Free electronic waste recycling events
HOUSEHOLDERS in North Galway are being urged to bring their electronic waste for free recycling.
The free collection event supported by Galway County Council will be held at Williamstown GAA Club, Corralough on Thursday, November 5, Carnmore GAA Club, Carnmore West on Tuesday November 10 and Monivea Abbey GAA Club, Monivea on Thursday, November 12 from 10am to 5pm.
Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled for free on the day. This includes old washing machines, TVs, toasters and kettles, electronic tools and toys, cables, IT equipment, mobile phones, remote controls, batteries, farm fence batteries and even watches.
CEO of WEEE Ireland Leo Donovan highlighted that people in Galway are purchasing over 56 per cent more electrical goods per head now compared to eight years ago.
“Shopping stats show a surge in spend on new electrical devices, with people purchasing an average 25kg per head in 2025 compared to 16kg just eight years ago,” said Mr Donovan.
With an average 10.5kg e-waste recycled per person, a total of 2,919 tonnes of electrical waste was collected in the county in 2025.
WEEE Ireland warns that the nation needs to meet the upcoming EU targets to recycle at least 25 per cent of country’s annual consumption of critical raw materials from e-waste.
Mr Donovan explained that an average of 82 per cent of all e-waste collected by WEEE Ireland is recovered for use again in manufacturing.
In 2025, the equivalent of 206,401 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided by recycling e-waste through the WEEE Ireland Scheme as opposed to landfilling.