Tag: sustainable-living

Free Home Appliances Recycling

On By JMCEIn Awards, Collections, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic Equipment, Social Enterprise, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Disposing of Old Electrical Appliances

Recycling home appliances helps protect the environment, saves energy, reduces waste, and conserves valuable materials. It’s a smart, eco-friendly choice for everyone. Recent statistics show 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, new figures reveal.

40 Foot Shipping Container

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 for safe recycling to make their way into the circular economy.

Members of the public may dispose of all their old household waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)  free of charge at Recycle IT in Clondalkin, Co Dublin.

40 Foot Collection Trailer

Recycle IT are happy to say we have worked in partnership with WEEE Ireland for 20 year to help recycle appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, cookers, hobs, televisions, computers, laptops, tablets, cables, toasters, kettles, heaters, clocks, lights, lamps and lots more! You will find helpful lists here.

How it Works

WEEE Ireland supports Recycle IT  in the collection and recycling of old damaged or unused electrical items. This service is part-financed by the payment of tariffs from the producers who originally put the WEEE into the marketplace. Recycling opportunities are available free to resident groups through a door to door collection services. Up to 500 homes per day are offered an electrical recycling collection with help provided with lifting and moving items. The service is age-friendly and our teams are helpful so don’t be shy!

Recycle ITWhat does Electrical / WEEE Recycling Mean?

The WEEE Regulations were introduced to promote the environmentally responsible disposal, recovery, and recycling of consumer electrical goods and appliances in Ireland.  The Regulations apply to all kinds of Electrical & Electronic Equipment but contain limited exemptions for certain types of devices, such as some medical or military items.

These regulations require the Producers (manufacturers and importers) and Retailers of Electrical & Electronic Equipment to ensure systems are in place to fund and encourage the return, collection, and recycling of WEEE items from the general public. Recycle IT supports this recycling activity and is licensed to do so.

Retailer / Consumers Recycling

Retailers of Electrical & Electronic Equipment, including internet sellers, are now required by law to provide for take-back of WEEE articles from customers free of charge, subject to the conditions below:

Free retailer take-back only applies when a new item has been purchased and on a one-for-one basis.

Mixed Domestic Appliances

Any item for return must be of a similar type as the new item being bought; e.g. a retailer is not obliged to accept a television if a customer has only bought a toaster.

With any household items that require delivery, retailers must collect the old appliance free of charge, and give at least 24 hours’ notice of delivery. Items such as fridges must be properly de-frosted and disconnected by the customer before collection. Depending on the retailer there may be a delivery charge.

All retailers selling Electrical & Electronic Equipment to the general public are legally obliged to comply with various other requirements under the WEEE Regulations, including measures relating to the:

  • Display of statutory WEEE signage in-store, which must be displayed at each point of sale;
  • Provision of information explaining WEEE take-back procedures and deadlines to the public;
  • Provision of a suitable storage area for any returned WEEE items.
  • Further information on the WEEE Regulations is also available on the EPA website.

Civic Amenity Recycling 

In Dublin and surrounding areas all old, damaged and unwanted household electrical items, batteries and energy-saving light bulbs can be brought to your nearest civic amenity site for free recycling. A list of these locations in Dublin is available here

Recycle IT Recycling 

Electrical and electronics recycling services have been operated by Recycle IT since 2002. Our teams work with householders, charities, schools, colleges, businesses, government, non-government and community-based organizations in Dublin and the surrounding counties of Kildare and Wicklow.

Recycle IT 2019 TV
Recycle IT / Recycle TV’s

Recycle IT offer Residents Association door-to-door collections, personal collections and business recycling collections. Recycling services are offered to homes and organisations to help ensure electronic, electrical and metal equipment is safely recycled. Equipment collected flows through an authorized and approved recycling supply chain which feeds the circular economy and ultimately reuse.

As a not-for-profit social enterprise, Recycle IT has benefited the WEEE sector since 2007 by collecting waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) from householders and community organizations who can find it costly and therefore hard to recycle.

IMG_20160422_140933
Recycle IT Community Residents Collection

Examples of items that can be recycled for free include:

  • All types of batteries including farm fencing and automotive batteries
  • Torches, Power tools, and other Small Electrical Devices
  • Fridges, Freezers, Washing Machines, and Electric Ovens
  • PCs, Networking, TVs, Monitors, Cables, Chargers
  • Energy Saving Lamps and other Lighting Equipment
  • Along with any other household WEEE, you may have.

