Closing the Loop — The Life Cycle of Recycled Products

Recycling is more than just tossing your waste into the correct bin. Every item we recycle embarks on a transformative journey, contributing to a circular economy where materials are continuously reused and repurposed.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the life cycle of recycled products, how they are transformed into new materials, and why it’s important to continue improving recycling habits both at home and in the workplace. We’ll also highlight how Ireland is progressing with its recycling goals and provide actionable steps to make a bigger impact.

1. The Collection and Sorting Process

The first stage in the life cycle of a recycled product starts with proper sorting and collection. Once materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metals are placed in the correct bins, they are collected by waste management companies and transported to sorting facilities. Here, recyclable materials are separated into different streams using both manual labour and automated machines.

Ireland’s Progress: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ireland achieved a municipal waste recycling rate of 41% in 2021​ Home. However, contamination remains an issue, which makes sorting even more critical to ensuring materials are properly recycled.

Tip: At home and at work, ensure that items placed in recycling bins are clean and sorted correctly to avoid contamination and increase the chances of successful recycling.

2. Processing and Manufacturing of Recycled Materials

Once the materials are sorted, they are sent to processing plants where they undergo transformation into raw materials. For example:

• Paper is cleaned, pulped, and remade into new paper products such as newspapers, office paper, and cardboard.
• Plastics are shredded, melted, and reformed into pellets that can be used to create new plastic items like packaging or outdoor furniture.
• Glass is crushed, melted, and reformed into new glass bottles or jars, often using less energy than creating new glass from raw materials.

Statistic: Ireland’s recycling efforts resulted in the collection of 1.2 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2021, with 58% being successfully recycled​ Home. By increasing recycling rates, we can ensure more materials are processed and repurposed.

3. The Role of Recycled Products in Manufacturing

The next stage in the life cycle of recycled products is their integration into new products. Many industries use recycled materials in manufacturing to reduce costs and lower their environmental impact. For example:

• Plastic bottles can be turned into fleece clothing, carpeting, or construction materials.
• Recycled metals such as aluminium are used to create everything from new cans to parts for vehicles.
• Recycled glass can be used in construction as an aggregate or even in making new glass containers.

This stage of the life cycle emphasizes the importance of separating materials for recycling, as manufacturers rely on clean and quality recycled content to create new products.

Tip: Encourage the purchase of products made from recycled materials both at home and in the office. This helps close the recycling loop and supports the continued demand for recycled goods.

4. Closing the Loop: Consumer Use of Recycled Products

After recycled materials are transformed into new products, they are once again introduced to consumers. The cycle continues when these items are used and, at the end of their lifespan, recycled once more.

For example:

• Recycled office paper can be used in the workplace, and when discarded properly, it can be recycled again into more paper products.
• A plastic bottle used by a consumer can be recycled and re-enter the market as part of a new product, like garden furniture.

Statistic: The use of recycled materials reduces the need for virgin raw materials. Recycling aluminium, for example, saves 95% of the energy required to produce aluminium from raw bauxite​ Home. By reusing materials, we conserve natural resources and lower carbon emissions.

5. Why Improving Recycling Habits Matters

The life cycle of recycled products illustrates how every item we recycle can make a difference in creating new products and reducing environmental impact. By recycling correctly at home and at work, we support this circular system, reducing the need for raw materials and conserving energy.

Challenges in Ireland: While Ireland has made significant progress, challenges remain. For example, plastic packaging recycling rates were only 32.7% in 2021, falling short of the EU’s upcoming targets​ Home. Increasing education on proper recycling and encouraging the use of recycled products can help Ireland meet these targets.

Conclusion

Understanding the life cycle of recycled products helps us realise the importance of recycling correctly. From collection to processing, and from manufacturing to consumer use, every item we recycle contributes to reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting the circular economy. Whether at home or in the workplace, by making small changes to improve recycling habits, we can have a big impact on the environment.

#SortItCampaign #LifeCycleOfRecycling #Sustainability #EcoFriendly #RecycledProducts #WasteManagement

Let’s all work together to improve our recycling habits and ensure that materials continue to be reused in Ireland’s growing circular economy.

Yes WEEE Can!

It’s no secret that we love our devices! Continuous advancements in technology bring new products and gadgets into our homes, resulting in old electronic goods that need to be disposed of. However, most end-of-life products contain metals and minerals that can be recovered, as well as harmful substances that need to be disposed of carefully.

All across Ireland, we are buying more electrical goods than ever – with people purchasing an average 22kg per head in 2023 compared to 16kgs just five years ago (according to 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 encourage people to recycle these for FREE.

Why should I recycle my electronic waste?

1. Electronics contain harmful substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which must be disposed of correctly. By recycling your e-waste, you are reducing the number of harmful substances going to landfills.
2. Raw materials recovered from waste appliances can be recycled and reused.
3. To conserve natural resources as materials such as plastics, glass and metals are recovered for use again by manufacturers.

So, what is the best way to dispose of electronic waste?

1. Give your e-waste to a certified electronics recycler
   Recycling centres, not-for-profit organisations, such as WEEE Ireland and local civic amenity sites allow you to recycle your electronic waste for FREE! You will find an interactive map on the WEEE website that will guide you to your nearest local recycling centre, Public Collection Day, Electrical Retailer and Bulb Exchange Store.
2. Sell your outdated technology
   One man’s junk is another’s treasure. You can easily sell your old electronic appliances on an online marketplace such as Facebook Marketplace or Donedeal. Not only are you promoting the circular economy by giving your e-waste a new lease of life, but it is also a good chance to make some money.

3. Donate your old electronics
   If you do not wish to sell your outdated technology, there is always the option to donate it. Many charities in Ireland accept electronics.

When selling/donating electronic goods, it is important to ask 2 questions:

• Is it working properly?
• Is there any personal information saved on the computer/phone/laptop that should be deleted?

With all of that in mind, we are hosting a FREE electronics recycling event with WEEE Ireland in our recycling centre in Oranmore on Saturday the 5^th of October.  

People in Galway have contributed greatly to e-waste recycling every year, with 2,748 tonnes of electrical waste collected in the county in 2023, and we want to encourage that trend.

What can I bring?
All household items with a plug or a battery will be accepted free of charge, including old washing machines, TVs, toasters and kettles, electronic tools and toys, cables, IT equipment, mobile phones, remote controls, and even watches.

Is it free?
Yes, to dispose of WEEE, but if you have other materials to dispose of there will be a small charge as normal.

Do I need to be a TCBC customer?
No – this is open to the general public as well as customers, everyone is welcome.

How much can I bring?
As much or as little as you want – there’s no cap on the amount, but bear in mind this is intended for household, not commercial, recycling.

What can’t I bring?
Industrial refrigeration, and anything that the team deems as potentially hazardous.

Where is the WEEE collection event?
The City Bin Co. Recycling Centre, Oranmore, Co. Galway, H91 EVW3

When is the WEEE collection event?
Saturday October 5^th from 10am – 4pm

About WEEE Ireland

WEEE Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation, founded by Producers of electrical and electronic appliances to help them comply with the legal obligations imposed by the EU Battery Directive 2006/66/EC and WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU.

WEEE Ireland manages the collection of household e-waste, lighting and solar PV equipment and batteries from authorised collection points for recycling, on behalf of its 1,300 producer members.

WEEE Ireland’s objective is to provide cost-effective quality compliance for producers to meet the requirements of the regulations whilst minimising the cost to the consumer.