Tag: News

Mattress Recycling 2026 – Authorised

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Climate change, Dublin, Event, Family, Plastic, Reuse, Social Enterprise, sustainability, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Household Mattress Recycling Free Summer 2026

Replacing an old mattress often leaves householders with one important question – what do I do with the old one? From early August through to late September 2026, that question has a simple answer.

Mattresses for Recycling in the Community

Recycle IT, in partnership with South Dublin County Council (SDCC), is delighted to launch a Free Household Mattress Recycling Amnesty, giving residents the opportunity to recycle unwanted household mattresses responsibly and completely free of charge.

The initiative aims to make household mattress recycling more accessible while reducing waste, supporting the circular economy and helping to keep communities across South Dublin clean and free from illegal dumping.

Free Mattress Recycling Drop-Off at Recycle IT

Throughout the amnesty period, householders can bring unwanted mattresses directly to the Recycle IT recycling facility in Clondalkin, where they will be accepted free of charge.

Every mattress received will enter an authorised recycling process where valuable materials such as steel springs, timber, foam, textiles and fibres are separated and recovered for reuse wherever possible. This helps divert bulky waste from landfill while ensuring recyclable materials remain in productive use. Recycle IT operates as a not-for-profit social enterprise in cooperation with South Dublin County Council and other recycling partners to deliver environmental and community benefits.

Directions to Recycle IT

Directions to Recycle IT Recycling Centre:  

  • The recycling facility is located at: Unit 14/2 Crag Terrace, Clondalkin Industrial Estate, Dublin D22 TK37
  • Recycle IT will be open between 9.30am – 3pm, Monday to Friday for mattress drop from Tuesday, August 4th to Friday September 25th, 2026 
  • Call us on 01 4578321

Community Mattress Collection Events

Recognizing that not everyone can transport a mattress to the recycling centre, Recycle IT and South Dublin County Council will also organise a series of Community Mattress Collection Days throughout the amnesty period.

Mattress Recycling Community Events
Mattress Recycling Community Events – Click to Enlarge

These local collection events will take place at authorised drop-off locations across South Dublin, making recycling even easier for residents.

Instead of travelling to Clondalkin, householders will be able to bring their old mattresses to designated community collection points closer to home.

These community events demonstrate how local partnerships can deliver practical environmental solutions while making recycling more convenient for everyone.

Why Recycle a Mattress?

Many people don’t realise that a mattress contains several recyclable materials.

These include:

  • Steel springs
  • Timber
  • Foam
  • Cotton
  • Polyester fibres
  • Fabric coverings

When processed correctly, these materials can be recovered and reused in manufacturing new products.

Without recycling, bulky mattresses occupy valuable landfill space for many years while wasting materials that still have significant value.

Choosing recycling instead helps conserve natural resources while reducing unnecessary waste.

Mattresses for Recycling
Mattresses for Recycling

Supporting Ireland’s Circular Economy

The Mattress Recycling Amnesty supports Ireland’s move towards a more circular economy, where products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible.

Instead of disposing of useful resources, recycling allows valuable components to be recovered and used again.

This reduces demand for new raw materials, lowers manufacturing impacts and supports more sustainable production.

Every mattress recycled contributes to reducing waste while improving resource efficiency.

Environmental Benefits

Recycling a mattress may seem like a small action, but collectively it makes a significant difference.

The benefits include:

  • Reducing bulky waste entering landfill.
  • Recovering valuable recyclable materials.
  • Conserving natural resources.
  • Lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing new materials.
  • Supporting sustainable waste management.
  • Helping keep neighbourhoods cleaner.

When thousands of householders recycle rather than dispose of mattresses, the environmental impact is substantial.

Benefits for Householders

The Mattress Recycling Amnesty has been designed to make responsible recycling as easy as possible.

Householders will benefit from:

  • Free mattress recycling throughout the campaign.
  • Convenient drop-off at the Recycle IT facility.
  • Additional community collection locations across South Dublin.
  • Confidence that mattresses are recycled through authorised facilities.
  • An easy alternative to costly disposal services.
  • Cost effective personal collection service. (No access to transport / very large mattress / multiple mattress for collection from a home.

Many people store unwanted mattresses for months because they are unsure how to dispose of them responsibly.

This initiative removes that barrier and provides a simple solution.

Working Together for Cleaner Communities

Illegal dumping of mattresses continues to affect many communities throughout Ireland.

Dumped mattresses spoil neighbourhoods, damage green spaces, attract additional waste and increase clean-up costs.

The partnership between Recycle IT and South Dublin County Council aims to encourage responsible disposal by making recycling easy, accessible and free.

