Leitrim named Ireland's worst E-Waste recyclers as national push for smarter disposal grows

Last year, an average of just 4.8kg of household e-waste was recycled per person in Leitrim, making it the worst-performing county in Ireland for electrical recycling, according to the latest Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland annual report.

The national average stood at 9.5kg of electrical waste per person, at a time when Ireland’s appetite for electronic devices has soared, with household electronics sales jumping by 75% over the last five years.

In 2024 alone, 93 million electronic items were purchased nationwide, including a staggering 31 million vape and e-cigarette devices, along with 2.5 million solar panels sold since 2019.

Despite the record number of items sold, Leitrim continues to struggle in returning old or unused electronics for recycling. Compounding the problem, recycling locations in the county are scarce, with only two centres accepting electrical waste—one in Manorhamilton and another in Mohill, according to the WEEE Ireland website.

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WEEE Ireland, the country’s largest electrical recycling scheme, is now urging a national rethink on how we consume and dispose of electronic goods, warning that the country’s reliance on imported rare materials like lithium and cobalt is unsustainable.

"Each one of those 93 million devices contains valuable materials," said Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland. "We’re using them far faster than they can regenerate. With over 80% of the EU’s rare earths coming from China, Ireland is dangerously exposed."

Nationally, WEEE Ireland collected over 38,000 tonnes of e-waste last year—including more than 330,000 large appliances, 119,000 fridges, and 258,000 TVs and monitors.

Over 1.1 million vape devices were also recovered, although Donovan noted they remain one of the hardest types of waste to capture, often ending up in regular bins. “There’s a real need to develop targeted solutions for this new type of waste,” he said.

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Household hoarding of unused devices is also on the rise, with nearly 30% of homes now holding on to broken or unused electronics—up from 22% in 2023. WEEE Ireland says this presents a major opportunity for repair, reuse, and resale, particularly as consumers grow more conscious of sustainability.

Donovan also criticised EU recycling targets that count products like solar panels against Ireland’s annual recycling goals—even though most won’t need disposal for 15 to 20 years. “That’s not circular thinking,” he said. “It penalises countries for selling long-life products.”

Still, Ireland remains a European leader in material recovery, achieving a 96% recovery rate last year. In Leitrim, WEEE Ireland says there is great potential to turn things around—if better supports are put in place.

“Leitrim has an engaged public and strong recycling networks,” Donovan told the Observer. “With longer opening hours at centres, better access, and community-led awareness, the county can lead the way in responsible e-waste management.”

The Government recently allocated €27 million from the Circular Economy Fund to boost such efforts nationwide.

WEEE Ireland is encouraging households across Leitrim to drop off unused electronics for free at local recycling centres or participating retailers. The organisation also runs public collection events throughout the year. For dates and locations, visit www.weeeireland.ie.

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