Tag: recycling

“Take a Minute, Before You Bin It”

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

About

“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

Create an Eco-Friendly Workplace – 18 Tips

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

 An Environmentally Friendly Workplace 

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 

  1. Ask employees to make double-sided copies when using a copier.
  2. Find a way to compost paper towel waste used across your organisation.
  3. Source a brown bin for all kitchen waste from the kitchen, canteen, dining rooms, cafe, or coffee dock.
  4. Eliminated food trays to help reduce food waste.
  5. Install microwaves so people can reuse food cooked at home.
  6. Share unused food from staff canteens or the cafe with you local FoodCloud Community Foodlink.
  7. Replace all bottled water with inline water filters to allow refilling.
  8. Reuse and recycle surplus furniture by partnering with charity shops and reuse centres.
  9. 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.
  10. Collect and recycle vehicle waste including lubricants, antifreeze, oil filters, tires, and batteries.
  11. Recycle electronics equipment from your charity, school or community group free by simply emailing info@recycleit.ie
  12. Personal electronics waste can be recycled through a free WEEE to Work collection day.
  13. Collect kitchen grease and oils for recycling and reuse e.g. Keen Oils.
  14. Ask employees to make double-sided copies when printing reports or presentation or just don’t print reports or presentations, use power-point.
  15. Send emails or use electronic document sharing tools rather than printing.
  16. Reuse cardboard delivery boxes in which reports, flyers, paper etc. arrive in.
  17. Buy reusable or recycled products before considering other purchases.
  18. 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

Halloween / Samhain Recycling 2024

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Celebrate Responsibly

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Recycle IT Partners

GreenBoost – Study Visit – Vienna

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

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

Shortlisted – South Dublin County Business Awards 2024

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Delight

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 an award-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop-off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dormant Accounts Fund, Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.

For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at 

Recycle IT – Hybrid Collection Van