dropbox
  29. Recycle ink cartridges – where you purchased your ink! 
  30. Bring a mug and glass to work to refill coffee, tea or water during the working day
  31. Approach office supply companies about purchasing used office equipment
  32. Cycle to work or college rather than taking the bus or car
  33. Car share where distances are longer and where public transport is not accessible.
  34. Take your uneaten food home from restaurants in a doggy bag.
  35. Composite garden cuttings to create a natural fertilizer

The 4 Rs

In Ireland and across Europe, the focus on the 3 R’s has increased over recent years As recovery of resources through, reduce, reuse, repurposing and recycling has increased it has become increasingly important for consumers to take ownership and steps themselves to ensure products purchases can be reused, repurposed or recycled using accessible and economically sustainable solutions.

Reuse In Ireland – Click here to go larger

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT offer recycling opportunities to home and business customers for all types of electronics equipment. AT Recycle IT, recycling is available using free, drop-off, free community collections or through a cost-effective personal or business collection. Our team will accept any old household or small office electrical items alongside all types of metal and electrical or rechargeable garden equipment.

Recycle IT as a social enterprise works in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office.

To learn more about recycling electrical equipment please call Recycle IT on 01 4578321, email us or visit www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT – Truck

2023 Report – Social Enterprises in Ireland

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

The Report

The report “Social Enterprises in Ireland: A Baseline Data Collection Exercise” provides a comprehensive overview of the social enterprise sector in Ireland, including its size, economic impact, employment and volunteer participation, and governance structures.

The work was commissioned by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and carried out by a consortium. Full details of the consortium can be found in the report.

Please read on to view some of the key findings of the report, download a copy and view a video of social enterprise at work!

Size and Distribution of Social Enterprises

  • There are an estimated 4,335 social enterprises operating in Ireland, with a wide range of activities, including social care, environmental sustainability, community development, and education.
  • Social enterprises are geographically dispersed throughout Ireland, with significant clusters in Dublin, Cork, and Galway.
  • There are approximately 8.5 social enterprises per 10,000 inhabitants. 57% of social enterprises are in urban areas (8.3 per 10,000 inhabitants) while 43% are in rural areas (10.5 per 10,000 inhabitants).

Economic Impact

  • Social enterprises generate an estimated €2.34 billion in annual income, representing 0.63% of Ireland’s GDP.
  • Social enterprises employ 84,382 people, (including full-time, part-time employees and contractors). This represents 3.7% of the total Irish workforce.

Employment and Volunteer Participation

  • Social enterprises provide a significant source of employment for people with disabilities, migrants, and other marginalized groups.
  • An estimated 74,825 volunteers participate in the social enterprise sector, including 30,324 board members.
  • The age of the workforce is predominantly between 31 to 50. Women represent 69% of the workforce across the sector and 47% of the workforce is part-time.
  • Labour Market Programmes are an important feature of the sector with 60% of those with paid staff employing people this way.

Governance Structures

  • Social enterprises are governed by a variety of structures, including limited companies, charities, and community interest companies.
  • Social enterprises are increasingly adopting more formal governance structures, such as limited companies, in order to access new sources of funding and grow their businesses.

Challenges and Opportunities

  • Social enterprises face a number of challenges, including a lack of awareness and understanding of the sector, limited access to finance, and a shortage of skilled staff.
  • Social enterprises also represent a significant opportunity to address social and environmental challenges, promote social inclusion, and create sustainable employment opportunities.

The report concludes by outlining a number of recommendations for policymakers, funders, and support organizations to further develop and support the social enterprise sector in Ireland. These recommendations include:

  • Increasing awareness of the social enterprise sector
  • Providing more funding opportunities for social enterprises
  • Developing skills training and support for social enterprises
  • Strengthening the regulatory framework for social enterprises

Overall, the report provides a valuable resource for understanding the social enterprise sector in Ireland and its potential to contribute to a more socially and economically sustainable society.

To access the full report please click here.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is a not-for-profit social enterprise providing collection and drop-off services for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Yearly Recycle IT offered to drop-off and collection services to thousands of homes and organizations across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, televisions, toasters, cables, lawnmowers, monitors, microwaves and kettles.

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster. Recycle IT receive funding thorough the Community Services Programme (CSP) operated by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD)

Watch the video below to learn more.

Video – Pobal and Recycle IT

Visit our website for further details.

