Only half of household batteries sold in Ireland are being recycled each year, new data shows. The figures from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) show that recycling rates are stubbornly low. As households replace old devices with new Christmas gifts received, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland is urging people to recycle used batteries and unwanted small electrical items, rather than storing them away or binning them. WEEE are planning to deliver one million blue battery recycling boxes to homes nationwide during January, which can be returned for free at participating retailers or local recycling centres. Junior Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Alan Dillon TD and Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland.

Source: Irish Independent January 15, 2026 19:03 UTC