Mayo householders urged to avail of free e-waste and battery recycling events

MAYO householders are being urged to bring their batteries, electrical, and electronic waste to a set of free collection days taking place from this Saturday (February 17). 

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

These free events, hosted by WEEE Ireland in partnership with Mayo County Council, kick off on Saturday at Mayo County Council Car Park, Cong, from 10am to 4pm, and on Saturday, February 24, at Keel Sandybanks Caravan and Camping Park, Keel Beach, Achill, from 10am to 4pm.

On March 2, a collection will take place at Knox Street Car Park, Ballyhaunis, from 10am to 4pm, and on Saturday March 9 at the Civic Office Car Park, Church Street, Belmullet, from 10am to 4pm. 

A collection will take place in Castlebar on the Pavilion Road Car Park, from 10am to 4pm on Saturday March 16. 

Finally, on Saturday March 23, a collection will take place at the Station Road Car Park, Claremorris, from 10am to 4pm, and on Saturday, March 30, at the Swinford Golf Club, Deerpark, from 10am-4pm.

“In Mayo, and across Ireland, we are buying more electrical goods than ever – with people purchasing an average 25kg per head in 2023 compared to 16kgs just five years ago,” said WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.

“People in Mayo have contributed greatly to e-waste recycling every year, with 1,407 tonnes of electrical waste collected in the county in 2022, and we want to encourage that trend.”  

Last year, 10kg of e-waste per person was recycled in Mayo - just short of the national average of 10.33kg per person.  

Ireland must meet a forthcoming EU target to recycle at least 15 percent of its annual consumption of critical raw materials from e-waste.

In 2022, the equivalent of 216,157 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided by recycling e-waste through the WEEE Ireland Scheme as opposed to landfilling. That is the equivalent of the annual carbon consumption of 4,323 hectares of trees. 

“Recycling e-waste is incredibly beneficial for both the environment and the economy,” said Sharon Cameron at Mayo County Council. 

“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 WEEE Ireland and Mayo householders to hopefully recycle a record-breaking amount of electronic waste in 2024.”