Tag: Recycle

Network Electronics – Safe Recycling

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Networking Equipment – Safe Recycling

Recycling electronics including all types of networking equipment used at home, in schools, charities or in business is essential for protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable recovery for reuse. Network devices are found nearly everywhere as they manage data traffic, provide security, and enable connectivity on internal networks or across the internet.

Electronic waste, often called e-waste, includes network items like routers, switches, modems, cables, and other components of networking systems. These items contain valuable materials, but they also pose significant environmental and health risks if not disposed of properly.

Network Equipment

Managing Dublin’s E-Waste

Dublin and surrounding areas like the rest of Ireland, generates a significant amount of electronic waste every year. In 2023, Ireland recycled 41,730 tonnes of e-waste, including computer equipment and other electronics. This is equivalent to approximately 18.1 million devices. Dublin contributed significantly to this effort, with residents recycling thousands of tonnes of electronic waste.

Despite these achievements, there’s room for improvement. A recent report from the Ireland EPA covering 2022 showed that Ireland’s e-waste collection rate had fallen to 51.2%, below the EU target of 65%. This indicates that many electronic items are still being discarded improperly, potentially harming the environment.

Recycling Computer Equipment: Key Statistics

Computers and related networking devices make up a large portion of e-waste. In Ireland, an average of 10 kg of e-waste per person is collected annually. However, it’s estimated that each household in Dublin owns about 5-10 unused electronic items, including old computers and networking devices.

Map of Dublin Area

In 2022, Dublin residents recycled more than 11,000 tonnes of electrical waste, a significant portion of which consisted of computers, printers, and networking equipment. Yet, surveys show that about one in eight people still throw small electronics, including cables and modems, into their general waste bins, where they are not recycled.

Protecting the Environment

Networking equipment often contains hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. When these items are improperly discarded, toxic chemicals can leach into the soil and water, contaminating the environment. This pollution harms wildlife and can even affect human health. Safe recycling ensures that hazardous materials are handled responsibly, preventing them from causing long-term damage to Dublin’s natural surroundings.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 

In addition, recycling helps conserve natural resources. Networking equipment often contains metals like copper, gold, and silver, which are finite resources. By recycling these items, Dublin can reduce the need for mining new materials, which is energy-intensive and environmentally destructive. This contributes to a more sustainable future for the city and its residents.

Reducing Waste in Landfills

Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing types of waste globally. Dublin, as a thriving urban area, generates significant amounts of e-waste annually. Without proper recycling, this waste ends up in landfills or incinerators and releases harmful substances. Recycling large and small e-waste items including networking equipment helps reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, keeping Dublin cleaner and more efficient in managing its waste systems.

Supporting the Circular Economy

Safe recycling also supports the circular economy. In a circular economy, products are reused, repaired, or recycled rather than thrown away. By recycling networking equipment, Dublin can recover valuable materials and reintroduce them into the production cycle. This reduces the demand for raw materials and helps create jobs in recycling and refurbishing industries. Such efforts contribute to Dublin’s economic growth while promoting sustainability.

Complying with Regulations

In Ireland, there are strict regulations governing the disposal of e-waste, including networking equipment. These laws aim to ensure that electronic waste is recycled safely and responsibly. By following these regulations, individuals and businesses in Dublin can avoid legal penalties and contribute to the city’s overall waste management goals.

Network Equipment Home and Office

Enhancing Cybersecurity

Improper disposal of networking equipment can also pose cybersecurity risks. Many devices store sensitive information, such as passwords, network configurations, and personal data. If these items are not recycled properly, this data could fall into the wrong hands. Reputable recycling programs ensure that all data is securely wiped or destroyed before the equipment is processed, protecting individuals and businesses from potential security breaches.

Making Recycling Accessible in Dublin

Dublin offers several options for safely recycling electronic networking equipment. Local recycling centres and collection points make it easy for residents to dispose of their e-waste responsibly. Both households and business can recycle equipment safely with Recycle IT, a community recycling service.

What You Can Do

As a resident or business owner in Dublin, you can play a vital role in promoting safe recycling. Start by identifying the electronic items you no longer use. Look to certified recycling projects such a those operated by Recycle IT for help. If the equipment is still functional, consider donating it to charities or schools that might need it. Always ensure that your data is securely erased before recycling or donating your devices.

Team Work @ Recycle IT

Finally

Safe recycling of electronic networking equipment and related items is essential for Dublin City’s environmental, economic, and social well-being. By reducing pollution, conserving resources, supporting the circular economy, and enhancing cybersecurity, recycling plays a crucial role in building a sustainable future. With accessible recycling options and increasing awareness, Dublin’s residents and businesses can work together to ensure a cleaner, greener city for generations to come.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop-off service for all types of waste electrical, electronic and metal items.

