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.

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.

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.

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?

2. 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 

3. 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!

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 13^th, 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.

9. 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.

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.