By providing both central and community-based collection options, the initiative helps remove barriers that can sometimes lead to illegal dumping while encouraging greater public participation in recycling. Recycle IT has a long-standing relationship with South Dublin County Council in delivering community recycling initiatives and environmental awareness programmes.

Everyone Can Make a Difference

If you have an unwanted mattress in your home, garage, attic or spare room, now is the perfect opportunity to recycle it responsibly.

From Tuesday, August 4th until Friday September 25th, 2026, simply bring your mattress to the Recycle IT recycling centre free of charge or visit one of the authorised community collection events taking place across South Dublin.

Together, Recycle IT, South Dublin County Council and local residents can recover valuable materials, reduce landfill waste, discourage illegal dumping and create cleaner, greener communities for future generations.

For directions to the recycling facility and updates on community collection dates see below

Recycle IT will be open for free drop off between 9.30am and 3pm on Mondays – Friday. (Recycle IT don’t open on Bank Holidays).

You will find telephone, map and address details here

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

Challenges in Ireland’s Circular Economy and Waste System

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

Overview

You will find some highlights below taken from The Irish EPA Circular Economy Programme – The Driving Force for Ireland’s Move to a Circular Economy published by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland in December 2024. The EPA is responsible for compiling national statistics on circular economy activities and the generation and management of waste in
the Republic of Ireland.

Did you know?

Ireland is generating excessive waste, reaching a total of 15.7 million tonnes in 2022. Addressing this requires system-wide change to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Stronger regulation, incentives, and enforcement are needed to encourage industry, businesses, and consumers to adopt more sustainable production and consumption practices.

Circular Economy Ireland
Circular Economy and Waste Statistics Highlight Report

Ireland’s circular economy and waste system is underperforming. Progress in reuse and recycling has stalled, municipal recycling targets are likely to be missed, and a consistent three-bin system has yet to be fully implemented. The country remains largely dependent on a linear economy, with persistently high levels of waste generation.

Packaging waste makes up about one-third of kerbside waste from households and businesses. Since 2016, it has increased by over 20%, while recycling rates have declined by 7%. As a result, there is a significant risk that Ireland will fail to meet recycling targets for both general packaging and plastic packaging waste.

Click to Enlarge – Circular Economy and Waste Data Highlights

The construction sector is another major contributor, generating over 8 million tonnes of waste and accounting for around half of domestic natural resource extraction in 2022. Moving toward a circular economy in the built environment will require prioritizing renovations and retrofits, designing buildings and urban spaces with lower carbon materials, and increasing the reuse of construction resources.

Waste treatment capacity in Ireland is also vulnerable due to heavy reliance on other countries. In 2022, over 1.2 million tonnes of municipal waste were exported, alongside substantial portions of hazardous and municipal waste overall, highlighting the country’s dependence on external processing.

Click to Enlarge – Waste Treatment and E
xports

The EPA collects circular economy and waste data from a wide range of sources, including waste operators, collectors, and treatment facilities, as well as local authorities and EPA-licensed facilities.

The full report summarizes all of the EPA’s circular economy and waste statistics data releases published in 2024, covering the 2022 reporting year. For more detailed insights into individual waste streams and the most up-to-date data for Ireland, refer to the Circular Economy and Waste Statistics resources here.

Circular Economy News

In late April 2026, Minister Alan Dillon announces €29 million to support local jobs, reduce waste, and help communities reuse and repair. The funding, provided through the Circular Economy Fund, will support initiatives in every region of the country — from community repair hubs and reuse centres to innovative business projects that cut waste and make better use of materials.

This means more opportunities for people to repair items instead of throwing them away, more affordable second-hand goods, and more local jobs in areas such as repair, refurbishment, and sustainable manufacturing. You will get further details here.

You can learn more about the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028 here.

About Recylce IT

Recycle IT is a not-for-profit social enterprise providing a community collection service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Yearly Recycle IT collect from thousands of organizations in Dublin and surrounding areas. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland, with support from South Dublin County Council, South Dublin Country Partnership, Pobal and the Irish Government.

Recycle IT is authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities in the Eastern Midlands Waste Region.

Recycle IT as a social enterprise is part-funded through the Community Services Programme operated by Pobal. Any income earned is used to finance operations which include the provision of training and employment opportunities.

Recycle IT – Award Winner

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.

Meteorological Instruments

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.

Dublin Mattress Recycling – Final Weeks

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

A Positive Recycling Upswing

South Dublin has seen a remarkable surge in mattress recycling this August and September, thanks to the Mattress Amnesty initiative. With the help of Recycle IT and the strong backing of South Dublin County Council, more households than ever are taking the opportunity to responsibly dispose of their old mattresses—and the results are already making a difference.

