Free recycling events across Tipperary to tackle growing e-waste
Tipperary households can clear out old electronics for free at a series of recycling events this autumn, as the county continues to lead the way in tackling e-waste.
WEEE Ireland, in association with Tipperary County Council, will host a number of free recycling events across the county over the coming weeks, allowing people with old or broken electronics to get rid of them in a sustainable way.
Anything with a plug or battery can be recycled, including fridges, washing machines, TVs, phones, remotes and more, as sales of items with plugs and batteries soar countywide.
The recycling events kick off on Saturday, August 30 at Templemore Co-Op Mart, from 10am to 4pm.
On Saturday, September 6, the recycling event will take place at Mid Tipperary Co-Op Mart in Thurles from 10am to 4pm, while the following week, Saturday, September 13, the event will move to Cahir Co-Op, also from 10am to 4pm.
WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan said that people across Tipperary, and the rest of the country are buying more electronic goods than ever.
"In Tipperary, and across Ireland, we are buying more electrical goods than ever – with people purchasing an average 25kg per head in 2024 compared to 16kgs just six years ago,” he explained.
"Shopping stats show a surge in spend on new electrical devices like mobile phones, computers, small kitchen appliances and white goods. With old items still lying around many households we want to offer the opportunity to recycle these for free,” Mr Donovan added.
In 2024, people from Tipperary contributed to Ireland’s e-waste recycling targets, with 1,547 tonnes of electrical waste recycled in the county.
"An average of 96% of all e-waste that we collect is recovered for use again in manufacturing through both indigenous operators and specialist processors in Europe,” Mr Donovan explained.
"Most end-of-life products contain metals and minerals in higher concentrations than primary resources. These stocks of resources are the urban mines of the future, so our recycling efforts can have a significant impact on the environment,” he added.