Concerns over personal data are holding users back from recycling old tech, according to WEEE Ireland.

The European Union are increasing the percentage of takeback targets on electronic recycling.

Speaking to The Pat Kenny Show, WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan said that while Ireland has traditionally embraced recycling, we are not meeting the EU recycling requirements.

“We have to get back 65% of all the materials placed on the market,” he said.

“We manage all household electrical waste, and that's virtually everything in your house that runs off a battery or an electric current.

“Big fridge freezers down to your televisions to your small appliances and to tech equipment – we would encourage everybody to look at all the materials.”

Battery recycling

Mr Donovan said recycling batteries has evolved greatly over the last five to ten years.

“We're using more and more battery type products electric drills … vaping they have batteries in there and electric toothbrushes,” he said.

“It's not only the electrical appliance we want to recycle but it’s the battery in the electric appliances.

“We’re able to extract out the battery and all the different component parts from your small electric toothbrush.

“Beside the battery recycling bin, we've put in a small facility for taking back small appliances like electric toothbrushes, and electric razors.”

Data Protection

Mr Donovan said WEEE Ireland is receiving the large appliances back to be recycled, but not the smaller tech equipment.

“We realised over the last few years we're only getting 40% back of the tech equipment that is put on the market,” he said.

“Around about 6 million tech-type products go on the market every year in Ireland.

“We're really encouraging people to bring all those back, the amount of charges people would have in their drawers, as well as the phones, computers and laptops.

“All the manufacturers on their websites have very clear instructions on how to wipe your data or set the settings to manufacturing mode.

“The majority of the material, when you do reset it, will have cleared.”

Re-use and repair

Mr Donovan said before users consider recycling products, WEEE encourages having the product repaired.

“Put in a new battery if it's a product that the battery is wearing out,” he said.

If individuals can no longer upgrade this product in that way, WEEE encourages recycling.

“Any electrical retailer that has sold those products will take the back free of charge,” he said.

“No purchase required, and all local authority recycling centres will have it.”

At mywaste.ie, users can find all their local collection points for tech equipment and household items.