Recycle IT offer drop-off and collection services to both homes and organizations in Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of printers and we can help recycle yours!

If you require data destruction we can offer a cost-effective service to households and organisations. Just email us to find out more.

Our electrical community collection service is provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.

To speak with Recycle IT please call 01 4578321 or email us here

Visit our website www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT Collections

GreenBoost4WISEs – Naples, Italy

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

ReMade Naples

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Naples, the Remade community stands as a shining example of how grassroots efforts can drive environmental and social change. Part of the broader GreenBoost4WISEs initiative, this community is redefining how we approach sustainability, inclusion, and economic resilience. The project exemplifies how small, determined actions can ripple outward, inspiring a movement toward a greener and more equitable future.

ReMade

ReMade is a micro-production laboratory, where an alternative model that integrates processes of digital fabrication, recycling and co-design is experimented with. It aspires to reduce the environmental impact of urban waste management by investigating new relationships between ideation, consumption and production.

Eco Culture

It conducts creative workshops to spread digital culture and ecological thinking particularly in communities that are very socially marginalized. The goal is to spread and experiment with reuse, product design, to develop circular economy models in Naples. Through recycled plastic, the ReMade community gives life to design objects strongly linked to Neapolitan identity and culture,

Plastics for Redesign and Reuse

Another impressive feature is their commitment to community energy efficiency. Solar panels power much of the facility, and water is conserved through rainwater harvesting systems.

GreenBoost4WISEs

These initiatives align with the goals of GreenBoost4WISEs, demonstrating how social enterprises can lead the way in adopting green practices.

The GreenBoost4WISEs (Green Boost for Work Integration Social Enterprises) project is a European initiative designed to foster sustainability and green innovation within social enterprises. It aims to empower Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs), which focus on creating employment opportunities for marginalized groups while advancing environmentally conscious practices.

GreenBoost Participant Group, Nov 2024

GreenBoost4WISEs brings together a network of project partners from across Italy including those in Naples, Austrian and Ireland. These social enterprise partners aim to embrace greater sustainability. The learning offered aims to help transform and promote sustainable development in their workplace and amongst local communities which they serve.

The Remade Lab project is located at Via Capodimonte 13, Naples, around the Basilica of the Crowned Mother of Good Counsel and Queen of the Catholic Church. You can email: info@remadecommunitylab.it for further information.

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.

GreenBoost – Study Visit – Vienna

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Learning:

A study visit to Vienna, Austria, by Irish and Italian social enterprises offered participants a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, explore best practices, and build cross-border collaborations. The visit focused on understanding Vienna’s model of social entrepreneurship and how it can inspire innovative approaches to work, sustainability and positive environmental impacts and in Austria, Ireland and Italy.

Study Visit Participant

Exploring

Vienna, known for its strong social economy, provided a rich setting for exploring how social enterprises contribute to inclusive economic development. The Irish and Italian participants visited local social enterprises working in diverse fields such as urban sustainability, food preparation, kitchen manufacturing and installation, laundry, garden, painting services, all while offering employment and training for marginalized groups.

These organizations shared insights on how they navigate local employment frameworks, funding mechanisms, and partnerships with local governments to create sustainable business models with a social impact.

Wein Work Gardening Tools

Workshops and discussions allowed for in-depth knowledge exchange, particularly around topics such as social inclusion, eco-friendly practices, and innovative finance. The visit increase awareness and potential for replicating successful models in Ireland and Italy, fostering a collaborative European network of social enterprises.

Participants left the visit with fresh ideas, new partnerships, and a strengthened sense of solidarity, ready to implement innovative projects that address social and environmental challenges in their respective countries, while building bridges between Ireland, Italy, and Austria.

About Wienwork

WienWork is one of Austria’s eight integrative companies . They all offer people people who are disadvantaged in the labor market, in other words, cannot find a job a (re-)entry into working life and all the benefit which go with that. Currently WienWork employ around 800 people, of which 180 are young people in inter-company inclusive vocational training in 11 different apprenticeships. You can learn more here.

Locations of Social Enterprises in Austria

About Dismantling and Recycling Center Vienna

The team visited the city based, Dismantling and Recycling Center (DRZ) to see the formal recycling, reuse and upcycling of old electrical devices. In Vienna, more than 8,000 tons of waste electrical and electronic equipment are collected every year. Around 1,500 tons of these items are collection and recycled at DRZ each year.

DRZ Vienna

The organisations social mission, as a socio-economic company is to “enable job seekers to re-enter the labor market on behalf of the Vienna Employment Service (AMS) ” DRZ has progressed over the years to achieve success as an official employment programme. DZR is also a recognized EMAS and EfB certified e-waste collection and treatment company. You can learn more about DRZ here

About GreenBoost

This study visit was made possible with support from GreenBoost4WISEs, a project co-financed by the EU Single Market Programme. The objective is to make business and processes of work integrated social enterprises more sustainable and to raise awareness on benefits of greener practices through capacity building, knowledge transfer and transnational cooperation. You can learn more here.

