Tag: Environment

Climate Change – Weather in Ireland

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical Recycling2 Comments

Some Simple Facts

Climate change is making our weather more extreme and sometimes dangerous. On Feb 16th 2026, RTE reported that, it has rained every day so far in 2026 at the Valentia Observatory in Co Kerry, a continuous run of 46 days which included serval Met Éireann weather warnings.

Storm Names

In 2017, Hurricane Ophelia was one of the strongest storms ever to hit Ireland.

  • 3 people lost their lives
  • Over 360,000 homes lost electricity
  • Schools and businesses closed
  • Winds reached over 150 km/h

It was unusual because really strong hurricanes almost never reach Ireland— but warmer Atlantic waters helped power it.

In 2021 and 2022 hot, dry weather led to large wildfires in places including Sleeve Donard and Killarney National Park.

In July 2022, Ireland recorded temperatures above 33°C — extremely hot for our country. Heatwaves are becoming more common, lasting longer, with hotter, drier spells leading to an expectation of wildfires.  

Storm Damage Ireland

What is means in simple words:

The Earth is getting hotter because of pollution from cars, planes, factories, and cutting down forests. This pollution traps heat around our planet, like a thick blanket.

Because of this:

Bigger Rain & Floods: Warm air holds more water. That means when it rains, it can pour much harder than before. Some places (like parts of Ireland) could see over 20% more winter rain. More rain equals more flooding.

Stronger Storms: Storms are getting more powerful, especially over the North Atlantic. Stronger winds and heavier rain can damage homes and knock out power.

Weather Warmings

Hotter Days: The last 10 years have been the hottest ever recorded. 2024 and 2025 were the hottest years worldwide. Summers are getting even hotter, and heatwaves are happening more often. This can make people sick, harm animals, and damage crops.

Droughts in Some Places: While some areas flood, others get less rain and much hotter summers. This can lead to droughts, water shortages, and wildfires.

Rising Sea Levels: Ice in cold places is melting, and warmer water expands. This makes sea levels rise. That means more coastal flooding and beaches slowly disappearing.

Why This Matters to YOU

This isn’t just about the future — it’s happening now. It affects:

  • The air you breathe
  • The food you eat
  • The places you live and play
  • The life you live is disrupted including work, school, sport, and social events
  • The livelihoods of individuals and families are threatened
Cycle to School

What can we do? You are not “too young or too old” to make a difference. Here are powerful things you can do:

  • Walk, cycle, or carpool when possible
  • Turn off lights and unplug chargers
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle
  • Eat more plant-based meals
  • Talk about climate change at school and home
  • Join or start a climate club
  • Take part in tree-planting or clean-up events

Small actions, create big change when millions of people do them. We are the generation that can help protect the planet so make a difference now!

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 drop-off and collection services to thousands of homes and organisations 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.

Visit our website for further details.

Reuse and Recycling Tips – Refreshed for 2026

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Small Steps

Small everyday choices can make a big difference to our environment. By reusing items, reducing waste, and recycling wherever possible, we can save resources, cut pollution, and protect our planet for future generations. These simple tips show easy ways everyone—at home, at school, and at work—can reduce waste and live more sustainably. Start with one change and build from there—every action counts.

Small Steps Matter

Reuse and Recycling Tips

  1. Use both sides of paper when writing or drawing.
  2. Give partially used printed paper to children or local schools for drawing.
  3. Bring food to school or work in reusable containers.
  4. Rent or hire schoolbooks and supplies instead of buying new.
  5. Hire gardening tools that are only used occasionally.
  6. Make a bird feeder by reusing a medium-sized plastic bottle.
  7. Choose low-energy light bulbs at home and in the office.
  8. Give unwanted clothes a second life by donating or reusing them.
  9. Reuse and repair items such as shoes and clothing whenever possible.
  10. Pass on seasonal children’s costumes as your children grow.
  11. Choose bar soap instead of liquid soap in plastic bottles.
  12. Buy long-lasting, durable products such as reusable razors and refillable pens.
  13. Use rechargeable batteries for household appliances.
  14. Avoid unnecessary purchases for one-off occasions (e.g. Christmas or Easter).
  15. Give experience-based gifts such as show tickets, sports events, or concerts.
  16. Choose eco-friendly products by reading and understanding labels.
  17. Buy products with minimal or no packaging.
  18. Purchase regularly used household products in bulk.
  19. Reuse shopping bags when shopping.
  20. Use refillable products such as pasta, rice, coffee, and loose-leaf tea.
  21. Drink tap water from reusable bottles.
  22. Donate old books, toys, and games to charities, libraries, or schools.
  23. Reuse glass jars for storage or household purposes.
  24. Compost food scraps and garden waste.
  25. Repair small appliances instead of replacing them.
  26. Buy second-hand furniture, bikes, and electronics.
  27. Swap items with friends, neighbors, or community groups.
  28. Use cloth napkins and towels instead of disposable paper products.
  29. Repurpose old clothing into cleaning cloths or craft materials.
  30. Choose digital bills, tickets, and receipts whenever possible.
  31. Reuse envelopes, folders, and packaging materials.
  32. Return printer cartridges and electronics to recycling collection points.
  33. Choose products made from recycled materials.
  34. Use reusable coffee cups for takeaway drinks.
  35. Freeze leftovers to reduce food waste.
  36. Share rarely used items such as ladders or power tools.
  37. Turn old towels and blankets into pet bedding.
  38. Use beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap or foil.
  39. Mend or upcycle old furniture instead of replacing it.
  40. Collect rainwater for garden use.

