In the wake of Christmas, thousands of retired television sets, computers, MP3 players, George Foreman grills and other assorted electronic and electrical goods are left festering in cupboards and under stairs as their owners switch allegiance to shiny new upgrades.
Don’t let them linger say IBM Ireland as the company plans to hold a waste recycling day this Saturday, 12th January, where members of the public can bring “anything with a plug or battery”.
The recycling day will be held on IBM’s Mulhuddart Technology Campus, Dublin 15 in association with WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Ireland and Fingal County Council from 10am to 4pm.
If getting rid of all your old electronics for free wasn’t enough of an incentive, IBM is also giving away six new Lenovo R61i ThinkPad laptops in a draw open to anyone attending the event.
Dr Claire Penny, environmental affairs manager for IBM Ireland expects a big turnout for the event.
“IBM is committed to environmental leadership in all of our business activities, from operations and services, through to the design of products and use of technology.
“Our policy on environmental affairs is supported by the company’s global environmental management system and ensures the company is vigilant in protecting the environment across all of its operations,” Penny adds.
Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland, which is taking part in the event, says that having already doubled its EU recycling target for electrical waste, Ireland is a nation of responsible recyclers.
A total of 380,000 fridges and freezers have been recycled since the implementation of the WEEE Directive, while an overall 925,000 large household appliances were recycled since August 2005.
By Marie Boran
