Sandyford Business District is hosting a Free Electrical Recycling Event to help local people, employees working in nearby businesses, and businesses themselves recycle their old or broken electrical items safely and responsibly. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to promote sustainability and reduce waste in the community.
Event Photos
Event Details:
Date: Thursday April 10th 2025
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: Dominic Smith Expert Electrical Sandyford, Unit 4, Leopardstown Retail Park, D18
Recycler: Recycle IT
Cost: Free (household / small office electrical / electronic equipment).
This event provides a convenient way for everyone to dispose of unwanted electrical items without harming the environment. Whether it’s an old laptop, a broken toaster, or outdated office equipment, all electrical items will be collected and recycled properly.
Who Can Participate?
Local Residents – Get rid of old electrical items cluttering your home.
Employees in Local Businesses – Drop off broken personal gadgets or work-related electronic waste.
Businesses – Dispose of obsolete office electronics in an environmentally friendly way.
What Can You Recycle? You can bring in a wide range of electrical and electronic items, including:
Why Recycle Electronics? Electronic waste contains materials that can be harmful if not disposed of correctly. Recycling ensures that valuable components are recovered, reducing landfill waste and preventing pollution. By participating in this event, you contribute to a cleaner and greener Sandyford.
How to Take Part Simply bring your unwanted electrical items to the designated collection point on the event day. Our team will handle the rest, ensuring all items are processed safely.
Join us in making a positive impact!
About Recycle IT
Spread the word and encourage others to participate. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for our community.
Recycle IT is anaward-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
Households and small offices should prioritize easy and safe electrical and electronic recycling to reduce e-waste, prevent pollution, and conserve natural resources. Proper disposal minimizes toxic hazards, supports a circular economy, and promotes sustainability. Recycling responsibly protects the environment, conserves energy, and fosters a cleaner, healthier community for everyone.
Here are 36 simple tips and reasons for households and small offices to focus on easy and safe electrical and electronic recycling in their community:
Promoting Electrical and Electronic Recycling – Recycle IT
Why Recycling Matters
Reduces E-Waste – Prevents harmful waste from ending up in landfills.
Protects the Environment – Stops toxic substances like lead and mercury from polluting soil and water.
Saves Energy – Recycling materials requires less energy than mining new ones.
Conserves Natural Resources – Reduces the need for raw materials like metals and plastics.
Reduces Carbon Footprint – Helps lower emissions from manufacturing new products.
Prevents Illegal Dumping – Ensures hazardous waste is properly handled.
Promotes a Circular Economy – Recycled materials can be reused in new products.
Supports Local Jobs – Encourages employment and training in recycling.
Improves Community Cleanliness – Reduces clutter and dumping of old electronics.
Encourages Responsible Consumption – Promotes awareness about sustainability.
Mixed Electrical and Electronic Equipment – Recycle IT
How to Recycle Safely
Find Local Recycling Programs – Check government or community websites for e-waste collection and centres – Recycle IT is one!
Use Retailer Take-Back Services – Many stores accept old electronics when purchasing new ones.
Donate Working Devices – Offer functional electronics to schools, charities, or community centres.
Schedule E-Waste Collection Days – Participate in local events for safe disposal.
Remove Personal Data – Wipe all devices before or during recycling to protect your information.
Separate Batteries – Dispose of all equipment properly to avoid leaks and fire hazards.
Know What Can Be Recycled – Items like old phones, laptops, printers, and cables can be recycled.
Avoid Landfill Disposal – Never throw electronics in any domestic or office bin.
Use Authorised Recyclers – Choose recycling initiatives approved by authorities with collection and facility permits to allow safe recycling.
Follow Local Guidelines – Some areas have specific rules for disposing of e-waste.
Mixed Electrical and Electronic Equipment – Recycle IT
Easy Steps for Home / Office Recycling
Create a Recycling Station – Set up a dedicated space for used electronics.
Label Recycling Bins – Clearly mark bins for batteries, cables, and devices.
Educate Family & Employees – Inform others about e-waste recycling importance.
Encourage Repairs – Fix devices instead of replacing them when possible.
Upgrade Responsibly – Sell or trade in old electronics when upgrading.
Use Cloud Storage – Reduce the need for physical storage devices.
Unplug Unused Devices – Reduces energy waste and extends product lifespan.
Buy Recycled Products – Support brands that use recycled materials.
