Mayo’s recycling rates fall behind amid holiday electronics boom

As Black Friday and Christmas shopping take off, Mayo is lagging in recycling rates, with only 30% of old electronics being recycled, according to WEEE Ireland.

Ireland sold over 11 million small electronics last year, with 4.4 million bought during the holiday season alone. In Mayo, most of these devices won’t make it back into the recycling system, raising concerns about waste and environmental harm.

Toys like gaming consoles and battery-powered gadgets are a particular issue, with a nationwide recycling rate of just 10%.

Many end up forgotten in drawers or dumped irresponsibly.

With 73% of Irish consumers shopping online, WEEE Ireland is urging Mayo residents to recycle old devices responsibly.

“Electronics are a top category during sales events like Black Friday and Christmas,” said Elizabeth O’Reilly, Head of Environmental Compliance at WEEE Ireland. “Yet recycling rates for small devices remain low, even with free take-back services available from retailers like Amazon.”

All retailers—online and in-store—must legally accept old devices for free recycling when selling a similar product. Online sellers often provide collection services through delivery partners or offer free postal returns.

“This small step can have a big impact,” O’Reilly added. “Recycling protects resources, reduces environmental damage, and safeguards health.”

WEEE Ireland suggests these easy ways to shop more sustainably:

Recycle: while you shop: Use free recycling options when buying new devices.

Buy refurbished: Choose nearly new or refurbished products and explore trade-ins.

Repair, don’t replace: Fix gadgets to extend their lifespan.

Donate and share: Give working electronics to someone in need.

Use proper recycling points: Drop irreparable items at WEEE Ireland-approved centres.

WEEE Ireland runs hundreds of collection points at local authority civic amenity centres, offering free recycling. Many retailers also support efforts to reduce e-waste by accepting old electronics.

As Mayo gears up for holiday shopping, WEEE Ireland’s message is clear: recycle today’s gadgets to protect tomorrow’s environment.