Donegal lagging behind in electronic and electrical waste recycling

Donegal residents recycled an average of 6.6kg of household electrical or electronic waste per person last year - well below the national average of 9.5kg - according to WEEE Ireland’s latest report.
The not-for-profit organisation is calling for urgent action as electronic device consumption continues to surge nationwide.
In 2024, 93 million electronic items were purchased across Ireland, including 31 million vapes. And the more items that are purchased, the higher the target rate for recycling grows.
Each electrical item contains valuable materials like aluminium, copper, lithium or cobalt which need to be recycled.
County Kilkenny has the highest recycling rates, with an average of 11.6kg per person in 2025, while Roscommon, Wexford and Galway also show well. Leitrim at just 4.8kg per person was the worst performing county, followed by Kildare (5.1kg) and Donegal.

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WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan said Donegal needs more investment in local centres with longer opening hours, and stronger leadership to meet recycling targets.
Households hoarding rather than disposing of unused electronics has been identified by WEEE as a untapped opportunity for reuse and repair.
Donegal residents can recycle unwanted electronics for free at recycling centres and participating retailers across the county. Free public recycling collection days are also organised sporadically throughout the year.