Minimize Purchases – Only buy new electronics when necessary.
Support E-Waste Policies – Advocate for better recycling laws in your community.
Mixed Electrical and Electronic Equipment – Recycle IT
Benefits of E-Waste Recycling
Less Clutter at Home & Office – Keeps spaces organized and free of old tech.
Encourages Responsible Manufacturing – Companies improve designs for reuse and recyclability.
Promotes Sustainable Living – Helps build a greener future.
Reduces Health Risks – Prevents exposure to harmful e-waste chemicals.
Improves Waste Management – Ensures better handling of hazardous materials.
Builds a Conscious Community – Encourages collective efforts for environmental responsibility.
By adopting these simple habits, households and small offices can contribute to a safer and greener planet while managing their electronics responsibly!
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is an award-winning, not-for-profit, social enterprise established to create employment and promote environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. We work in partnership with WEEE Ireland and are authorized by your local authority to provide electrical, electronic and pure metal recycling collections across Dublin since 2007. Recycle IT are fully compliant with WEEE Recycling Requirements and permit details are available here.
For more information about Recycle IT please click here.
Benefits of Authorized E-Waste Recycling in Ireland
In the age of rapidly advancing technology, the importance of responsible electronic waste disposal cannot be overstated. Recycling e-waste prevents toxic substances from entering our bodies and into the environment and reduces the harmful environmental impacts created by new materials. Ireland, like many other countries, faces the challenge of managing electronic waste efficiently.
My Waste – Dumping Poster
In this blog post, we will explore the pitfalls associated with using unauthorized electrical recycling collections in Ireland and shed light on the benefits of opting for authorized services. Additionally, we will delve into the positive impact authorised electrical recycling organizations have on training, employment, and their broader social and economic contributions. Below you with find some of the pitfalls of unauthorised electrical recycling Collections:
Environmental Hazards:
Unauthorised electrical recycling collections often lack the infrastructure to handle electronic waste responsibly. This can lead to environmental hazards, as hazardous materials from improperly disposed electronic devices may contaminate soil and water, posing a significant threat to ecosystems and public health.
Data Security Risks:
With the abundance of sensitive information stored on electronic devices, unauthorized collections present a significant risk to data security. Inadequate data destruction methods can leave personal and confidential information exposed, potentially leading to identity theft or other forms of data misuse.
Legal Implications:
Ireland has strict regulations governing electronic waste disposal. Engaging with unauthorized services may result in legal consequences, including fines and penalties. Authorized electrical recycling services adhere to these regulations, ensuring compliance and safeguarding individuals and businesses from legal repercussions.
Drop Off Safely – Its Free at Recycle IT
Lack of Accountability:
Unauthorized collections operate in a legal grey area, making it challenging to hold them accountable for their actions. This lack of accountability can result in irresponsible disposal practices, further exacerbating environmental and legal concerns.
There are huge benefits related to authorised electrical recycling collections some of which you will find listed below.
Environmental Responsibility:
Authorized electrical recycling services prioritize environmentally sustainable practices. They employ advanced technologies to safely dismantle and recycle electronic devices, reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste and contributing to a greener, healthier planet.
Data Security Assurance:
Authorized services implement robust data destruction measures to ensure the secure disposal of sensitive information. This commitment to data security offers peace of mind to individuals and businesses entrusting their electronic devices for recycling.
Training and Skill Development:
Authorized electrical recycling organizations contribute to the training and skill development of their employees. Workers receive specialized training in electronic waste management, fostering expertise in handling, dismantling, and recycling various types of electronic devices.
Recycle IT Collection Van
Employment Opportunities:
Authorized electrical recycling services create employment opportunities for individuals, contributing to economic growth. The demand for skilled workers in electronic waste management opens doors for those seeking employment in a field that addresses both environmental and technological concerns.
Social and Economic Impact:
Authorized organizations play a pivotal role in the community by promoting responsible waste management practices. They contribute to a circular economy, reducing the reliance on finite resources and creating a sustainable model for future generations.
WEEE Ireland – Recycle for Good
Please Remember
The choice between authorized and unauthorised electrical recycling collections in Ireland extends beyond immediate convenience. Authorised collection support environmental sustainability, data security, legal compliance, and accountability. Opting for authorized services not only ensures responsible electronic waste disposal but also contributes positively to training, employment, and the broader social and economic fabric of the community. As we navigate the complexities of our digital world, making informed choices in electronic waste management becomes increasingly crucial for a sustainable and thriving future.