Sharing the Question of Plastic Recycling

On By JMCEIn NewsLeave a comment

Overview

For over 50 years, global production and consumption of plastics have continued to rise. An estimated 299 million tons of plastics were produced in 2013, representing a 4% increase over 2012, and confirming and upward trend over the past years. (Source: Worldwatch Institute – January 2015)

Greenpeace says that “right now an estimated 12.7 million tonnes of plastic, everything from plastic bottles and bags to microbeads – end up in our oceans each year. That’s a truckload of rubbish a minute”

Ocean Waste - Recycle IT
Ocean Waste – Recycle IT

Most plastics used daily have a very low economic reuse value. Think about bread wrapping or banana bags. Another fact is plastics wrappers can contain numerous materials which are hard to separate. Examples include sweet wrappers, take-away food containers, coffee cups, coffee capsules and plastic/foil-lined cartons for soup and milk. Are investments in recycling solutions for these materials profitable? If not, how can this change to benefit the world?

What we do today?

Since the 1980s China has become the world’s largest importer of waste. In 2012, up to 56% of global exported plastic waste ended up in China. Imported plastic waste alone reached a peak of almost 9 million tonnes in 2012 (Source: Greenpeace)

China offered advanced notification to the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its plan to ban the importation of 24 types of waste, including plastics for recycling, waste textile materials and all unsorted mixed waste paper, the sort of paper that accumulates in household bins. It also says cardboard for recycling must be “cleaner” and free of contaminants such as gravel, dust and stones.

According to Industry Week, the biggest quantity of waste comes from the US followed by Europe, Hong Kong, Japan and Southeast Asia all of whom export large amounts of recyclables.

Map of China - Recycle IT
Map of China – Recycle IT

Change now!

On January 11th, 2018 China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) finalized a quality standard of 0.5% for certain imported recyclables. (Source; recycling today)

According to various government and trade organisations located across the globe, this action fails to properly consider the negative effects on global recycling efforts, but in our view, we must recognize this change as an opportunity for governments and communities to take responsibility and well as action locally for waste and its possible reuse.

A recent report in the Irish Times suggests Ireland, which has little capacity to recycle plastic has been trying to locate newer recycling markets, but could we do more at home to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Greenpeace urges industries and corporations that manufacture and market plastics and other disposable products to take responsibility for their products through their entire life-cycle, take responsibility for the environmental costs and invest in transformative solutions and alternatives to put an end to the current unmanageable levels of waste produced every year.

Plastic - Recycle IT
Plastic – Recycle IT

What we say

Recycle IT don’t directly offer a plastic recycling service but like lots of organisations and homes, we do accumulate plastic as part of our operations. We would love to see better plastic recycling routes and well as a reduction in overall packaging.

In our opinion, all stakeholders need to come together for the common good and find a range of solutions which meet the needs of different countries, markets and communities. Researching local needs, planning and infrastructure can help all stakeholders handle the plastic waste stream, hopefully with positive outcomes for the environment which we all share.

Recent Progress

The first-ever Europe-wide strategy on plastics was adopted on January 16th 2018. It is a part of the transition towards a more circular economy. It aims to protect the environment from plastic pollution whilst fostering growth and innovation, turning a plastics challenge into a positive for the Future of Europe.

Under the new plans, all plastic packaging on the EU market will be recyclable by 2030, the consumption of single-use plastics will be reduced and the intentional use of microplastics will be restricted.

For further information on recycling packaging includng plastic packaging in Ireland you can call Repak on 01 467 0190 or visit http://www.repak.ie.

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. During the last 18 months Recycle IT offer drop off and collection services to 140,000 homes and organisations in Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of dishwashers, computers, cables, monitors, microwaves, TVs and metal items.

Our electrical community collection service is 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.

Call us on 01 4578321 or email us at here

Visit our website www.recycleit.ie

IMG_0453 (2)
Recycle IT – Repak Award Winner 2019 – WEEE Champion

Recycle IT – Commended for CSR in 2017

On By JMCEIn Awards, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, NewsLeave a comment

Chambers Ireland Corporate Social Responsibility Awards 2017

The Chambers Ireland Corporate Social Responsibility Awards were established in 2004 to recognise the work being carried out by Irish and multinational companies to improve the lives of their employees and to enhance the civic environment in which they operate.

