Dublin: Ireland saw a 75% increase in electronic device sales between 2019 and 2024, with a record 93 million items sold last year, according to WEEE Ireland’s annual report. Vaping devices alone accounted for one-third of all units, while 2.5 million solar PV panels were installed over the past five years.
WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan warned of growing pressure on EU recycling targets, stressing that many long-life items, like solar panels, are counted in recycling quotas despite not reaching end-of-life for decades. He highlighted the urgent need to reduce dependence on imported rare earth materials by strengthening Ireland’s circular economy.
The report also found that 29% of households now hoard unused electronics, up from 22% in 2023, signalling untapped potential for reuse and repair. In 2024, 38,215 tonnes of e-waste were collected, including over 1.1 million vape devices.
Donovan called for expanded repair and reuse initiatives, along with greater investment in recycling infrastructure. The government has allocated €27 million from the Circular Economy Fund to support these goals.
Irish Samachar English News
{OR} Kindly click to follow the Irish Samachar News channel on WhatsApp