On International E-Waste Day, Ireland highlights the urgent need to recycle old electronics responsibly. With e-waste volumes rising, initiatives led by WEEE Ireland and the Environmental Protection Agency promote awareness, free recycling events, and sustainable practices to reduce landfill waste and recover valuable materials from discarded tech across the country.
As technology advances, our dependency on electronic devices continues to rise. From smartphones to computers, our lives are now intertwined with electronics. However, this dependency comes with a pressing issue: electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste. Every year, millions of tonnes of e-waste are generated around the world, and Ireland is no exception. This International E-Waste Day, we are reminded of the importance of sustainable e-waste solutions and the vital role they play in driving the circular economy in Ireland.
International E-Waste Day is an annual event held on 14th October, established by the WEEE Forum (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Forum) in 2018 to raise global awareness about the growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste).
The day encourages consumers, businesses, and governments to:
Properly dispose of old or unused electronics
Recycle electronic items through certified facilities
Reduce electronic waste generation through reuse, repair, and sustainable design
Understand the environmental and health impacts of improper e-waste handling
62 million tonnes of e-waste was generated in 2022, which is up 82% from 2010.
Less than 22.3% was properly recycled in 2022.
E-waste contains valuable raw materials (like gold and copper) and hazardous substances that can harm the environment and human health if not handled correctly.
E-waste encompasses any electronic device that has reached its end of life or is no longer functional. This includes computers, televisions, mobile phones, and various other gadgets. The improper disposal of e-waste poses significant risks to both human health and the environment. Components such as lead, mercury, and cadmium can leach into soil and water supplies, leading to pollution and health hazards.
E-waste solutions are critical for addressing the growing challenge posed by discarded electronics. They involve various methods of recycling, refurbishing, and repurposing electronic devices to minimize ecological impacts and conserve resources. The importance of effective e-waste solutions in Ireland cannot be overstated:
Proper e-waste management helps mitigate environmental pollution. By recycling electronic devices, harmful materials are safely removed and processed, preventing them from contaminating landfills and natural resources.
E-waste contains valuable materials such as gold, silver, and copper. Recycling these materials not only reduces the need for mining new resources but also promotes sustainability within the electronics industry.
Improperly disposed e-waste can leach toxic substances into the environment, posing risks to public health. Effective recycling and disposal minimise these risks, ensuring a safer environment for communities.
The circular economy is an alternative economic model that focuses on sustainability and resource efficiency. It aims to extend the lifecycle of products and reduce waste through recycling, repairing, and refurbishing. In Ireland, several initiatives and organisations are committed to integrating e-waste solutions into the circular economy.
The Irish government has implemented various legislations, such as the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, aimed at ensuring responsible e-waste management. These policies encourage manufacturers to design products with their life cycles in mind and support the collection and recycling of e-waste.
Raising awareness about the importance of proper e-waste disposal is crucial in driving the circular economy. International E-Waste Day serves as an excellent opportunity to educate the public about e-waste recycling initiatives, local collection points, and responsible disposal methods.
Local community groups in Ireland are actively involved in organising events and workshops focused on electronics recycling. These initiatives encourage citizens to recycle their old devices and educate them on the potential risks associated with improper e-waste disposal.
Collaboration between local businesses and e-waste recycling organisations can create a more effective system for managing e-waste. Partnerships allow businesses to take responsibility for their end-of-life products while also promoting sustainable practices.
Brands that commit to reducing their environmental footprint can implement take-back schemes, where consumers can return old devices to the manufacturer for responsible recycling, repair, or refurbishment.
As individuals, we play a vital role in contributing to the e-waste solution landscape. Here are some practical tips for responsible e-waste disposal:
Many local authorities and retailers in Ireland offer collection points for e-waste. Research local options and ensure that you dispose of your electronic devices at appropriate facilities.
Look for certified e-waste recyclers who follow best practices for recycling electronics. Make sure they are registered under WEEE regulations.
Before discarding your old electronics, consider donating them to charities or local organisations. Many devices can be refurbished and extended in their lifecycle, ultimately benefiting those in need.
Before disposing of your electronic devices, ensure that all personal data is erased. Factory resetting is a crucial first step, but additional data destruction measures may be necessary to protect your privacy.
As we observe International E-Waste Day, it is crucial to reflect on our collective responsibility to drive sustainable e-waste solutions in Ireland. By embracing the circular economy and advocating for environmentally responsible e-waste disposal, we can significantly impact our communities and the planet. Let’s work together to change the narrative of e-waste from a hazard to a valuable resource—all while fostering a healthier, more sustainable world for ourselves and future generations.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure that our e-waste is responsibly managed, contributing positively to both our economy and environment. Invest in your future; choose sustainability.
International E-Waste Day is observed annually on 14th October to raise global awareness about the environmental and health impacts of electronic waste. Launched by the WEEE Forum in 2018, it promotes responsible recycling, repair, and reuse of electronics to support a circular economy.
Ireland generated 103,000 tonnes of e-waste in 2022, or 20.6 kg per person, one of the highest rates in Europe. This figure is expected to rise with growing tech usage. The surge is driven by increased consumption of devices like smartphones, laptops, and home appliances.
Improperly disposed e-waste can leak toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium into soil and water, harming public health and the environment. It also leads to the loss of valuable materials such as gold, copper, and silver that could be recovered through recycling.
In Ireland, you can recycle e-waste at WEEE Ireland drop-off points, local civic amenity centres, and through retailer take-back schemes. These services follow strict WEEE Directive regulations, ensuring your devices are processed safely and your data is securely erased.
Recycling e-waste in Ireland extends the life of products through repair, refurbishment, and reuse, reducing landfill waste. It also conserves critical raw materials and promotes green jobs, aligning with Ireland’s broader circular economy and sustainability goals.
Copyright © 2025. All Ireland Sustainability
Webdesign & Development Northern Ireland 2b:creative
Entries have now closed. We would love it if you could join us for our awards evening on the 24th of October at La Mon, Hotel, Belfast!