Tag: computers

Gaming Consoles – Recycle Safely

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

Best Selling

30 years ago, on September 9, 1995, the original PlayStation made its debut in North America, ringing in an era of gaming success for Sony. The chart below from Statista shows, the original PlayStation is the fourth best-selling home console of all time, beaten only by the PlayStation 4, the Nintendo Switch and its own successor, the PlayStation 2, which sold 160 million units over its lifetime. Source: Statista Research Department.

Benefits

Did you know there are benefits to playing videogames? A National Institutes of Health study of nearly 2,000 children found that those who reported playing video games for three hours per day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory compared to children who had never played video games. Other reported benefits include improved problem-solving skills and logic, increased hand-to-eye coordination, greater multi-tasking ability and faster and more accurate decision-making.

Photo by JESHOOTS.com on Pexels.com

Generally games consoles are devices designed for the sole purpose of playing video games usually at home. A games console is really a computer used to play video or virtual games, on a TV or monitor. Some devices are very portable and are handheld with screens.

Some Facts

Ireland’s total video games revenue was €397m in 2024 and it is expected to reach €503m by 2029. Social and casual gaming (online gaming) totaled €180m in 2024 and will rise to €240m in 2029 with a 5.9% CAGR. A paradigm shift in Ireland’s video games market will come in 2029, when social/casual gaming revenue will overtake traditional gaming (physical gaming on PCs and games consoles)

There are nine console generations, with the current leading providers being Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo with the Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch used to play games like FIFA 22, Farming Simulator 22 and Minecraft. You can also watch Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus on your games console.

Games Console, Controllers and Games – Recycle IT

Games are either downloaded directly onto the device via the internet online store or inserted into the device as a disc or card.

Many game consoles and games are aimed at children There is no official or recommended age for a child to have or use a games console. Video games are given age ratings similar to movies.

In general, using a game console with your children is fun. Adults can refamiliarise themselves with gaming, how new games work and how children are likely to use them. This can be a great way to show responsible and positive use of technology and show your child you are interested in what they do!

Reuse and Repair

After many years of fun, your game’s console may need to be updated with new software or hardware (if possible) or if damaged it can be repaired for reuse. There are several repair options available and they should be considered before saying goodbye to your console.

Saying goodbye isn’t always easy. After all, you likely spent many in-game hours together playing a starring role for your favourite sports team. Your console has likely brought you, your family and friends, many moments of joy and frustration.

However, the time will come to move on to a new console. With new console releases never far away you might consider a replacement. But before you do that, there are some important things that you need to do to stay cyber-safe (and keep your information and payment details safe).

Here are some steps to take before you sell, donate, or recycle your old console:

Games Console and Controller

Today many consoles are backwards compatible. This means that some, or most of the games from your old consoles should work with the new device To save your old games you can back your data up by:

  • Saving your data to an external hard drive.
  • Transferring your data from the old console to the new console by linking via a network.
  • Saving your data to a cloud service for your system.

Your gaming console can have personal information stored. Anything from email addresses to multiple credit card numbers to social media and cloud streaming accounts. If in the wrong hands, this can cause you lots of problems.

You can remove all your accounts from your console. In the setting menu, you can usually delete your credit card information, email addresses, social media links, or linked accounts. For purchased apps, you can sign out and manage your account information in your app settings.

A further option involves resetting the console back to when you first removed it from the box as new. Doing this reset will also make all of the information that was saved inaccessible through the user interface. You can usually do a reset in the settings menu.

Safe Recycling

Now that you have backed up your files and reset your console back to factory settings you may wish to dispose of the device in the waste or recycling bin. Please Don’t

Proper disposal including disposal of cables and chargers is important particularly if you didn’t try the above. Remember is also bad for the environment if you don’t recycle carefully

Games Console

Try the following

  • Reuse your console by gifting it to someone you know.
  • Donate your console to a local youth or community organisation,
  • Resell your device after wiping or destroying the hard disk drive / returning to factory settings.
  • Recycle your console instead of throwing it into the bin.
  • Recycle your console cables and related equipment at the same time!

Because electronics contain many damaging chemicals and reusable parts you should recycle safely at a dedicated e-recycling centre like Recycle IT. If you can’t or don’t wish to wipe the hard disk drive within the console before recycling, Recycle IT can help.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, is an award-winning social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop-off and collection. Recycling services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and South Dublin County Council.

Recycle IT is supported by Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across the east midlands waste region.

Our goal is to create training and employment opportunities through the provision of waste management services. Surplus earned income is reinvested in operational, and employment-related costs.

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

Recycle IT – Dublin City Social Enterprise Awardee 2025

Eco-Friendly Recycling for Schools and Colleges

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Collections, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, 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.”

“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

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 2024.

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

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

15 Recycling Facts

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

Community Recycling.