You can learn more about Illegal Waste Collections here
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
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
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 anaward-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
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to buy electronics like TVs, laptops, or smartphones. Discounts can save you a lot of money! Black Friday online sales grew 8% year-over-year (YoY) to $70.9 billion globally in 2023. Statista says, in 2024, over 80 percent of consumers in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Turkey were planning to make purchases during Black Friday. But what happens to your old or broken electronics? It’s important to recycle them safely to protect the environment. The following might help!
Black Friday Sales
1. Plan Your Purchase
Before heading out to shop, think about what you need. Do you want a bigger TV or a laptop for work? Write a list so you don’t overspend.
2. Research Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
Check online stores like Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy. Compare prices to get the best deal on your new TV or gadget. Don’t forget to read reviews before buying!
3. Don’t Throw Away Old Electronics
Old TVs, phones, or laptops should not go in the trash. They contain materials like plastic, glass, and metals. If thrown away, these can harm the environment.
4. Reuse, Donate, or Sell
If your old items still work:
Reuse them: Turn an old laptop into a backup or media device.
Donate: Give them to schools, charities, or friends.
Sell for Reuse: Once wiped, websites like eBay or Done Deal might help.
E-Waste At Recycle IT
5. Recycle Safely
If your items are damaged:
Find a local Recycling Centre or many electrical stores accept old electronics for free.
E-Waste Events: Some towns and cities hold e-waste collection in the days before Christmas.
Manufacturer Takeback: Some brands will take back old products. Check their websites!
6. Benefits of Recycling
Save Resources: Recycling allows parts to be reused, saving raw materials.
Reduce Pollution: Proper disposal prevents harmful chemicals from leaking into soil or water.
Conserve Energy: Making new products from recycled materials uses less energy.
7. Buy Energy-Efficient Electronics
Look for TVs and devices with the Energy Star label. They use less power and save you money on your electricity bill. It’s another way to help the planet
While shopping during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, remember to focus on quality over quantity. Sometimes, the cheapest options aren’t the most durable. A slightly more expensive product might last longer and offer better value in the long run. Additionally, avoid upgrading unnecessarily. If your current electronics are still functional and meet your needs, consider skipping the sale altogether to reduce waste.
Spread Awareness
Share your knowledge about recycling and eco-friendly practices with others. Many people aren’t aware of the harmful effects of e-waste or the options for responsible disposal. Encourage friends and family to recycle their electronics, donate usable items, and buy energy-efficient products.
Finally
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are exciting times to score great deals on electronics, but it’s just as important to think about what happens to the old items you replace. By reusing, donating, selling, or recycling your old electronics, you can reduce waste and help protect the environment. Shopping for energy-efficient devices also contributes to a greener planet. With a little planning, you can enjoy your new purchases while making a positive impact.
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.
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.
“Take a Minute, Before You Bin It” is a thoughtful campaign launched by My Waste Ireland. Its message is simple but powerful: pause before you throw something away and consider if it could be recycled, reused, or composted. This campaign is part of Ireland’s ongoing effort to reduce waste and protect the environment. By encouraging everyone to think about their waste, the campaign hopes to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, conserve resources, and cut down on pollution. You can even play an online game to help! More below.
Reasons
One of the biggest reasons for this campaign is the serious waste problem facing Ireland and many other EU countries. Each year, tons of waste end up incinerated, in landfills, polluting soil and water. A lot of this waste could have been recycled or composted instead. When waste ends up in landfills, it doesn’t disappear; it often remains in the environment for years, even centuries. This is especially true for plastic waste, which doesn’t break down naturally and instead can turn into microplastics, harming animals and ecosystems.
The “Take a Minute, Before You Bin It” campaign encourages us to think carefully about each item before throwing it away. For example, can the item be recycled? Many everyday items like plastic bottles, paper, electrical equipment and cans can be recycled instead of going to the trash. Recycling reduces the need for raw materials, which helps conserve resources like water, energy, and minerals. It’s a simple habit that makes a big difference.
Composting is another excellent option for reducing waste, especially for organic items like food scraps and yard clippings. Instead of throwing these into the trash where they can produce methane (a harmful greenhouse gas) in landfills, composting turns them into nutrient-rich soil. This soil can be used to grow plants and vegetables, giving back to the environment and reducing pollution.