These types of items are accepted free by (Residents’ associations and organisations).

For full/downloadable lists of all items recycled please click here

To learn more call 01 4578321 or email info@recycleit.ie 

If you miss your Recycle IT collection day remember that you can recycle your household electrical waste and waste batteries at our recycling centre free of charge. Click here for our location and directions. You can also arrange a cost-effective personal collection with Recycle IT. Just 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 Social Enterprise Award 2025

Reuse and Recycling Tips – Refreshed for 2026

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Small Steps

Small everyday choices can make a big difference to our environment. By reusing items, reducing waste, and recycling wherever possible, we can save resources, cut pollution, and protect our planet for future generations. These simple tips show easy ways everyone—at home, at school, and at work—can reduce waste and live more sustainably. Start with one change and build from there—every action counts.

Small Steps Matter

Reuse and Recycling Tips

  1. Use both sides of paper when writing or drawing.
  2. Give partially used printed paper to children or local schools for drawing.
  3. Bring food to school or work in reusable containers.
  4. Rent or hire schoolbooks and supplies instead of buying new.
  5. Hire gardening tools that are only used occasionally.
  6. Make a bird feeder by reusing a medium-sized plastic bottle.
  7. Choose low-energy light bulbs at home and in the office.
  8. Give unwanted clothes a second life by donating or reusing them.
  9. Reuse and repair items such as shoes and clothing whenever possible.
  10. Pass on seasonal children’s costumes as your children grow.
  11. Choose bar soap instead of liquid soap in plastic bottles.
  12. Buy long-lasting, durable products such as reusable razors and refillable pens.
  13. Use rechargeable batteries for household appliances.
  14. Avoid unnecessary purchases for one-off occasions (e.g. Christmas or Easter).
  15. Give experience-based gifts such as show tickets, sports events, or concerts.
  16. Choose eco-friendly products by reading and understanding labels.
  17. Buy products with minimal or no packaging.
  18. Purchase regularly used household products in bulk.
  19. Reuse shopping bags when shopping.
  20. Use refillable products such as pasta, rice, coffee, and loose-leaf tea.
  21. Drink tap water from reusable bottles.
  22. Donate old books, toys, and games to charities, libraries, or schools.
  23. Reuse glass jars for storage or household purposes.
  24. Compost food scraps and garden waste.
  25. Repair small appliances instead of replacing them.
  26. Buy second-hand furniture, bikes, and electronics.
  27. Swap items with friends, neighbors, or community groups.
  28. Use cloth napkins and towels instead of disposable paper products.
  29. Repurpose old clothing into cleaning cloths or craft materials.
  30. Choose digital bills, tickets, and receipts whenever possible.
  31. Reuse envelopes, folders, and packaging materials.
  32. Return printer cartridges and electronics to recycling collection points.
  33. Choose products made from recycled materials.
  34. Use reusable coffee cups for takeaway drinks.
  35. Freeze leftovers to reduce food waste.
  36. Share rarely used items such as ladders or power tools.
  37. Turn old towels and blankets into pet bedding.
  38. Use beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap or foil.
  39. Mend or upcycle old furniture instead of replacing it.
  40. Collect rainwater for garden use.

Get Started

As a start, actively look for reuse opportunities close to you, such as charity shops (see below), repair cafés, community swap events, libraries, and refill stores. Local schools, community centres, and online neighborhoods groups often accept donations or share items. Engaging locally reduces waste, supports your community, and helps valuable materials stay in use.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT an award-winning community recycler wishes to build on Ireland’s recycling success story and helped increase the 10 kg of waste electronic and electrical equipment recycled per person, per year. We are inviting resident associations and community groups including tidy towns to speak with us about arranging a FREE collection in your area over the coming months.

Our recycling service is provided FREE to resident associations and communities in South Dublin, Dublin City and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown with surrounding areas in Meath, Wicklow and Kildare also serviced so please give us a call to learn more and arrange a residents collection for your area.

Please call us on 01 4578321 or email info@recycleit.ie.

Oxfam – Click to Learn More

UN’s Global E-waste Monitor 2024 reports

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Todays E-waste World

The world is creating electronic waste—such as old phones, laptops, and TVs—much faster than it is being recycled. In 2022, we produced 62 million tonnes of e-waste, which is 82% more than in 2010. Only 22% of that waste was properly collected and recycled, while the rest was lost or dumped, wasting $62 billion worth of valuable materials.