Chambers Ireland
Chambers Ireland

This unique competition now in it 14th year offers the business community in Ireland a chance to promote their efforts in CSR and gain recognition for best practice. The awards are presented in a variety of categories covering all areas of CSR.

The shortlist for the awards was announced in July and the overall awards winners were announced at a black tie dinner on September 7th, 2017. Recycle IT were delighted to be shortlisted in Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) category alongside 5 other organisations.

About the Awards

The 2017 Chambers Ireland, Corporate Social Responsibility Awards are partnered by Business in the Community Ireland, run in association with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government and sponsored by BAM Ireland.

The awards are judged by two separate panels comprising experts in the field of CSR. The first panel will decide the shortlist while the second panel will decide the category and overall winners. The judging process is completely independent and no representative from Chambers Ireland sits on the judging panel.

On the night Recycle IT were commended for our work in supporting local communities with a range of community electrical recycling initiatives. These initiatives help increases the quantity of electrical, electronic and battery operated equipment recycled each year.

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 2016 Recycle IT offered drop off and collection services to 100,000 homes and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TV’s.

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow. To learn more, please call 01 4578321 or visit our website www.recycleit.ie 

Picture1 Logo Small Copy

Recognised as Age Friendly

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

RECYCLE IT – RECOGNISED AS ‘AGE FRIENDLY’

Recycle IT were delighted to be awarded an Age Friendly Business Charter in recognition of efforts to support older people in communities all over Dublin with electrical recycling collection and drop off services. Recycle IT are proud of the team’s work in achieving recognition and in also getting shortlisted for an Age Friendly Ireland Business Award.

Full Agefriendly-Ireland-Sticker_2015.png
Age Friendly Ireland

Recycle IT, a social enterprise is honored to be the first Dublin based Community Electrical Recycler to be recognized in this way.  The team views the programme as an opportunity to learn more and offer an ever improving service to older people and all customers.

Una Lavelle, Recycle General Manager, said:

“We want to ensure our services meet the needs of everyone including older people.  By signing the Age Friendly Business Charter, we are showing our commitment to providing services that are customer focused and accessible”.

Elaine McGauran Age Friendly Ireland said:

“We are delighted to announce Recycle IT has been designated as ‘age friendly’ by Age Friendly Ireland. The Age Friendly Business Programme is a nationwide initiative with the aim of facilitating local businesses tap into an existing and growing market segment that accounts for 50% of consumer spending, the older customer. The programme seeks to recognise the efforts and improvements made by local businesses to provide more age friendly services”.

Elaine McGauran Age Friendly Ireland and Una Lavelle, Recycle IT General Manager
Elaine McGauran Age Friendly Ireland and Una Lavelle, Recycle IT General Manager

In initially working to implement an Age Friendly Charter, Recycle IT addressed three main areas

  1. Customer Care – two staff members agreed to become champions to ensure older people experience a friendly and helpful service which address individual needs.
  2. Communication – information on our services is straightforward and our team can be contacted easily.
  3. Accessibility and signage – clear building and van signage and appropriate size text used on our website.

As a result of taking part in the programme, real service enhancements have been made and welcomed by members of the communities we service.  These include a dedicated collection team telephone number, clearly recognisable collection vehicles, staff identity badges and building signage. Further enhancements are planned.

The Age Friendly Achievement Award Ceremony happened on Tuesday 24th May 2016 in Fitzpatrick’s Killiney Castle Hotel, Dublin with the Recycle IT team receiving recognition on the night for their efforts in supporting older people in communities across Dublin with recycling services which address individual needs.

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Awards Night – Recycle IT team with Councilor Barry Saul

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is the only Community Electronic Recycling Social Enterprise in Dublin providing a neighbourhood collection and drop off service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Age Friendly Champions Mark Graham and George Willis
Recycle IT – Age Friendly Champions Mark Graham and George Willis

During 2015 Recycle IT offered collection services to 100,000 homes and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE including over 7000 monitors and TV’s.  Our services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and with the cooperation of South Dublin County Council. We are authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and South Dublin County Council.

For further information, Tel: 01 4578321, email: info@recycleit.ie or visit our website www.recycleit.ie

Recycling Office and Home Computers Safely

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical Recycling, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Recycle IT Safely – Computers, Phone, Tablet & Hard Disks!