Some Benefits

Recycle IT see environmental sustainability as a benefit for our operations and team. The benefits include shared learning, fostering a sustainable workplace, taking care in handling waste with pollutants, and promoting environmental well-being.

These actions can lead to enhanced job satisfaction as employees contribute to meaningful, eco-friendly initiatives. We hope the learning can create long-term job security by supporting the enterprise’s resilience and reputation in the green economy.

Information Session at Electronic Dismantling and Recycling Center (DRZ)

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 Partners

Climate Action Funding

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Successful

Recycle IT, an Irish not for profit, social enterprise focused on recycling electrical and electronic equipment, has recently received funding from the Irish Government’s Climate Action Fund through South Dublin County Council. This funding will help Recycle IT in their efforts to promote the recycling of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) by making it easier for people to recycle small items like old phones, kettles, and other devices.

Climate Change Logo

Recycle IT’s new initiative will focus on placing special recycling receptacles in communities across South Dublin. These receptacles are designed specifically for collecting small electrical and electronic items that people no longer use or that are broken. Often, these kinds of items can end up in regular household waste bins, which leads to environmental harm because electronic devices contain materials that can be hazardous if not disposed of properly. By offering these recycling points in local areas, Recycle IT hopes to encourage more people to dispose of their old items safely and responsibly.

Easy Recycling

The new wheeled recycling bins will be placed in public spaces where people already go as part of their daily lives. These locations could include community centres, libraries, and other public places. By choosing spots where people visit regularly, Recycle IT is making it convenient for everyone to recycle their old electronics. For example, someone might visit their local community centre for a class or event, and while they are there, they can quickly drop off any small electronic items they no longer need.

Recycle IT – WEEE Recycling Receptacle Example

Goals

One of the main goals of the project is to make the recycling process as simple as possible. Instead of people having to travel to recycling centres, they can now drop off their items at nearby locations during their usual activities. In real terms this can help reduce carbon emissions, ease traffic and increasing recycling rates. Recycle IT understands that people are more likely to recycle if it is convenient for them. That’s why the organization will work closely with communities in South Dublin to identify the best places to put these recycling bins.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and to promote a more sustainable approach to waste management. When electrical and electronic items are recycled, valuable materials such as metals and plastics can be recovered and reused. This helps to reduce the need for new raw materials, conserving natural resources and cutting down on the energy required to produce new products. Additionally, recycling prevents hazardous substances found in electronics, such as lead and mercury, from being released into the environment.

UN Sustainable Development Goals – Goal 13 Climate Change

General Manager at Recycle IT, Una Lavelle says, “he is funding from the Climate Action Fund is crucial for this project. It allows Recycle IT to purchase and install the new recycling receptacles and helps us raise awareness about the importance of recycling e-waste. The Irish Government’s Climate Action Fund supports projects that can make a real difference in reducing the country’s carbon emissions and protecting the environment and this initiative fits perfectly into these goals. We are delighted”.

Actions in South Dublin

Move forward over the next 18 month, Recycle IT will engage with South Dublin County Council and local community groups to spread the word about the new initiative. Our team plan to work with community groups, schools, colleges and local organisations to make sure that everyone knows about the new service and understands how to use it. By involving the community, Recycle IT hopes to create a strong sense of shared responsibility for reducing e-waste and taking care of the environment.

South Dublin Climate Action Plan 2024 – 2029 – Click here to open

One of the first steps in the project will be to consult with local communities to find the best places to install the recycling bins. Locations such as local libraries, community centres, and other public buildings are ideal, as people visit these places regularly for various reasons. The idea is to make recycling as easy as possible, so people can simply bring their old or broken electronics with them the next time they are heading out.

Finally

In conclusion, this new project, funded by the Climate Action Fund and supported by South Dublin County Council is an exciting step towards making e-waste recycling more accessible for people in South Dublin. By placing recycling receptacles in convenient locations and working with the community to promote their use, Recycle IT is helping to protect the environment and reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills. Through this initiative, the people of South Dublin will have a simple and effective way to recycle their old or broken electrical items, contributing to a cleaner, greener future for everyone.

Learn more about Recycle IT @ www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT Log

Mattress Recycling Initiative – 2024

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Background to Recycling

In 2023 an EU Impact Assessment Report states mattresses currently have a reuse and recycling rate of 20% across the EU and generate approx. 240,000 tonnes of textile waste per year. The report go’s on to say “discarded mattresses are unlikely to be resold in social enterprises and are more likely to be sent for recycling where their most valuable components (metals and foams) are removed for safe recycling

Support with Mattress Recycling – Recycle IT

In July 2202, the Community Resources Network Ireland released a briefing paper titled “Improving Mattress Recycling”. It states mattresses are complex and bulky products that have traditionally been managed within a linear economy model. This model is also called the “take-make-waste economy, ” meaning we take the world’s resources, make a product, use that product, and make it waste. This waste is mainly handled at the bottom of the waste hierarchy.

