Fewer Electrical Gifts and Toys Being Recycled Now More Than Ever

Only one in three of the most popular electronic and electrical gifts sold in Ireland is recycled, new data shows.

Statistics reveal that since 2019, just 33% of end-of-life beauty and consumer electricals such as hair straighteners, shavers, instant print cameras, headphones and bluetooth speakers were diverted from landfill. And that figure drops dramatically to just under 10% for electronic toys including gaming consoles, action figures, e-scooters and e-bikes.

“So many of these items can be repaired, re-used or re-gifted, but if they cannot, make sure you recycle them for free,” said Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland, which carried out the research.

“Christmas is a time when many people may be replacing electrical and electronic household items. All of these, along with old toys being replaced by new ones, can be returned for free recycling at your local authority centre rather than dumping them in household rubbish bins. Anything with a plug, battery or circuit board contains valuable components which can be used again in manufacturing.”

As this year’s festive shopping frenzy accelerates, the WEEE figures show that more than 7 million electronic toys were sold in Ireland over the last three years – a third of them in November and December.

“Consumers can play a huge role by supporting the circular economy and benefit from the feel-good factor of doing something which makes a real difference.

“Our message is simple - if you’re getting your house ready for Christmas and thinking of buying a new household appliance, replacing your Christmas lights or clearing out old toys for Santa, use free e-waste take-back to dispose of your old and broken ones.”

Consumers of electrics are entitled to free recycling on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis when buying instore or online, including on delivery. 

We go beyond these regulatory obligations and include free drop from all household e-waste and waste batteries in-store with no purchase required, as part of the ‘We’ll Take It Back’ Programme. Click here to find your local Expert Electrical, where you can drop off your electronics and electrical goods. For more information on waste reduction, repair, reuse and recycling of all types of waste see mywaste.ie.

Click here to find more information about WEEE Ireland.