According to preliminary sales figures from Gartner and IDC, PC sales fell throughout 2016. Its seems that infrequent users like you and me are more likely to reach for a smartphone to access applications that ten years ago would have needed a PC.  As a result of this trend, the market is declining and is set to decline again in 2017. The graph below shows PC sales figures from 2006 to 2015 and the ongoing reduction in sales over more recent years.

PC Shipping Data
PC Shipping Data

It’s also worth noting that PC enthusiasts, gamers and the business sector will continue to purchase PC in large volumes and globally, PC sales in 2016 stood at approx. 269.7 million units shipped which is still a large number.

Data and Information 

Even with PC sales slowing we are all still large consumers of information and we are buying lots of electronic equipment with hard disk drives (HDD) to store business and personal customer information including photos of everything from our kids to bank statements and passwords (so we can have a reminder).

Whether this information is stored on external HDD, mobile phones, tablets, memory cards, memory keys or other storage devices people should be aware how important it is to destroy and recycle safely once the items have served their purpose. Both business and personal data can be valuable to others so it’s important to destroy the data on your PC, phone, memory card or tablet.

Hard Disk Drives - Recycle IT
Hard Disk Drives – Recycle IT

You might be thinking, what will I do with all that information on the HDD before recycling a PC?  If so, please don’t try to burn or use industrial-strength magnetic forces on the devices as these methods are not full proof or safe!

What to Do next?

The key is to destroy your computer HDD is ensuring it can’t ever spin again. The physical destruction of the drive means increased confidence that stored data is obliterated and can never be used again. This is the method Recycle IT prescribe and practice.

In the interest of time and money, you don’t need to destroy the full PC or laptop just the hard drive which is a small box inside of computer itself and usually contains sensitive information including credit card information, photos or contact details. So if you are upgrading to a new computer device (desktop computer, phone, laptop, tablet, etc.) please arrange for the removal of the hard drive at the same time as recycling the computer!

How to Destroy the HDD?

If you are looking to dispose of an old computer with a hard drive, it’s really best to physically destroy the old hard drive just to be 100% certain that the old data is completely destroyed.  Recycle IT use electronic tools and powerful cutting tools to ensure the HDD is destroyed. This method is an ideal option for disposal of home or office hard drives.

Drilling or Cutting Hard Disk Drives - Recycle IT
Drilling or Cutting Hard Disk Drives – Recycle IT

Safety in Destruction

Our team take every precaution from wearing protective goggles, gloves, and a dust mask for mouth and nose when cutting into the metal drive. They can cut right through the drive, from one side to the other multiple times ensuring the platters and the controller board are shattered.  Once complete Recycle IT can provide destruction and disposal certification depending on your needs.

Finally

It’s worth making the point again – failure to arrange the destruction of your old hard drives at the time of recycling your computer or phone could result in the inappropriate sharing of sensitive information.

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 2016 Recycle IT offered drop off and collection services to 100,000 homes and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, printers and networking equipment. This helps sustain jobs and create training opportunites for people returning to works.

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

Recycle IT - Pakman Award Winner 2016
Recycle IT – Pakman Award Winner 2016

If  you need more information you can call Recycle IT a call on 01 4578321 or email info@recycleit.ie

To learn more about recycling old batteries from you office safely please click UPS battery systems

Recycle IT – National Award Winners

On By JMCEIn Awards, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

2016 National Friendly Business Awards

JCI as an organisation, recognise the pivotal role small businesses play in Ireland so each summer sees JCI branches across the country run the JCI Friendly Business Awards. These awards were set up to recognise businesses that excel in serving the needs of local people while also playing a vital role in community development.

The JCI National Friendly Business Awards are supported by Bank of Ireland and is the flagship business programme operated and promoted by JCI. They acknowledge and celebrate the value many small businesses bring to communities across Ireland every day.

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2016 JCI National Friendly Business Awards – Winners and Runners Up

The awards are run first at a local level with each JCI branch in Ireland awarding winners in the following categories, Community Impact, Customer Care, Digital Experience, Disability Access, Eco-Friendliness and Shop Layout and Design.  In 2016 there were over 500 entries across all categories with local award winners selected from these entries.

For the National Award each JCI branch then puts forward a short list of local winners to be considered for the National Friendly Business Awards. The national award winners are selected through a public vote and by a panel for judges.

