Four free recycling days for electrical goods planned at Offaly GAA clubs next month
Offaly householders are being urged to bring their batteries, electrical, and electronic waste to a series of free collection days at local GAA clubs next month.
The recycling days, hosted by Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Ireland (WEEE Ireland) in partnership with Offaly County Council, are to be held in Killeigh, Shannonbridge, Ferbane and Kilcormac, between May 6 and May 15.
The first event is on Tuesday May 6, from 10am to 4pm, at the Clodiagh Gaels GAA Club in Killeigh, Tullamore. It will be followed by a similar event on Thursday, May 8, from 10am to 4pm in Shannonbridge GAA Club at Rackragh Park.
The Ferbane recycling day will be held on Tuesday, May 13, from 10am to 4pm at Ferbane GAA Club, on the Ballycumber Road, while the Kilcormac event will be on Thursday, May 15, from 10am to 4pm at Kilcormac-Killoughey GAA Club.
Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled for free on the day, including old washing machines, TVs, toasters and kettles, electronic tools and toys, cables, IT equipment, mobile phones, remote controls, batteries, including farm fence batteries, and even watches.
"In Offaly, and across Ireland, we are buying more electrical goods than ever – with people purchasing an average 23kg per head in 2024, compared to the pre-Covid average of 16kgs in 2019,” said WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.
"Shopping stats show a surge in spend on new electrical devices like mobile phones, computers, small kitchen appliances and white goods.
"With old items still lying around many households we want to offer the opportunity to recycle these for free.
"People in Offaly have contributed greatly to e-waste recycling every year, with 657 tonnes of electrical waste collected in the county in 2023, and we want to encourage that trend," Mr Donovan added.
"Recycling e-waste is incredibly beneficial for both the environment and the economy. Together, we are diverting waste from landfill, recovering raw materials for reuse and ensuring hazardous materials are safely and responsibly disposed of.
"We look forward to working with Offaly householders to hopefully recycle a record-breaking amount of electronic waste in 2025."