Get Started

As a start, actively look for reuse opportunities close to you, such as charity shops (see below), repair cafés, community swap events, libraries, and refill stores. Local schools, community centres, and online neighborhoods groups often accept donations or share items. Engaging locally reduces waste, supports your community, and helps valuable materials stay in use.

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 Meath, Wicklow and Kildare also serviced so please give us a call to learn more and arrange a residents collection for your area.

Please call us on 01 4578321 or email info@recycleit.ie.

Oxfam – Click to Learn More

Dublin’s Christmas Tree Recycling Guide for 2026

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

Why its Good

Recycling your Christmas tree safely in Dublin is an easy way to start the new year in an environmentally friendly way.

Recycling Christmas trees is good because it reduces landfill waste, saves space, and protects the environment. Recycled trees become mulch or compost that enriches soil, prevents erosion, supports plants, and helps wildlife. It also reduces pollution and supports community projects after the holiday season for everyone everywhere during winter months.

Festive Trees

Real Trees

Neglecting and failing to recycle your once loved real Christmas trees is harmful because they fill landfills, waste natural resources, and contribute to pollution. Trees can release methane as they decompose, worsening climate change. Throwing them away also misses chances to create mulch, protect soil, support wildlife, and help communities benefit from reused materials during winter seasons.

Recylcing Points

Real Christmas trees can be recycled through the 4 Dublin Council’s annual tree recycling service, usually available at local parks and designated drop-off points in early January. Trees should be free of decorations, lights, tinsel, pots and stands before recycling. These trees are chipped and turned into mulch, helping to reduce landfill waste. Artificial trees cannot be recycled in this way and should be reused for as long as possible. By recycling responsibly, Dubliners can help keep the city cleaner and greener after Christmas.

Recycling Christmas Trees
Recycling Christmas Trees

Dublin City Council provides a free Christmas tree disposal service at specific locations across the city starting in January 2026 at a selection of bring centres, civic amenity sites and local drop off points from 4th to 18th January 2026. All trees will be recycled for use as compost and wood chips.  You will find further details here.

Fingal County Council will be accepting Christmas Trees for recycling at the following Collection Points from January 2nd to 16th 2026. Please note that only Christmas trees will be accepted at the locations listed here. Other green waste, Christmas tree stands, lights decorations etc. will not be accepted as part of Christmas Tree Recycling.

South Dublin County Council has arranged for Christmas Tree recycling at the locations listed here from Friday 2 January to Monday 12 January 2026. This service is free and intended for domestic household trees only, with a limit of one tree per household / vehicle. Signage will be placed at each location to indicate it as an official recycling point

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council will offer Christmas tree recycling. Further detials can be found here.

Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial Christmas trees are hard to dispose of. Trees without lights usually go to general waste, and trees with lights count as electronic waste. Both cause environmental problems.

Recycle Artificial Trees 2026

Now, Balsam Hill and several local councils and recycling groups have teamed up to make recycling easier. Dublin residents can recycle artificial trees for free at the Ballyogan Recycling Park operated by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. or Ballymount Civic Amenity in South Dublin, no matter the brand.

Recycling Points

  • Where: Ballymount Civic Amenity, South Dublin
  • Where: Ballymount Civic Amenity, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
  • When: 15 November 2025 to 31 January 2026

If your bring your old or broken artificial Christmas tree for free recycling, learn more @ www.retree.ie

Festive Electrics

Recycling old or broken Christmas lights and electrical decorations at Recycle IT in the New Year 2026 helps protect the environment. Proper recycling prevents hazardous materials entering landfill, saves resources, and supports safe reuse. Drop off items easily, reduce waste, and keep communities cleaner and safer after the festive season.

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). Over the last 12 months Recycle IT have provided drop off and collection services to hundreds of schools, residents associations, community groups, charities, and businesses in Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of electrical and metal equipment which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves televisions and more.

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 Leinster. Recycle IT is part-funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the community service programme and Dormant Accounts Fund both managed by Pobal.

Visit our website for further details.

Happy New Year from all the Recycle IT team.

Photo by Christina & Peter on Pexels.com

UN’s Global E-waste Monitor 2024 reports

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Todays E-waste World

The world is creating electronic waste—such as old phones, laptops, and TVs—much faster than it is being recycled. In 2022, we produced 62 million tonnes of e-waste, which is 82% more than in 2010. Only 22% of that waste was properly collected and recycled, while the rest was lost or dumped, wasting $62 billion worth of valuable materials.