And now, you will have a one time opportunity to recycled household hazardous liquids, mattresses and electrics FREE on Sept 27th – See the flyer below.

What’s been happening

  • The amnesty, which began on August 11th 2025 and runs until Saturday, September 27th has allowed residents across the county to drop off unwanted mattresses for free—no fees, no hassle.
  • Multiple drop-off locations and community collection events were organised to make things convenient.
  • As a side-benefit, the scheme is helping reduce instances of fly-tipping and illegal dumping of bulky items. When disposing of large mattresses is made easy and free, far fewer end up abandoned in fields, laneways or beside roads.

Why this upswing matters

  • Environmental savings: Mattresses are bulky, heavy, and difficult to break down. By recycling materials (metal springs, foam, wood, fabric), the amnesty reduces waste going into landfills and conserves resources. Recycle IT
  • Cleaner communities: Fewer dumped mattresses means less blight, less risk, and — just as importantly — lower clean-up costs for local authorities.
  • Greater awareness: Many people report that they simply didn’t know recycling mattresses was possible or affordable before. The amnesty has raised awareness about how easy proper disposal can be when supports are in place.

Final collection days: Don’t miss out

If you haven’t yet taken advantage of the amnesty, there are still two final chances to recycle your mattress freely:

  • Wednesday September 17th 20025 – public collection day – Killinarden Community Centre, D24 WV6V.
  • Saturday 27th September 2025 – final public collection day – South Dublin County Council County Hall, D24 A3XC.
  • Friday Sept 26th 2025 – final drop off day at Recycle IT, D22 TK37.

This initiative has now CLOSED – You will get further detials here.

Make sure to check the drop-off locations and times in advance. Bring your mattress, help South Dublin stay clean, green and sustainable.

Just to note: On Saturday Sept 27th you can recycle mattresses, household electrical equipment and hazardous liquids free with a drop off to the car park at South Dublin County Council County Hall, D24 A3XC.

Household hazardous liquids are everyday products that can be harmful to people, pets, or the environment if not disposed of safely. Common examples include:

  • Paints and thinners
  • Pesticides and weed killers
  • Cleaning agents (bleach, ammonia, strong detergents)
  • Solvents and adhesives
  • Automotive fluids (oil, antifreeze, brake fluid)

Big thanks where due

A huge thanks to South Dublin County Council for making this Mattress Amnesty happen again this year — for funding it, organizing it, and promoting it. Recycle IT are delighted to run the logistics: the drop-off sites, the community events, and all the behind-the-scenes work. The initiative showcases what’s possible when council, community organisations, and residents all pull together.

Every mattress recycled is one less going into landfill or dumped irresponsibly, and that’s thanks to you as much as the organizers. Let’s finish strong in the coming weeks.

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 Recognized for 2025 Sustainability Award

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

Recycle IT Shortlisted for National Sustainability Award

Chambers Ireland recently (22 August 2025) announced the shortlist for the 2025 Sustainable Business Impact Awards. These awards, sponsored by BAM Ireland and supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, celebrate businesses making a positive difference in communities, the environment, and society.

This year, Recycle IT has been shortlisted in the “Sustainable Impact by a Medium Business” category for its work on community recycling.

Speaking about the awards, Alasdair Henderson of BAM Ireland said the awards highlight “organisations driving positive change through sustainability and social responsibility.”

Minister Jerry Buttimer added that social enterprises and sustainable businesses “play a vital role in improving lives and protecting the environment.”

Una Lavelle, General Manager at Recycle IT stated “Being shortlisted for the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards is a great recognition of our team’s commitment to recycling and community engagement. The awards highlight our work, open new partnerships, and encourage us to keep delivering positive environmental impact.”

In total, 60 projects from across Ireland have been shortlisted across 12 categories. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, 24th September 2025.

You can learn more about the awards and those shortlisted with a visit to the Chamber Ireland website, just click here.

About Chambers Ireland

Chambers Ireland is the voice of business throughout Ireland, with 36 member chambers across every major city, town and region of the island. Aligning our strategic priorities with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, our aim is to make places better to live, work and do business

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.

Over the last 20 year Recycle IT have happily offered safe electrical and electronic recycling services to households and small and medium size organisations across a range of sectors. We offer our services all over Dublin and in surrounding areas. We are happy to offer cost effective and safe computer, laptop or tablet data destruction for home users and small offices on request.