Reusing is also a key part of this campaign. Items like jars, bags, and even old clothing can often be used again instead of being thrown away. For example, a glass jar can be washed and used for storage, or an old shirt can become a cleaning rag. This helps reduce waste and is often cost-effective, as it reduces the need to buy new items.
Mindfulness
This campaign also focuses on creating a habit of mindfulness about waste. Many of us throw things away without thinking, but the “Take a Minute” approach helps us slow down and make thoughtful decisions. Over time, these small decisions can have a huge positive impact on the environment. When we think about our waste, we’re more likely to make better choices and take responsibility for reducing the waste we produce.
Communities and schools are a big part of the “Take a Minute, Before You Bin It” message. Teaching kids to be mindful about waste from a young age helps create a new generation that understands and cares about the environment. By having clear recycling bins, compost areas, and reusing stations in schools, children can learn these habits early and carry them into adulthood.
In Summary
“Take a Minute, Before You Bin It” is a simple, impactful campaign that encourages us to make better choices about our waste. By recycling, reusing, and composting, we can reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, conserve resources, and protect the planet. This one small action—taking a minute to think—has the power to create a cleaner, healthier future for everyone in Ireland and beyond.
Play the “Take a Minute, Before You Bin It” game here – Have some fun at home!
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). During 2023 Recycle IT offered drop off and collection services to over ten of thousands of homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of electricals which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TV’s.
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.
Recycle IT – Community Recycling Initiative of the Year 2023
It doesn’t matter if you are a large or small organisation, a community group, farmer or charity, reduction of waste and reuse of materials are the first steps in demonstrating you are environmentally aware, keen to help reduce waste and contribute positively towards climate change. Enthusiasm is the key and possibly the first step in implementing a simple, workable and worthwhile environmental guidelines or policy to suit your needs.
Eco Friendly Workplace
Eco-Friendly Behavior
Recycling is an easy and effective way to encourage eco-friendly behavior while allowing you contribute towards a positive impact on climate across the world or “Your Global Market Place” We can all do our part for our earth every day by simply recycling bottles, metal, paper, electronics and other waste products.
Although recycling is important, it’s only one part of the three R’s. Recycling is sometimes considered the easier choice as its similar to throwing something away. It’s not much different to putting the item in a different bin or making a call to arrange a collection of an old PC or printer. However, there are many opportunities in a day for reducing or reusing what you think are waste materials.
Circular Economy Model.
Eco-friendly behavior in the workplace is vital for a circular economy. By reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling, employees and companies help protect the environment and save resources. Simple actions like reducing paper use, conserving energy, and recycling office supplies support sustainability. This approach lowers costs, reduces pollution, and creates a positive impact for future generations
18 Workplace Tips
Ask employees to make double-sided copies when using a copier.
Find a way to compost paper towel waste used across your organisation.
Source a brown bin for all kitchen waste from the kitchen, canteen, dining rooms, cafe, or coffee dock.
Eliminated food trays to help reduce food waste.
Install microwaves so people can reuse food cooked at home.
Replace all bottled water with inline water filters to allow refilling.
Reuse and recycle surplus furniture by partnering with charity shops and reuse centres.
Pre-sort solid waste generated in your organisation e.g. cans, glass, paper, cardboard, plastic bags, batteries, smart phone batteries, smartphones, and fluorescent lights etc.
Collect and recycle vehicle waste including lubricants, antifreeze, oil filters, tires, and batteries.
Recycle electronics equipment from your charity, school or community group free by simply emailing info@recycleit.ie
Personal electronics waste can be recycled through a free WEEE to Work collection day.
Collect kitchen grease and oils for recycling and reuse e.g. Keen Oils.
Ask employees to make double-sided copies when printing reports or presentation or just don’t print reports or presentations, use power-point.
Send emails or use electronic document sharing tools rather than printing.
Reuse cardboard delivery boxes in which reports, flyers, paper etc. arrive in.
Buy reusable or recycled products before considering other purchases.
Research and consider installing solar or similar to improve your carbon footprint,
Moving Forward
Recycle IT engage with many schools, communities, charities and business organisations across Dublin to recycle electronic, electronic and pure metal equipment. From our experience, a Zero Waste Policy which supports the circular economy a great starting point for your eco journey.