E-waste contains toxic substances like mercury that can harm both the environment and human health. If nothing changes, global e-waste is expected to grow to 82 million tonnes by 2030, while recycling rates may drop to just 20%. This growing problem is driven by people buying and replacing electronics more often, products becoming harder to repair, shorter product lifespans, and poor waste management systems.

The UN reports that if countries could raise recycling rates to 60% by 2030, the world would gain huge economic and health benefits, saving more than $38 billion.

The world also remains highly dependent on a few countries for rare earth materials—metals essential for green technologies like electric cars and solar panels—yet only about 1% of these valuable elements are recovered from e-waste.

18 Actions That Can Help

Governments & Policymakers

  1. Create or strengthen e-waste laws to require proper recycling.
  2. Offer further support to achieve national recycling targets.
  3. Continue to track progress.
  4. Invest in recycling facilities and safe waste collection systems.
  5. Encourage eco-design – make products easier to repair, reuse, and recycle.
  6. Ban illegal e-waste exports to developing countries.

Manufacturers & Companies

  1. Design for durability and repairability (longer product life).
  2. Offer take-back or recycling programs for old devices.
  3. Use recycled materials in new products.
  4. Provide spare parts and repair manuals to consumers.

Individuals & Consumers

  1. Repair before replacing electronic devices.
  2. Donate or resell working electronics instead of throwing them away.
  3. Recycle properly at certified e-waste collection centers.
  4. Buy refurbished or energy-efficient electronics.
  5. Reduce gadget upgrades — use what you have longer.

Global & Community Efforts

  1. Increase awareness about e-waste dangers and recycling options.
  2. Support circular economy initiatives – reuse, repair, recycle.
  3. Encourage global cooperation to share recycling technology and expertise.

You can read the report here.

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 offer services to homes, communities and organisations in Dublin and surrounding areas.

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

Recylce IT – 2025 Awards

Sustainable Business Impact Awards 2025

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

For over twenty years, the Sustainable Business Impact Awards have celebrated and showcased the best examples of sustainable business practices in Ireland.

These awards recognize organisations that are making a real difference through their commitment to people, communities, and the planet. Each year, winners across twelve categories demonstrate how Irish businesses are embedding sustainability into their everyday work, showing that positive environmental and social change can go hand in hand with good business.

Awards Night Sept 2025

In 2025, Recycle IT (Ireland) was honored to win the Sustainable Impact by a Medium Business Award. This recognition highlights the organisation’s ongoing efforts to promote recycling, protect the environment, and support communities across Dublin and in surrounding areas.

Recycle IT is a community-based social enterprise that collects, recycles, and reuses waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The organisation works to prevent useful materials from ending up in landfill, helping to reduce pollution and save valuable resources. Equally important, Recycle IT creates local employment, provides work experience and training opportunities, and raises awareness about the benefits of recycling and sustainable living.

Winning the Sustainable Impact Award means a great deal to everyone involved with Recycle IT. It reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team, who are passionate about making recycling accessible and practical for households, schools, businesses, and community organisations. Every television, computer, kettle, or phone collected by Recycle IT contributes to a cleaner environment and a more circular economy, where waste is seen as a resource that can be recovered and reused.

The photo above captures a proud moment for the Recycle IT team. From left to right are Ian Talbot from Chambers Ireland, Mark, Una, and Gerard from Recycle IT, and Margaret Considine from Chambers Ireland. Their smiles reflect not only the joy of winning but also the shared commitment to sustainability that connects all those involved in the awards.

Recycle IT would like to extend sincere thanks to Chambers Ireland, the judges, and everyone who entered the awards this year. The Sustainable Business Impact Awards are about more than just recognition—they are about celebrating collective progress and inspiring others to take action. Each business, no matter how big or small, can make a difference by reducing waste, conserving energy, supporting their employees, and engaging with their community.

For Recycle IT, sustainability is not a short-term goal but an ongoing journey. The organisation continues to expand its services, invest in greener processes, and build partnerships with local authorities, schools, and voluntary groups. By working together, they aim to create a culture of recycling and reuse that benefits both people and the planet.

The Sustainable Impact Award is a reminder that environmental and community action are most effective when driven from the ground up. Through small, consistent efforts—like recycling electronic waste, educating others, and supporting local jobs—Recycle IT is helping to build a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable future for everyone.

Dara Calleary, TD, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Winning this award is both a recognition of what has been achieved and a motivation to keep improving. The Recycle IT team remains committed to innovation, collaboration, and social responsibility. They believe that every community can become more sustainable through shared action and awareness.

Recycle IT is grateful to all partners, supporters, and customers who have made their success possible. Together, they have shown that social enterprises can lead the way in creating positive, lasting change.

Thank you to Chambers Ireland for organising such a meaningful event. It was a wonderful evening, a fantastic celebration of Irish business, and a proud moment for Recycle IT and all those who care about sustainability and community impact.

Great event, great award, and a great step forward for recycling in the community!

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

Recylce IT is EcoMerit Certified