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

2025 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards

On By JMCEIn Awards, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Event, News, Social Enterprise, sustainabilityLeave a comment

Social Enterprise Awards:

The 2025 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards celebrate and support the amazing work done by social enterprises across Dublin. These awards, organised by Dublin City Council and is run by Inner City Enterprise (ICE) with support from Dublin City Council and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) based in Dublin City. These award really shine a light on the positive impact social enterprises have on communities.

Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards 2025

What is Social Enterprise

A social enterprise is a business that trades for a social or environmental purpose. They reinvest profits to create social change and support local needs. Social enterprises can be involved in anything from education and employment to climate action and health. They play a key role in building stronger, fairer, and more inclusive communities.

The Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards are open to all types of social enterprises based in the Dublin City area or Social Enterprises offering products or services in Dublin City. Whether your enterprise is just starting or has been running for years, applying can be a big step forward. There are many good reasons to enter.

Why Enter?

1. Recognition and Credibility
Winning or even being shortlisted for an award can give your social enterprise a huge boost in reputation. It shows the public, partners, and funders that your work is being recognised and valued by others. It can also make people more confident in supporting or working with your organisation.

2. Funding Support
The award includes financial prizes, which can be a great help. This funding can be used to grow your services, support your team, or try something new. For small and growing social enterprises, this support can make a real difference.

3. Promotion and Visibility
Finalists and winners are promoted through Dublin City Council and partner channels. This means more people will hear about your work. You’ll get the chance to tell your story to a wider audience, attract new supporters, and possibly reach new customers or clients.

4. Motivation and Morale
Awards recognise hard work and dedication. Being part of the awards can lift the spirits of your team and volunteers. It reminds everyone that their efforts are making a difference. This kind of encouragement can go a long way, especially when times are tough.

5. Networking and Opportunities
The awards give you the chance to meet other social enterprises, funders, and supporters. These connections can lead to future collaborations, funding opportunities, or new ideas. Sharing experiences with others in the sector can also help you learn and grow.

Award Winners 2024

The Value of Awards for Social Enterprises

Beyond the prize itself, awards help raise awareness of what social enterprises do. They bring attention to local solutions to social problems. By celebrating social enterprise, we help grow a stronger sector that can tackle issues like poverty, exclusion, and climate change.

Entering awards also helps organisations reflect on their impact. The application process can help you think more clearly about your goals, successes, and how you measure progress. This can be useful even if you don’t win—helping your enterprise improve and grow.

Final Thoughts

If you run a social enterprise in Dublin, the 2025 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards are a chance to share your story, get support, and be part of a growing movement. These awards are not just about winning—they’re about showing the value of your work and inspiring others to create positive change.

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 2024 Recycle IT operated drop-off and collection services to homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE including 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 – Dublin City Social Enterprise Award Winner 2022

Sandyford Business District – Recycling Event

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Pre Christmas Electrical Waste Recycling Morning

Sandyford Business District have arranged a FREE Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment Event on the morning of Wednesday December 11th 2024, to help you clear-out old, unused or damaged electrical items before the start of a new year!

Together with Recycle IT, the team at Sandyford Business District have organized another a community electronic/electrical equipment collection morning on Wednesday December 11th in HUB17 on 17 Corrig Road, Sandyford Business Park, D18N6K8.

Just pop along between 10am and 12 noon to avail of this Free to Recycle Event.

Bring along large and small domestic appliances of all types, they are free to recycle. (Household and electric garden items). See list below for more detail*

Small office electronic equipment is free to recycle. (Computers, laptops, tablets, cables chargers, Keyboards, ETC)

Your will find full lists of items accepted here and you can open the PDF files for great detail.

Remember commerical equipment has a cost for recycling. If you are unsure please call Recycle IT on 01 4578321 before the FREE drop off event.

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.

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

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

Cycle and Recycle your Bikes

On By JMCEIn Awards, Climate change, Collections, Dublin, Event, Family, NewsLeave a comment

Recent Trend

A study for the National Transport Authority (NTA) released in 2024 shows walking and cycling in the Dublin area takes 530,000 cars off the streets every day. This has to be good news.

Trips taken on foot, by bike and by wheeling – using mobility scooters or wheelchairs – instead of cars, prevents around 680,000 car journeys daily. The study say, 25% of adults cycle at least once a week in the Dublin Metropolitan Area. The study also suggests, 72% of residents support building cycle tracks physically separated from traffic and pedestrians even where that means less room for other traffic. – You and read and learn more here.

Cycling In Dublin City

Environment and Bikes!

The bike is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health. With this in mind, the United Nations General Assembly decided to dedicate the 3rd of June as World Bicycle Day – Add this to World Environment Day on June 5th and we are on a real winner!