The report says the market is starting to shift toward more circularity. Key suppliers, such as the foam industry are beginning to invest in recycling options while manufacturers and retailers are also looking to natural materials such as foams or the overall design to ensure ease of dismantling or include recycled content.

Mattress Recycling Initiative at Recycle IT

The Sleep Foundation suggests replacing your mattress if one or more of the following apply:

  • It’s 6-8+ years old
  • It’s negatively affecting your sleep
  • It’s noticeably saggy or damaged in certain areas
  • It’s making more noise than usual (noisy springs are common in old innerspring mattresses)
  • You find that you sleep better at hotels, friends’ houses, etc.
  • You notice an increase in allergies and/or asthma
  • You regularly wake up with muscle or joint stiffness

What Can Be Recycled

About 80% of materials in the average mattress can be recycled. That’s because most are made of steel springs, a wood frame, polyurethane foam and fabric. All mattress types are fair game, from traditional innerspring mattresses to latex, hybrid and memory foam options. And yes, you can recycle nontoxic mattresses and organic mattresses. (Source: Green Living – The Readers Digest).

Mattress Recycling 2023

Disposing of Old Mattresses

Many households struggle with how best to dispose of old and unwanted mattresses after spending hundreds or in some cases thousands of euros on a new or specialized mattress. Most people would prefer not to spend much money on the disposal of old mattresses. 

One option is to visit your local civic amenity site. They usually accept old mattresses for recycling, but getting the mattress to the location can be a challenge in terms of time and cost. You’ll also need a vehicle big enough to fit a mattress.

If you have a car but your boot is too small to fit the mattress when flat, you might find it fits if you roll it up and fasten it with rope. This effort usually takes 2 people. You might also use a van to get your mattress to the civic amenity site/mattress recycling centre.

Mattress Recycling for Reuse

When you hand over your old mattress for recycling it will make its way to a specialist social enterprise operating as mattress recycling facility in Ireland, Most of the recycling breakdown and separation work is done by hand. You will see the general steps in the table below.

Mattress Drop Off at Recycle IT, Dublin 22
Mattress materialHow is it recycledWhat it is recycled into
Metal springs removedShipped and melted down for reuseHow is it recycled
Foam padding separated Extracted/cleaned for reuseFurniture stuffing, pillows, and carpet underlay
Spilt natural fibre (i.e. wool & cotton)Washed and spun into new fibreInsulation, new yarn, or other recycled textiles
Detach outer fabricStripped from mattress and shredded downLow-grade fabric, refuse-derived fuel (renewable energy)

Mattress Recycling 2025

To help, Recycle IT offers a simple, convenient, sustainable and free solution over a number of weeks each year. Householders can drop off Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 3pm

Our facility will open on a number of Saturdays in September between 9.30am and 12.30pm with dates to be confirmed. There will be a number of community collection days in different areas of South Dublin. These areas will be confirmed closer to the confirmed the dates for the 2025 Mattress Recycling Amnesty

  1. This Mattress Recycling Amnesty is for householders only and is not open to business
  2. Help will be on hand to lift and move old mattresses from cars and vans to the mattress recycling colleciton point. We will also be open on a number of Saturday mornings (dates to be confirmed).
  3. Recycle IT will accept mattresses. Teams can accept metal bed frames but we are unable to accept wooden bed frames.
  4. During this initiative Recycle IT can offer cost effective personal collections to homes wishing to recycle an old mattress.
  5. You will find the Recycle IT, address, telephone number and a map here.

Listen to Una Lavelle, General Manager at Recycle IT speaking with Sunshine 106.8 FM about mattress and electrical recycling during. Click here.

Please Note: Free Mattress Recycling ended on Saturday 28th September 2024. Recycle IT are no longer accepting mattresses free of charge. We would hope to offer free mattress recycling again in 2025.

Mattress Recycling Event 2022

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is a not-for-profit, social enterprise working to deliver environmentally friendly recycling solutions and real training and employment opportunities.

Recycle IT operates under the Community Services Programme (CSP). The programme supports community companies and co-operatives to deliver local social, economic, and environmental services that disadvantaged communities. The Community Services Programme is managed for the Department of Rural and Community Development by Pobal, a not-for-profit company tasked with managing programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the EU. Recycle IT is one of over 400 social enterprises operating with funding support from the programme in Ireland.

This Free Mattress Recycling Initiative is supported by: South Dublin County Council and operated by Recycle IT for a limited period.

Learn more @ www.recycleit.ie

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