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Theresa Cahill, Ivan Farmer, John McEntee, Ronan Neacy, Neil McCabe

Eco Friendly Winner 

This year the awards were held at the JCI Ireland National Convention in Galway on October 21st and Recycle IT were delighted to accept the National Award for Eco Friendliness. This followed on from our JCI regional award for Dublin received in August 2016.

John McEntee, Marketing Manager with Recycle IT says “we take great pride in winning this national award. It helps us stand out as an ‘Eco Friendly’ community electrical recycler, it sends a positive message to people and organisations with whom we work today and hopefully will help us further promote our electrical recycling services to business, community groups school’s charities and the public”.

Una Lavelle, General Manager with Recycle IT says “our recent JCI Award for Eco Friendliness raises the profile and enhance our reputation as a social enterprise offering customer focused waste management services. It helps us promote the work we do with communities all over Dublin and surrounding areas while at the same time places a real value on the work of our team.

Thanks for all the hard work JCI Ireland and JCI Dublin put into this years awards from all at Recycle IT, Community Electrical Recycling.

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). During 2015 Recycle IT offered drop off and collection services to 100,000 homes and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE including over 7000 monitors and TV’s. Recycle IT also work with communities across Dublin to support reuse.

Our services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. We are authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authority.

Visit our website for further details or call 01 4578321

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JCI Ireland 

Recycle IT – Pakman Award Winners 2016

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The Pakman Awards 2016

The Pakman Awards are a national awards programme that recognize excellence in waste management and recycling among businesses, organisations, community groups and individuals in Ireland. The overall awards are arranged by Repak with various categories sponsored by a range of Irish organisations which you will find listed here.

Whether you are a local recycler, tidy towns group just starting out or a large organisation recovering, processing or transporting waste materials you are encouraged to submit an entry.

Recycle IT - Shortlisted for Pakman Awards 2016
Recycle IT – Pakman Award Winners 2016

In late summer 2016  Recycle IT submitted our first application to the Pakman Awards and we were delighted to be shortlisted. Then on October 27th 2016 we went one step further and were announced as winners of the overall award in the category, Environmental Education and Awareness Initiatives. 

The award ceremony was held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge Dublin 4 on the evening of October 27th. It was a fantastic event which promoted and rewarded the work of organisations large and small across Ireland.

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John McEntee and Una Lavelle – Recycle IT

As an organisation we were thrilled to receive our award from Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. Mr Denis Naughten and CEO of Repak, Mr Seamus Clancy. (pictured above)  We want to thank all those involved throughout the process for their efforts and support and especially our hard working collection and recycling teams.

About the Pakman Award

The Pakman Awards was launched in 2015 by Repak to replace the Repak Recycling Awards and allow more accessibility to the awards for all organisations who demonstrate their sustainability and environmental efforts.  The inaugural Pakman marked a significant change in the direction for Repak whose awards were previously only open to its members and recovery operators. Now all organisations who can demonstrate their environmental waste management practices and efforts can enter.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is a not for profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop off service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). During 2015 Recycle IT offered drop off and collection services to 100,000 homes and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TV’s.

Recycle IT  work with schools, residents associations, voluntary groups and charities across Dublin and the surrounding areas to support reuse and recycling initiatives including WEEE workshops, bring days, and community gardening using re-purposed waste.

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

Visit our website for further details.

Please click here to learn more about all the Pakman Award Winners 2016.

 

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Recycle IT  are recognised as Age Friendly by Age Friendly Ireland

Recycle IT @ Bealtaine Festival 2016

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

National Celebration of Creativity as we Age

This festival is Ireland’s national celebration of creativity as we age. During May 2016 all over the Ireland Bealtaine events are running in clubs, community centres, theatres, libraries, galleries, arts centres, local halls, care setting, cultural spaces and at outdoors locations! so why don’t you, your family and friends make a special effort and attend an event or two. After all 2016 is a special year, the Bealtaine Festival as it is celebrating its 21st birthday.

Bealtaine Festival 2016
South Dublin – Bealtaine Festival 2016

Bealtaine Festival organisers expect over 120,000 people to take part in Bealtaine events across Ireland during the month. Planned activities range from dance to cinema, painting to theatre and much more. These events showcase the talents and creativity of both first-time and professional older artists.

