WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)

WEEE refers to any electrical or electronic item that has a plug or a battery and has reached the end of its useful life.
All household electrical items, batteries, and lighting waste can be recycled free of charge.

Recycling WEEE helps to:

  • Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill
  • Recover valuable raw materials for recycling and reuse
  • Conserve natural resources such as plastics, glass, and metals
  • Support charitable initiatives such as LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, through battery recycling

 

Where to Recycle WEEE

You can recycle your old electrical and electronic items free of charge at:

  • Civic amenity sites: Recycling Facilities
  • Participating electrical retailers (no purchase necessary)

Additional recycling options:

  • Waste batteries can be recycled at local shops such as newsagents
  • Waste lightbulbs can be brought to recycling centres or participating hardware and lighting stores

Find your nearest WEEE recycling point: Where can I recycle? - WEEE Ireland

 

What Can Be Recycled

  • Small household appliances (e.g. kettles, toasters, vacuum cleaners)
  • Large appliances (e.g. washing machines, fridges)
  • IT and telecommunications equipment
  • Batteries (including rechargeable and button batteries)
  • Lighting equipment (e.g. LEDs, fluorescent tubes)

 

Important Guidelines

  • Do not place WEEE in household recycling or general waste bins
  • Always remove batteries where possible before recycling devices
  • Handle lighting equipment carefully to prevent breakage

 

Obligations for Retailers

Under the European Union (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2014, all retailers selling electrical and electronic equipment must:

  • Register annually with an approved compliance scheme (e.g. WEEE Ireland or ERP), free of charge
  • Or register with Sligo County Council (annual fee of €200 applies)

Further information:
https://www.weeeireland.ie/retailers
Home • About European Recycling Platform • ERP Global

Further Information

European Union (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2014:

WEEE Ireland Producers & Members

Irish Statute Book (PDF) - 651 kbs  PDF