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Recycle IT
RECYCLE IT
Making Recycling Accessible
Recycle IT has been making an environmental impact by recycling electrical and electronic equipment since 2002
Recycle IT is an awardwinning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop-off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment and pure metal items. It works with WEEE Ireland to collect old, damaged or unused electrical and electronic equipment from households, apartments, schools, colleges, charities, and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas.
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.
Through its collection and drop off service, Recycle IT supports thousands of people with free electrical and pure metal recycling opportunities each year. This service is important for a variety of reasons as some people may not have access to a car, the financial means, or can’t easily move or lift heavy electrical appliances safely.
“Residents, community groups and organisations have embraced recycling and to their credit have arranged and supported collections which will help us recycle over 1,300 tons of waste during the two-year period to December 31st, 2022,” says Una Lavelle, General Manager, Recycle IT. “That equates to a small mountain of computers, laptops cables, chargers, household cookers, kettles, irons, toasters, and lots more equipment, all for safe recycling.” Una Lavelle, General Manager, Recycle IT
DETERMINING NEEDS Recycle IT have just started a new project to determine the need for electrical recycling collections from new and existing apartment locations in Dublin. This project will operate for an initial one-year period, which began in July 2022. The aim is to increase the quantity of electrical and electronic equipment safely recycled by the individuals, shared or family households living in apartments.
Lavelle explains, “Recycle IT are working hard to increase electrical equipment recycling rates in Dublin and surrounding areas and allow individuals, families and organisations recycle safely and with ease. Recycling collections, drop off, and breakdown for reuse services assist us in supporting real training and employment outcomes which over time lead to employment progression and career development.”
As Recycle IT progresses an important goal involves helping improve recycling and reuse rates for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This will help Ireland reach the European Union target of 65 per cent minimum collection for recycling of WEEE as outlined in European Community Directive 2012/19/EU.
“Our team will not only recycle waste electrical equipment but will work to promote electrical recycling as the right option when old equipment comes to the end of its useful life,” says Lavelle.
“Our main goal for the year ahead involves connecting with new communities across Dublin to support recycling while increasing training and employment opportunities for people returning to work after a period away. Recycle IT offer people distanced from the labour market the opportunities to work in team environment, rebuild confidence, reskill, or upskill, all with the aspiration of gaining a secure sustainable and worthwhile job.”
