Tech Waste Mounts, But Kildare’s Recycling Rates Remain Among Ireland’s Lowest

Monday, 16 June 2025 10:36

By Martin Osborne

In 2024, the average person in Kildare recycled just 5.1kg of e-waste, compared to the national average of 9.5kg per capita.

Kildare households recycled less than half the national average of electronic waste last year, according to the latest annual report from WEEE Ireland, the country’s largest electrical recycling scheme.

In 2024, the average person in Kildare recycled just 5.1kg of e-waste, compared to the national average of 9.5kg per capita.

The figures place the county among the lowest-performing regions in Ireland when it comes to responsible disposal of electrical items, despite a surge in tech purchases nationwide.

Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland, said increased investment in recycling centres, including longer opening hours, could improve the recycling of electric waste among locals.

The data comes as WEEE Ireland issues a fresh warning about the country’s ability to meet EU-mandated recycling targets, which are calculated based on the volume of electronic goods sold - not on their life cycle or reuse potential.

A major driver of the increase, according to WEEE Ireland, is the rise in single-use and short-lifespan products: over 31 million vapes and e-cigarette devices were sold across the country last year, and 2.5 million solar PV panels have been installed in the last five years.

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