It is a chance for people to make new and challenging work, a chance to communicate traditions between the generations. It is a chance for the novice to discover a talent until then unseen and a chance for a long-dormant skill to find a new outlet. Its a chance to volunteer or help your community do something new.

Launch Event

Recycle IT were invited to the South Dublin County Council launch event on May 4th 2016 in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel. We arrived with our stand and shared information on community recycling with over 100 people attending. We shared lots of WEEE Ireland battery boxes and Recycle IT cards providing information on our electrical recycling collection service. People attending were from all over Dublin including Tallaght and Clondalkin and we were delighted to speak and offer details on our community electrical collection or drop off service which aims to be age friendly and inclusive.

We want to say thanks to Social Inclusion Unit of South Dublin County Council for inviting us along and making us feel very welcome.

Una Lavelle, Recycle IT and Maria FInn South Dublin County Council
Una Lavelle, Recycle IT and Maria FInn. South Dublin County Council

About Bealtaine

Bealtaine is an Age & Opportunity initiative part-funded by the Arts Council and delivered by hundreds of organisations around the country. Dublin City Council is an investment partner. To view the Bealtaine Festival programme of events for Dublin please click here or to download the South Dublin Age Friendly County Newsletter here

Una Lavelle Recycle IT and Councillor Sarah Holland
Una Lavelle Recycle IT and Councillor Sarah Holland, Mayor of South Dublin

Bealtaine Festival Vintage Electrical Display

Recycle IT  have a vintage electrical display in Tallaght Library to celebrate Bealtaine Festival. The display is assembled from everyday household items which have been collected over the years. Please go along with your kids and have a look over the coming weeks and up to the end of May 2016. It really is a blast for the past!

If you have any questions about recycling electrical items using our collection or drop off services please call our team on 01 45789321 or email us

Recycle IT – Electrical Recycling

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical Recycling

Recycle IT – Recycling Electrical and Electronics since 2002.

Recycle IT was established in 2002 as Clondalkin Community Recycle Initiative. The aim of the initiative is to provide employment opportunities and encourage actual electrical and electronic recycling in homes, communities and organisations.

Over a 15 year period and our social enterprise has developed into a well-known and trusted community recycling business employing 19 people. We collect on average 400 televisions per month as well as washing machines, dishwashers, computers, laptops, monitors, phones and electronic toys, really any item with a plug or battery.

Recycle IT - Breakdown of Electronic Equipment
Recycle IT – Breakdown of Electronic Equipment

WEEE Ireland

Recycle IT works in partnership with the WEEE Ireland Compliance Scheme which is 12 years in existence. We have been working with WEEE Ireland since 2005 to support and encourage increased electrical recycling through our collection and drop off services. Recycle IT will accept all your once loved and used electronic and electrical equipment. Nothing is too large or small and we are at our happiest when we are helping you recycle.

Community Collections

Our community collection team engage regularly with County Council officials across Dublin to establish and implement a public outreach plan to encourage community participation in collection days and pre-planned recycling events. We actively engage local residents’ groups, schools, community organisations and business in solving electrical or e-waste challenges. You can create space and reduce clutter in your home, office or school by simply giving our team a call. The extra benefits include reducing negative environmental impacts and supporting training and employment positions within our organisation.

Electrical Recycling at Work
Electrical Recycling at Work – Collection by Recycle IT

We find residents collection days are great way to get adults and children involved in worthwhile recycling activities within their communities. Recycle IT can provide residents’ associations with flyers, collection cards and our trained personnel will actively assist you with our door to door electrical recycling collection events so do get in touch to arrange your collection day.

Cost Effective Collections 

Recycle IT offer a, cost-effective personal and business collection service which help customers with a pending need to recycling. We can breakdown and destroy electrical, electronic, and metal equipment upon request.

Collection services are offered across Dublin and surrounding areas with dedicated teams visiting your location to help you recycle your old and once loved equipment. We can help with moving equipment once information about your site is provided.

Recycle IT - Equipment Removal Service
Recycle IT – Equipment Removal Service

If you need server racking and computer equipment disassembled and removed from your site, we can help. Once electronic equipment is disconnected from power sources our team can save you time and other resources.

So if you have household, office or  commercial equipment let us know and we can work with you to arrange a solution to meet your needs.

Please do request more information from Recycle IT about our recycling service on 01 4578321 or email info@recycleit.ie

Visit our Get in Touch page to request a call back.