These days encourage awareness and action on health, wellbeing and the protection of our environment. World Environment Day is the “people’s day” for doing something to take care of the Earth. Recycle IT believe these two “UN” days can work in harmony!

2020 Cycling Eayet29WAAAFS4z
Dublin City Council – Cycling in Dublin

World Bicycle Day aims to emphasize and advance the use of the bicycle as a means of fostering sustainable development, strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance, mutual understanding, and respect and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace. All these aims can really be achieved using a bike while also helping us travel without creating carbon miles.

Celebrate the bicycle

Initiatives promote cycling at both national and local levels can help build physical and mental health and well-being and develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly culture of cycling in society.

Dublin Bikes
Reuse Dublin Bikes

National Bike Week

Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of the benefits of cycling. Bike Week 2024 will take place from Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th May 2024. Bike Week 2024 events will be posted on this page over the coming weeks.

Here are 8 reasons to celebrate the bike (some encouragement)

  1. The bicycle is a simple, affordable, reliable and clean way to get about.
  2. The bike is environmentally friendly and is a sustainable means of transportation;
  3. The bicycle can serve as a tool for social, community and economic development
  4. Cycling can help people access education, health care, and sporting activities.
  5. The union between the bicycle and the user creates an immediate awareness of the local environment you are cycling through.
  6. Using a bike saves time, reduces traffic and helps you arrive on time.
  7. The bike has a positive impact on climate with fewer carbon emissions.
  8. Biking can help grow your social circles, real friends and enjoyment of life.

Encourage Cycling and Environmental Awareness.

Recycle IT want to encourage as many people as possible to read and share this blog post. Then throughout the summer weeks and months take the bike out and bring friends and family along to discover your local environment.

As the summer sun shines there is no better time to get on the bike and grow your awareness of the local area. This can happen in the full knowledge that you are improving your health and reducing environmental harm.

Damaged Bike in Crash? Make a Claim.
Damaged Bike

Recycle IT and Bike Recycling

Recycle IT are happy to accept old bikes for free recycling. Just drop your old bike off with us Monday to Friday in Clondalkin. We also accept bikes from communities all over Dublin as part of our residents door to door community collection service.

Reuse

Members of the Recycle IT team not only recycle bikes but cycle regularly. Where possible we reuse and recycle bikes and bike parts.  At the time of writing this post, we have a staff member waiting to get a bike frame and parts for reuse and another who just rebuild a bike from recycled parts. Once on the road, these bikes will enable easy, affordable and environmentally friendly travel into work.

A small number of bikes may go for reuse depending and quality and repair requirements. All remaining bikes are recycled safely.

Old Bike @ Recycle IT

Community Grant Scheme – Bike Week 2024

Dublin City Council, with funding from the National Transport Authority, is pleased to announce that they have a community grant scheme for groups that would like to organize events to celebrate cycling during Bike Week. Click here to learn more.

About Recycle IT

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 – Repak Award Winner 2023 – Community Recycler of the Year

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

National Social Enterprise Conference 2023

On By JMCEIn Event, News, Social Enterprise, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

5th Annual National Social Enterprise Conference

The Department of Rural and Community Development is delighted to invite you to the 5th Annual National Social Enterprise Conference which will take place on International Social Enterprise Day, Thursday, 16th November, 2023.

This event will be held in the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe. Co. Galway from 9.30am. The conference will also be virtually live-streamed if you can’t be in Ballinasloe on the day.

Event Header

About the day?

Ireland’s National Social Enterprise Policy wisely includes a commitment to hold an annual Social Enterprise Conference as part of its objective to build awareness of Social Enterprise and the services offered to communities across our country. The Conference aims to provide networking opportunities, disseminate information, share experience and inform policy implementation.

What to expect?

  • Key policy updates from the Department of Rural and Community Development including planning for the next Social Enterprise Policy 2024-2027.
  • Panel discussions on trading income, philanthropy, technology, governance and climate action.
  • Networking opportunities with social enterprise practitioners and support organisations.

Just a reminder?

The definition of social enterprise is evolving nationally and internationally and is likely to continue to do so as social enterprises themselves adapt to new societal challenges.

Definition of Social Enterprise – National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019-2022

The definition will also evolve as national and local governments and wider society understand more fully the nature of social enterprise and their contribution to social and economic development.

How to attend?

Those wishing to attend the event in Ballinasloe are invited to confirm your attendance – either in-person or via live stream – before 30th October at 12pm. Please click here to do so.

The Speakers

Click here to get to know the speakers and panelist for the conference. You can also get an insight into the breakout sessions which you might like to attend on the day.

About Recycle IT

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

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

Recycle IT Collection Van