Cork householders urged to avail of free e-waste recycling events

Cork householders are being encouraged to avail of free upcoming e-waste and battery recycling events.

Hosted by WEEE Ireland in collaboration with Cork County Council, the series of events will continue at the Dunmanway Bring Centre this Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

People can bring their batteries, electrical and electronic waste to free collection days to help the county meet national e-waste recycling targets for 2025.

Collections

Additional collections will take place across the county throughout July and August.

Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled for free at the events, including old washing machines, TVs, toasters and kettles, electronic tools and toys, cables, IT equipment, mobile phones, remote controls and batteries.

WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan said: “In Cork, 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.

“Shopping stats show a surge in spend on new electrical devices like mobile phones, computers, kitchen appliances and white goods.

“With old items still lying around many households, we want to offer the opportunity to recycle these for free.

“People in Cork have contributed greatly to e-waste recycling every year, with 5,409 tonnes of electrical waste collected in the county in 2024, and we want to encourage that trend.”

EU targets 

WEEE Ireland warn that Ireland is required to meet new upcoming EU targets by recycling at least 25% of annual consumption of critical raw materials from e-waste.

Mr Donovan added: “Recycling e-waste is incredibly beneficial for both the environment and the economy.

“Together, we are diverting waste from landfill, recovering raw materials for reuse, and ensuring hazardous materials are safely and responsibly disposed of.

“We look forward to working with Cork householders to hopefully recycle a record breaking amount of electronic waste in 2025.”