Each year we as a nation we support events like Spring Clean Month, Recycling Week and Reuse Month. These events were established to promote the importance of recovery, reuse and recycling. They offer you,  your kids, family, friends and colleagues an opportunity to learn and do more as communities about what to do about waste.

Recycling is a real driver for change. It brings people in communities together to support change and make a real difference. Recycling helps with environmental wellbeing, community volunteering and creates actual employment opportunities in cities, towns and villages across Ireland. So the more people try reusing or recycling the greater the benefits.

When items for recycling are collected with skill and care, some can be fixed for reuse and others disassembled becoming a resource that contributes to new product and jobs creation, business expansion, and the local economy.

2020 1 Paint IMG_1145
Old Paint for Recycling – Recycle IT

In recent years Ireland has achieved its highest ever rate of recycling, surpassing all EU recycling targets, The country’s overall recycling rate of 68% for all materials is ahead of the EU targets by 13% and it is now one of the leading performers in Europe. (Source: Repak).

The breakdown of recycling rates by materials are as follows:

  • Glass at 86% (EU target: 60%)
  • Metals at 79% (EU target: 50%)
  • Paper at 78% (EU target: 60%)
  • Wood at 95% (EU target: 15%)
  • Plastic at 33% (EU target: 22.5%).

Irish people know the importance of recycling and are doing great but we can always do more especially around recycling contamination. Sometimes with the best intentions, we are actually putting the wrong things in that green bin so just be mindful and follow Irelands recycling lists.

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.

IMG_2089
Camera Reuse / Recycling – Recycle IT

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!

Let’s share some facts! 
  1. The original owner of a laptop will keep it only three years before it is replaced. Mobile phones are replaced every 24 months or less. (lots to recycle).
  2. It is estimated in 2019 that 91% of all Irish households own a household computer with internet access. (Source: Statista Research Department).
  3. In Ireland, 90% of the population, now have access to a smartphone Source: Ipsos MORI)
  4. Three million people in Ireland in 2017 own a smartphone and check it around 57 times a day.
  5. It was estimated that about 50 million tons of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2018. China leads the way, with 7.2 million tons per annum, while the USA generated approx. 6.3 million tons per annum.
  6. Recycling electronic and electrical equipment allows materials to be reused, and re-using materials helps create new jobs.
  7. Recycling just one million laptops has the same impact as powering 3657 homes for one year! ( Source: How to Save Your Planet One Object at a Time)
  8. Electronic waste can contain more than 1,000 components, many of which are toxic, including heavy metals like lead, mercury and cadmium.
  9. Computers and televisions tend to have the most gold in them, but camcorders, media players, game consoles, and mobile phones also contain gold.
  10. According to the US EPA, one computer contains 3.6KG of lead which is toxic.
  11. Nokia report that globally, 74% of consumers don’t think about recycling mobile phones, despite the fact that around the same number, 72%, think recycling makes a difference to the environment.
  12. Large household appliances accounted for 48% by weight of all waste electrical items collected in Ireland during 2019. (Source: WEEE Ireland).
  13. Computers, laptops and tablets are not designed to be recycled mechanically – they are difficult to take apart, many of the materials cannot be easily identified. It takes real manual effort to extract components. (Recycle IT 2020)
  14. In 2018, Ireland collected 36,131 tons of e-waste and 856 tons of waste batteries for recycling (Source WEEE Ireland).
  15. It is estimated that Irish people disposed of 3.2 million lamps and lightbulbs, 195,000 televisions and monitors and 13 million small appliances. (Source WEEE Ireland).

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

2020 11 planters IMG_0179 (2)
Reused Drum as Planter – Recycle IT

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 a not for profit social enterprise providing a community collection service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Over the last 18 months Recycle IT offered collection services to 110,000 homes and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE including over computers, monitors and TV’s.

Our services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. We are authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authority. Visit www.recycleit.ie  to learn more or book your recycling collection on telephone 01 4578321.

Learn more about Repak Recycling here

full-agefriendly-ireland-sticker_2015

Recycling Computers – 9 Reasons

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

A Wonderful World of Computers 

Every day is a recycling day for our team. It’s our passion and the reason we share regular news, updates and information related to recycling.

In this post, we have particularly focused on recycling computer or IT equipment. As we all know there are tons of old PCs and laptops in homes and offices which are of no further use and could be recycled for reuse.

Laptop Computers for Recycling

Computers are a fast expanding stream of waste in Europe and across the developed world.

Consumers regularly update computers creating a waste mountain that continues to build. Thousands of obsolete computers are discarded every.

In 2018 United Nations University show that only 20% of e-waste (computers are a big part of e-waste) is collected and recycled while the fate of the other 80% is unknown. In 2024 Irish Central Statistic Office data revealed, seven in ten (70%) internet users said that their most recently disposed of mobile phone or smartphone is still at home. Nearly six in ten (58%) said that their old Laptop or tablet was still at home. Over one quarter of respondents (26%) still have their old desktop computer at home.