Circular Raw Materials for Reuse
It may take some time but at least you have made a start! Get going by creating a team from different departments. Include staff and management, volunteers or students in developing a simple workable plan for reducing and diverting 100% of your waste stream over a defined time period and remember it should not cost the earth!
You might start with the purchase of product and services for operational use. Before purchasing new products all stakeholders should try to consider an item’s true cost, how quickly the product will need to be replaced and whether it can be reused, re-purposed and recycled. Cheaper products may seem attractive but are not always the best environmental, financial or lasting solution.
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). During 2023 Recycle IT offered drop off and collection services to over ten of thousands of homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of electricals which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TV’s.
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.
Recycle IT – Community Recycling Initiative of the Year 2023
Please do request more information from Recycle IT about our recycling service on 01 4578321 or email info@recycleit.ie
Recycling old electronics, lights, and decorations during Halloween or Samhain 2024 is a great way to protect the environment while celebrating responsibly. Many of us use lights, decorations, and gadgets during this holiday season, but what happens when they stop working or we no longer need them? It’s important to know how to safely recycle these items.
Why Recycling Electronics is Important
Old electronics, also called e-waste, contain harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, and cadmium. If thrown away in the trash, these chemicals can leak into the soil and water, causing pollution and harming wildlife. Recycling electronics helps recover valuable materials like copper, plastic, and glass, which can be reused to make new products. This reduces the need to mine new materials and lowers the amount of waste in landfills.
What Can You Recycle?
Common Halloween electronics include string lights, battery-operated decorations, and even old phones or tablets used to play spooky music or videos. These items should never be thrown in the regular trash. Most of them can be recycled, but it’s important to do it the right way.
Old String Lights: Many people use string lights for Halloween. If your lights are broken, don’t just toss them out. Look for special recycling programs that accept string lights. These programs separate the metal, plastic, and glass so they can be reused.
Battery-operated Decorations: Decorations with batteries should be recycled carefully. First, remove the batteries and take them to a battery recycling center. Then, check if your local recycling program accepts the plastic or metal parts of the decoration.
Old Electronics: Many people use old phones, tablets, or speakers for Halloween sounds. When these devices break, they should be taken to a special e-waste recycling centre. These centers can safely break down the devices and recycle the materials.
How to Recycle Safely
Find a Certified Recycling Centre: Many local recycling centres like Recycle IT accept old electronics and holiday lights. Check with your city or town to find a certified e-waste recycler.
Use Retail Take-back Scheme: Some stores offer take-back where you can return old electronics or lights. They often have bins where you can drop off items for free.
Mail-in Scheme: Recycle IT offer mail-in recycling. You can box up your old electronics and mail them to a recycling facility. This is a convenient option if you don’t have a local recycling centre. Our Eircode is D22 TK37
Properly Dispose of Batteries: Many Halloween decorations use small batteries. Always remove the batteries before recycling the decoration. Batteries contain harmful chemicals and need to be recycled separately.
Donate Usable Items: If your electronic decorations or gadgets still work but you don’t need them anymore, consider donating them to a thrift store, school, or community center. This keeps items out of the landfill and gives them a second life.
How to Avoid Waste Next Halloween
One of the best ways to reduce e-waste is to buy durable, reusable decorations. Look for solar-powered or energy-efficient LED lights, which last longer and use less energy. Instead of buying new electronics every year, take good care of the ones you already have by storing them properly when Halloween is over. Also, consider DIY decorations that don’t require electricity.
Finally
Recycling old electronics, lights, and decorations is an important part of celebrating Halloween or Samhain sustainably. By taking the time to recycle correctly, we can reduce pollution, protect wildlife, and conserve resources. Whether you drop off your old string lights at a local recycling center or donate gently used gadgets, every little action helps make our celebrations greener and safer for the planet.
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
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 is thrilled to be shortlisted for the South Dublin County Business Awards 2024. This recognition means a lot to the organisation, as it highlights the positive impact of our work in the community. As a small, not-for-profit organisation, we focus on recycling electronic waste (e-waste) while offering valuable training and employment opportunities to people who might face challenges finding work.