E-waste contains toxic substances like mercury that can harm both the environment and human health. If nothing changes, global e-waste is expected to grow to 82 million tonnes by 2030, while recycling rates may drop to just 20%. This growing problem is driven by people buying and replacing electronics more often, products becoming harder to repair, shorter product lifespans, and poor waste management systems.

The UN reports that if countries could raise recycling rates to 60% by 2030, the world would gain huge economic and health benefits, saving more than $38 billion.

The world also remains highly dependent on a few countries for rare earth materials—metals essential for green technologies like electric cars and solar panels—yet only about 1% of these valuable elements are recovered from e-waste.

18 Actions That Can Help

Governments & Policymakers

  1. Create or strengthen e-waste laws to require proper recycling.
  2. Offer further support to achieve national recycling targets.
  3. Continue to track progress.
  4. Invest in recycling facilities and safe waste collection systems.
  5. Encourage eco-design – make products easier to repair, reuse, and recycle.
  6. Ban illegal e-waste exports to developing countries.

Manufacturers & Companies

  1. Design for durability and repairability (longer product life).
  2. Offer take-back or recycling programs for old devices.
  3. Use recycled materials in new products.
  4. Provide spare parts and repair manuals to consumers.

Individuals & Consumers

  1. Repair before replacing electronic devices.
  2. Donate or resell working electronics instead of throwing them away.
  3. Recycle properly at certified e-waste collection centers.
  4. Buy refurbished or energy-efficient electronics.
  5. Reduce gadget upgrades — use what you have longer.

Global & Community Efforts

  1. Increase awareness about e-waste dangers and recycling options.
  2. Support circular economy initiatives – reuse, repair, recycle.
  3. Encourage global cooperation to share recycling technology and expertise.

You can read the report 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 offer services to homes, communities and organisations in Dublin and surrounding areas.

Recycle IT is supported by Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across the east midlands waste region.

Our goal is to create training and employment opportunities through the provision of waste management services. Surplus earned income is reinvested in operational, and employment-related costs.

For more information on Recycle IT please call 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit our website www.recycleit.ie

Recylce IT – 2025 Awards

Sustainable Business Impact Awards 2025

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

For over twenty years, the Sustainable Business Impact Awards have celebrated and showcased the best examples of sustainable business practices in Ireland.

These awards recognize organisations that are making a real difference through their commitment to people, communities, and the planet. Each year, winners across twelve categories demonstrate how Irish businesses are embedding sustainability into their everyday work, showing that positive environmental and social change can go hand in hand with good business.

Awards Night Sept 2025

In 2025, Recycle IT (Ireland) was honored to win the Sustainable Impact by a Medium Business Award. This recognition highlights the organisation’s ongoing efforts to promote recycling, protect the environment, and support communities across Dublin and in surrounding areas.

Recycle IT is a community-based social enterprise that collects, recycles, and reuses waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The organisation works to prevent useful materials from ending up in landfill, helping to reduce pollution and save valuable resources. Equally important, Recycle IT creates local employment, provides work experience and training opportunities, and raises awareness about the benefits of recycling and sustainable living.

Winning the Sustainable Impact Award means a great deal to everyone involved with Recycle IT. It reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team, who are passionate about making recycling accessible and practical for households, schools, businesses, and community organisations. Every television, computer, kettle, or phone collected by Recycle IT contributes to a cleaner environment and a more circular economy, where waste is seen as a resource that can be recovered and reused.

The photo above captures a proud moment for the Recycle IT team. From left to right are Ian Talbot from Chambers Ireland, Mark, Una, and Gerard from Recycle IT, and Margaret Considine from Chambers Ireland. Their smiles reflect not only the joy of winning but also the shared commitment to sustainability that connects all those involved in the awards.

Recycle IT would like to extend sincere thanks to Chambers Ireland, the judges, and everyone who entered the awards this year. The Sustainable Business Impact Awards are about more than just recognition—they are about celebrating collective progress and inspiring others to take action. Each business, no matter how big or small, can make a difference by reducing waste, conserving energy, supporting their employees, and engaging with their community.

For Recycle IT, sustainability is not a short-term goal but an ongoing journey. The organisation continues to expand its services, invest in greener processes, and build partnerships with local authorities, schools, and voluntary groups. By working together, they aim to create a culture of recycling and reuse that benefits both people and the planet.