Computers should never be discarded without engaging with an authorised recycler. They contain toxic substances which can harm health and wellbeing. Some electronics or e-waste finds its’ way to the developing world where it causes harm to local people including children.

PC Recycling - Recycle IT
PC Recycling – Recycle IT

Computing Statistics

According to Statista 2022 As of January 2021, there were 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide – 59.5 of the global population. Of this total, 92.6 per cent (4.32 billion) accessed the internet via mobile devices. In 2021 alone, approximately 340 million PCs were shipped around the world. That is a lot of PCs that can be reused and/or recycled.

Computer Recycling

Continuous updates in technology are hard to keep up with. Every 12 – 18 months’ new models of computers, laptops, tablets and even phones are introduced. This, in turn, makes older models obsolete, and since they cannot be thrown in the bin, reuse or recycling becomes an option.

Computer recycling hopefully means giving old computers to a licensed waste facility where they are tested for reuse or disassembled into component parts for reuse. If required these components can be further broken down and reused as raw material for a new purpose.

A record 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste was generated worldwide in 2019, up 21 per cent in just five years, according to the UN’s Global E-waste Monitor 2020.

IT-AC2
Broken Down Computers Hard Drives – Recycle IT

9 Reasons to Recycle Your Old Computer

  1. Recycling and Natural Resources

A lot of materials and parts can be recovered from old electronics. These materials can be reused as raw materials to make new products, thus reducing the need and cost to mine new materials. (e.g. metals like copper and iron)  Did you know the metals recovered from a computer’s circuit board can be recycled to make new circuit boards for other electronics items like house alarms or monitors?

  1. Recycling Computers and the Environment

Recycling is very eco-friendly, as it prevents hazardous waste like lead from entering our environment Many old computers contain harmful materials like lead and mercury, and if disposed of improperly, may harm humans, animals or the environment. Instead of dumping electronic equipment or storing items in the house or office why not recycle the items safely 

  1. Computer Recycling and Local Employment

Considering that more than 90% of computer products are recyclable, recycling can play a part in creating employment. Social Enterprises such as Recycle IT recovers electronic waste each day. The more equipment collected and recycled the greater the opportunities for future employment. Recycling is labour intensive and employment can be boosted by recycling locally so support social enterprises like Recycle IT to create jobs!

  1. Computer Reuse Supports the Community

Reuse of old computers and electrical equipment can help support the development of community training opportunities. You can enable people to access a computer, learn about technology, build confidence and prepare for a bright future in their community by simply giving your older computer for reuse by community groups or community educational programmes.

  1. Eco-Friendly Benefits

The amount of WEEE being discarded grows daily. Over time, the waste accumulates to take up valuable space in homes, offices warehouses and even outdoors. If toxins leak they can infiltrate soil and water systems which can cause soil and water pollution. Recycling can help reserve these consequences and protect the environment from pollution.

  1. Economic Benefits

Some newer computer equipment can be traded. This type of reuse helps the environment and your pocket. Many retail shops are offering trade-in options where you take back old electronic equipment and trade in to reduce the cost of the new equipment. Trading in means economic benefits for you, the consumer and helps shops and manufacturers close the loop on recycling.

IMG_4266 (2)
Mixed Electronics for Recycling – Recycle IT
  1. Recycling Supports Reuse

Recycling helps in the recovery of materials used in the initial manufacturing process. Many parts of computer hardware are reusable, and recycling them prevents them from going to waste. When recycling is complete correctly, fewer resources and energy are needed to manufacture the same products again.

  1. Recycling WEEE under Irish Legislation

To address increasing electrical and electronic waste streams the EU introduced the WEEE directive – 2002/96/EC.  Ireland implemented this legislation on time and approved two compliance schemes; WEEE Ireland and ERP Ireland.   The WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC from August 13th, 2005, places the obligation upon all producers and distributors of waste electronic and electrical equipment to comply. We can all help with compliance by recycling. You can try one of the many retail take-back schemes, your local bring centre or recycle with a community organisation.

  1. Social Donation

Social responsibility sometimes includes being able to donate to worthy causes. What you might consider an old computer may be a valuable resource which can be passed to others including families and children who can’t afford to buy a new computer. Refurbishment of computers allows reuse by others including community groups or low-income families.

Computer Recycling

Recycle for Reuse

Instead of keeping dusty old computers at home or in the office please consider recycling them for component reuse. As you can see it is extremely beneficial to both the environment and community.

Remember computers and similar items can be dropped off at no cost or you can avail of a free community collection service while we are in your area. Recycle IT can also offer a cost-effective personal or business collection if you decide to declutter or create space.

Call our team on 01 4578321 or click here to email for further 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).  Recycle IT offers, drop off and collection services to over thousands of homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TVs.

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.

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