South Dublin County Business Awards 2024
Being shortlisted for this award gives Recycle IT an important boost. It raises awareness of our mission and lets more people know about the services we provide. This increased visibility can help us attract more household customers, partnerships, and trade with businesses, which is essential for the growth and sustainability of our initiatives. Awards like this one can also strengthen our reputation, making it easier to secure funding or grants that help us continue our work.
Value
For a small organisation like Recycle IT, an award can also boost morale among staff and trainees. It recognises the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, motivating them to keep pushing forward and improving our services. Additionally, the award highlights the environmental benefits of e-waste recycling, encouraging others to recycle responsibly and reduce waste.
Awards Night
Opportunity
In the long term, the recognition from being shortlisted can open doors to new opportunities. It may lead to increased partnerships with other businesses or community groups, which can help expand our training and employment initiatives. These opportunities can positively impact even more people in the local area, helping them gain skills and work experience while supporting a cleaner, greener environment.
The Awards Event will take place on Thursday 10th October in the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght D24. Wish us luck!
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is anaward-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
Recycle IT and South Dublin County Council are teaming up to host a special recycling event on Saturday, September 28th, 2024. This drop-off event will take place at the South Dublin County Hall carpark from 10am to 1pm. For directions to the location, please click here.
Mattress Recycling 2024
Mattress and Hazardous Liquid
During this event, you’ll have the opportunity to recycle a variety of household items, including old mattresses, electrical appliances (WEEE), and household hazardous liquids. This is a perfect chance to get rid of items that can’t be thrown in your regular waste bin, helping you do your part to protect the environment. Hazardous liquids such as paints, oils, or cleaning products should be handled with care, and this event makes it easy to dispose of them safely.
Old Paint Cans
Please note that after this event on Saturday Sept 28th, Recycle IT will no longer accept mattresses for free recycling. This makes the September 28th event a great opportunity to dispose of your old mattress at no extra cost. After the deadline, charges may apply for mattress disposal, so take advantage of this free service while you can.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Electrical waste, also known as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), includes items like old computers, phones, kitchen appliances, and other devices that run on electricity. Recycling these items helps recover valuable materials and reduces harmful waste.
So, mark your calendar for this important recycling event and gather any items you’d like to drop off. It’s a convenient, eco-friendly way to safely dispose of mattresses, hazardous liquids, and electronic waste!
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.
Join the E-Waste Hunt – Retrieve, Recycle, Revive!
Recycle IT is offering free community electrical recycling collections to residents in Dublin housing estates to celebrate International E-Waste Day on October 14, 2024. This year’s slogan is “Join the E-Waste Hunt – Retrieve, Recycle, and Revive!” The aim is to encourage people to search their homes for old or unused electronics and give them a new life through recycling. Many people keep old devices tucked away, not realizing that these items contain valuable materials that could be reused.
International E-Waste Day is an annual event that raises awareness about the importance of recycling electronic waste, or e-waste. E-waste includes items like old phones, broken computers, unused TVs, and other electronic devices. When not disposed of correctly, these items can harm the environment, but when recycled, they can provide materials like copper, aluminum, and even precious metals like gold. By recycling, these materials can be recovered and reused to create new products, reducing waste and the need for mining more raw materials.
Last year, 195 organizations from 55 countries across six continents took part in International E-Waste Day, with many more participating through activities, news reports, and online campaigns. This year, Recycle IT is doing its part by offering Dublin residents the opportunity to easily and safely dispose of their old electronics. Instead of letting these items gather dust in attics or cupboards, people can now recycle them for free, knowing they will be handled responsibly.
Responsible Electrical Waste Recycling
The slogan “Join the E-Waste Hunt – Retrieve, Recycle, and Revive!” encourages people to actively seek out the unused electronics hiding in their homes. Many of these devices contain valuable parts that can be refurbished, repaired, or recycled to make new products. This reduces the need for new raw materials and helps the environment by cutting down on waste and pollution.
Every year, the world produces millions of tonnes of e-waste, but only a small portion is properly recycled. Most of it ends up in landfills, where it can release harmful chemicals like lead and mercury into the soil and water. By participating in Recycle IT’s free e-waste collection, Dublin residents can help prevent this by ensuring their old electronics are safely recycled.
Collections
Recycle IT’s free collections make it easy for people to do their part in protecting the environment. This initiative supports the idea of a circular economy, where products are reused and recycled rather than thrown away. It’s a simple way to make a big difference, and all it takes is gathering up those unused electronics and dropping them off at a local collection point.