The Sustainable Impact Award is a reminder that environmental and community action are most effective when driven from the ground up. Through small, consistent efforts—like recycling electronic waste, educating others, and supporting local jobs—Recycle IT is helping to build a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable future for everyone.

Dara Calleary, TD, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Winning this award is both a recognition of what has been achieved and a motivation to keep improving. The Recycle IT team remains committed to innovation, collaboration, and social responsibility. They believe that every community can become more sustainable through shared action and awareness.

Recycle IT is grateful to all partners, supporters, and customers who have made their success possible. Together, they have shown that social enterprises can lead the way in creating positive, lasting change.

Thank you to Chambers Ireland for organising such a meaningful event. It was a wonderful evening, a fantastic celebration of Irish business, and a proud moment for Recycle IT and all those who care about sustainability and community impact.

Great event, great award, and a great step forward for recycling in the community!

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, is an award-winning social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop off and collection. Recycling services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and South Dublin County Council.

Recycle IT is supported by Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across the east midlands waste region.

Our goal is to create training and employment opportunities through the provision of waste management services. Surplus earned income is reinvested in operational, and employment-related costs.

For more information on Recycle IT please call 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit our website www.recycleit.ie

Recylce IT is EcoMerit Certified

The Benefits of Recycling Pull-Up Banners

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Pull-up banners are used by many organisations across Dublin. They are helpful tools for events, promotions, and public information. However, once these banners are out of date, they are often stored and forgotten. Many are kept in cupboards or storerooms for years. Over time, they take up space and collect dust. But what if we started to recycle them instead? Recycling pull-up banners has many benefits for organisations and the environment.

Pull-Up Banners – Recycling for Reuse

1. Reducing Waste

The first big benefit of recycling pull-up banners is reducing waste. Most of these banners are made from plastic and metal. If they are thrown away, they often end up in landfills where they do not break down easily. Recycling helps to reduce this waste and keeps these materials out of our environment. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference over time.

2. Saving Space

Old banners take up storage space in offices, community buildings, and schools. By recycling them, organisations can free up this space for other, more useful things. This helps to create cleaner, more organised workplaces. It also reminds people to keep only what they truly need.

3. Reusing Materials

Pull-up banners contain materials that can be reused. The metal frame and poles can often be used again once a new banner insert is fitted.  Triest Press, Ireland’s leading social enterprise print & design house is helping with this. They are passionate about producing high-quality digital print and design while making a positive social impact.

The banner material itself is usually made of PVC, vinyl, or polyester, and can sometimes be turned into bags, covers, or other useful products. We would be happy to work with an organisation wishing to source these material for reuse. Reuse gives these materials a new life instead of letting them go to waste.

Pull Banner Sizes

4. Encouraging Environmental Responsibility

When an organisation recycles its old banners, it shows that it cares about the environment. This sets a good example for staff, customers, and the wider community. It encourages others to think more carefully about how they dispose of old items. Every small action adds up, and recycling banners is a great way to lead by example.

5. Supporting the Circular Economy

Recycling helps build a circular economy. This means that instead of throwing things away, we find ways to keep materials in use for as long as possible. Recycling banners supports this idea. It creates demand for recycling services and products made from recycled materials. It also helps to reduce the need for new raw materials, which uses a lot of energy and natural resources.

Pull-Up Banners For Recycling

6. Cost Savings

While there may be a small cost to recycle banners, it can save money in the long run. Storing large numbers of unused banners takes up space that could be used more effectively. Also, buying new banners for every event is expensive. Some companies now offer banner systems where only the printed part is replaced, which can be more cost-effective and greener.

7. Creating Awareness

A recycling project for old banners can raise awareness among staff and the public. It gets people thinking about how they use and reuse materials. It might even inspire new recycling or sustainability projects in the future.

Finally

Collecting and recycling pull-up banners can be very cost-effective and helps create and maintain worthwhile training and employment opportunities in our community.

You can visit your local drop-off point at Recycle IT in Dublin 22 or you avail of a city wide collection service. This low-cost recycling for reuse pilot project reduces waste while promoting sustainability for organisations.

Recycle IT Collection Van

In summary, recycling old pull-up banners has many benefits. It reduces waste, saves space, supports the environment, and shows leadership. With so many unused banners stored around Dublin, now is the perfect time for organisations to take action. A small step today can lead to big change tomorrow.

About Recycle IT

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

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

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.

Sustainable Impact by a Medium Business – Recycle IT – Recycling in the Community