On October 14, 2024, Dublin residents can help “retrieve, recycle, and revive” their old electronics, giving them a new life and helping to make the planet a cleaner place. Recycle IT have collections scheduled from October 14th to October 18th but we are happy to support you with alternative date once you contact us on 01 4578321 and ask about FREE residents association WEEE recycling collections for Dublin.
You can read more International E-Waste Day 2024 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 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.
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.
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.
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
This Mattress Recycling Amnesty is for householders only and is not open to business
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).
Recycle IT will accept mattresses. Teams can accept metal bed frames but we are unable to accept wooden bed frames.
During this initiative Recycle IT can offer cost effective personal collections to homes wishing to recycle an old mattress.
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.
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.
The Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action meet in mid June 2024, to discuss the Circular Economy as it relates to Consumer Durables. Examples of consumer durable goods include vehicles, books, household goods (home electrical appliances, consumer electronics, furniture, musical instruments, tools, gardening tools, furniture, bicycles etc.), sports equipment, jewelry, medical equipment, toys and more.
The Group
Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Brian Leddin (TD for Limerick City and the Green Party Spokesperson for Transport, Climate Action and Environment) said: “Consumer durables are goods designed to last a long time and are not intended to be bought very often. Development of a circular economy requires shifting Ireland towards a more sustainable pattern of production and consumption, particularly when it comes to consumer durables”.
Circular Economy
“The development of reuse, repair, recycling and sharing schemes, as well as circular design and business models, all have roles to play in reducing waste generated by consumer durables. As part of our examination of how the Circular Economy Act is working since it became law two years ago”, The Committee as part of it work will discuss these issues and related matters with stakeholder groups including social enterprises and organisation representing the community reuse and recycling.
CRNI were joined on the day by two board members, Bernie Connolly (Cork Environmental Forum) and Una Lavelle (Recycle IT, Dublin). The Rediscovery Centre, the National Centre for the Circular Economy in Ireland and CRNI member were also invited to the committee session to present their findings.
Una Lavelle CRNI Director and General Manager – Recycle IT
To learn more about the main points covered please click here or to view the The Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action session on Oireachtas TV please click here.
About Parliamentary Committees
Parliamentary committees play an important role in the business of the Oireachtas. They can receive submissions and hear evidence from interested parties or groups; discuss and draft proposals for legislative change; print and publish minutes of evidence and related documents; and require attendance of Ministers to discuss current policies and proposals for legislation.
There are four types of committees:
Standing committee
Joint committee
Select committee
Special committee (rare)
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.
Technology is now part of our everyday live. From home to offices, buses to boats, school and colleges, computers tablets, PCs severs, and related software are an indispensable part of our modern life. Add personal items like smart watches, mobile phones, virtual assistants, and robot vacuums and mowers and we are all are touched by helpful or essential tech.
The downside is the lifespan with some items breaking sooner than they should or people always wanting the latest and greatest meaning items become waste or e-waste which is a major concern for the planet we live on!
What is e-waste?
According to the European Union (EU), electronic and electrical waste, or e-waste, covers a variety of different products that are thrown away after use.
These include:
Large household appliances, such as washing machines and electric stoves
IT and telecommunications equipment (laptops, printers)
Consumer equipment (video cameras, fluorescent lamps) and photovoltaic panels
Small household appliances (vacuum cleaners, toasters)
Other categories, such as electrical tools and medical devices
The EU also say e-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the Europe and less than 40% is recycled. You can view the facts and figures in the infographic below.
You can use the infographic to find out how many kilos of electronic equipment have been collected per inhabitant in Ireland and other EU countries.
Recycling practices vary among EU countries. In 2021, Austria topped the EU countries in electronic waste collection, with an average of 15.46 kilos per inhabitant. In 2021, 11 kilos of electrical and electronic equipment waste were collected per inhabitant in the EU on average.
Why recycle electronic and electrical waste?
Cast off electronic and electrical equipment contains potentially harmful materials that pollute the environment and increase the risks for people involved in recycling e-waste. To counter this problem, the EU has passed legislation to prevent the use of certain chemicals, like lead.
The EU say, many rare minerals that are needed in modern technology come from countries that do not respect human rights. To avoid inadvertently supporting armed conflict and human rights abuses, MEPs have adopted rules requiring European importers of rare earth minerals to carry out background checks on their suppliers.
USB Type-C
Changes for Us
The European Commission presented a new circular economy action plan in 2020 that has as one of its priorities the reduction of electronic and electrical waste. The proposal specifically outlined immediate goals like creating the right to repair and improving reusability in general, the introduction of a common charger and establishing a rewards system to encourage recycling electronics.
USB Type-C will become the common charger for most electronic devices in the EU by the end of 2024. Laptops will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port by 28 April 2026.
The Commission presented a new proposal to promote repairing and reusing goods. Within the legal guarantee It would require sellers to repair products unless it is cheaper to replace them. Beyond the guarantee, it would provide rights to make repairs easier and cheaper.
The EU has adopted rules on the collection, treatment and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment to tackle the issue of the growing amount of electronic waste.
The Commission put forward a proposal for an update of the directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment to implement a ruling of the European Court of Justice concerning the scope of obligations of producers of photovoltaic panels (solar panels).
The EU council has now adopted these amendments into the EU law on waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Read more here.
Further updates will follow over the coming months. To reads more now please click here.
Repair and Reuse
Irish Statistics
The Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released 2022 statistics data related to the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) statistics for the whole of Ireland which documents household dual use B2C and commercial, professional B2B WEEE takeback.
The following key trends can be highlighted:
66,018 tonnes of WEEE were collected for treatment in Ireland in 2022, a decrease of 8% from the quantity collected in 2021.
61,806 tonnes of WEEE were recovered and 54,245 tonnes were prepared for reuse or recycling in 2022, a decrease of 8% and 9% respectively from the quantities in 2021.
Large equipment (e.g. Cookers, washing machines) accounted for 53.2% (by weight) and small equipment (e.g. Kettles, toasters) represented the next largest category accounting for 19.9% of WEEE collected.
Ireland met the EU recovery, recycling and reuse targets for all six categories of WEEE in 2022, they are temperature exchange equipment, screens, monitors, and equipment containing screens, lamp, large appliances, small appliances, and small IT.
The Irish national statistics show Ireland is in line with many European Member States but WEEE recycling volumes are not achieving 65% collection target.
Ireland 2023
WEEE Ireland Collection Results 2023
Recent figures in WEEE Irelands annual environmental report reveal consumers recycled a record-breaking 41,730 tonnes of electronic and electrical waste in 2023 – the equivalent of almost 200 forty-foot containers more than the previous year. Great News!
You all help by recycling over 15 million small appliances such as coffee makers, calculators, kettles and keyboards, along with the equivalent of 66 million used AA batteries were also handed back to make their way into the circular economy.
To view the full WEEE Ireland Annual Environmental Report for 2023 please click here.
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 collection regulations. Our permit details are available here.
Recycle IT – Community Recycling Initiative of the Year 2023
Today, one in eight people in Ireland continues to dump small electrical items in household bins. This new research by WEEE Ireland also suggests, the figure almost doubles among younger age groups, which are perceived as more environmentally conscious.
Small Battery Operated Vape – Dumped
The research survey reveals one in four 18-24-year-olds and one in five aged 35-44 get rid of common household electrical items such as smart watches, earbuds and blue tooth speakers in general waste bins.
Research
The survey, conducted by Empathy Research on behalf of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland go’s on to say, laptops, mobile phones, gaming devices, power tools and e-cigarettes are also being placed alongside other general waste bins, meaning these items can never be re-used or recycled. Simply, please don’t use the black or green bin to recycle electrical items and share this message with others in your home.
With many small personal devices now powered by small lithium batteries, there is an increased safety risk with fire as major concern for household waste collection companies receiving these items in bins.
Mixed Small Electrical Items
The low recycling rates for small electrics are echoed in global statistics, with the recent Global E-Waste Monitor revealing that less than one quarter (22.3%) of e-waste was properly recycled in 2022, falling sharply to just 12% for small devices.
Experience
Ireland has experience and a really good record for safely recycling larger household electrics like washing machines, tumble dyers, cookers fridges and other electrical appliances but this needs to be matched when it comes to smaller electricals. This will ensure the safe and efficient recovery and reuse of important materials contained in small electrical equipment.
By helping address these challenges you help reduce risks our environmental and public health and help support a greener, more sustainable future.”
To read more about the WEEE Ireland research please click here
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is anaward-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
