Ireland's E-Waste Surges 75%: E-Cigarettes Dominate the Market—Can Recycling Systems Keep Up?

Jun.19
Ireland's E-Waste Surges 75%: E-Cigarettes Dominate the Market—Can Recycling Systems Keep Up?
Ireland’s 2024 Annual Report shows electronic device sales rose 75% in five years, reaching 93 million units—driven largely by e-cigarettes (one-third of sales) and solar panels. Recycling improved, but e-cigarette systems lag. The government pledged €27 million to boost the circular economy.

Key Points:

 

·E-cigarettes and solar panels are driving a significant increase in electronic device sales in Ireland, with e-cigarette sales projected to account for about one third of total electronic device sales by 2024. 

 

·Current recycling targets are deemed unreasonable, as long-lasting solar panels are being included in targets prematurely. 

 

·The proportion of unused electronic devices in households is on the rise, presenting significant potential for product repair and reuse. 

 

·Electronic waste recycling performance in 2024 is strong, but e-cigarette recycling poses a new challenge. 

 

·The Irish government has allocated 27 million euros (31,039,200 dollars) to support the development of a circular economy.

 


 

According to a report by WEEE Ireland published on June 17th, e-cigarettes and solar panels have driven a significant increase in electronic device sales in Ireland over the past five years, with a growth of 75% since 2019. In 2024 alone, 93 million household electronic products were sold, nearly three times the sales volume in 2006.

 

 

E-Cigarettes Now Make Up One-Third of the Market

 

A report shows that e-cigarette sales reached 31 million units in 2024, accounting for approximately one-third of all electronic device sales for the year, reflecting its dominant position in consumer electronics. Meanwhile, in the past five years, Ireland has installed 2.5 million solar photovoltaic panels.

 

However, WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan has warned that this level of consumption poses a challenge to the EU recycling targets. He pointed out that:

 

"We are consuming key materials such as aluminum, copper, lithium, and cobalt at a rate far exceeding natural replenishment. By 2050, global demand for these materials is projected to double, making this trajectory unsustainable."

 

 

Solar Panels Enter Recycling System Due to Misclassification as Waste

 

Donovan emphasized that the European Union currently assesses recycling targets based on annual sales volume, without considering product lifespan or reusability. This mechanism is extremely unfair to long-lived products such as solar panels.

 

"Over the past five years, we have sold 2.5 million solar panels, but these products have warranties of 15 to 20 years, meaning they will only enter the recycling system at least ten years from now. However, they are already being included in our annual recycling targets. This is not a mindset conducive to a circular economy."

 

 

Surge in Unused Devices Opens Door for Reuse Opportunities

 

A study by WEEE Ireland has found that by 2025, 29% of households are storing unused electronic devices, a significant increase from 22% in 2023, indicating a large potential for reuse and repair.

 

Donovan stated:

 

"We need to go beyond simple recycling and make extending the product lifespan, including maintenance and reuse, mainstream."

 

 

Recycling Improves in 2024, Yet E-Cigarettes Lag Behind

 

In 2024, WEEE Ireland collected a total of 38,215 tons of electronic waste, including approximately 330,000 large household appliances, 119,000 refrigerators and freezers, and 258,000 televisions and monitors.

 

Despite the difficulty of recycling, over 1.1 million e-cigarette devices have been successfully recycled. Due to e-cigarettes often being casually discarded into trash bins, WEEE Ireland is collaborating with retailers and regulatory agencies to explore more effective recycling methods.

 

 

Government Funds Circular Economy Initiatives

 

This month, the Irish government allocated €27 million (equivalent to $31,039,200) from the Circular Economy Fund to support further development of related projects.

 

Donovan said:

 

"Ireland has a highly engaged public and efficient recycling network. By increasing investment in recycling centers, extending opening hours, and implementing strong policy guidance, we have the opportunity to become a benchmark for electronic waste recycling and the circular economy in Europe."

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Special Report | ITGA Africa Meeting Puts Sustainability Center Stage amid Global Tobacco Challenges
Special Report | ITGA Africa Meeting Puts Sustainability Center Stage amid Global Tobacco Challenges
The ITGA Africa meeting highlighted sustainability, labor reforms, and challenges posed by novel nicotine products. Countries like Malawi stressed crop diversification and climate-resilient farming to help farmers adapt to global market shifts and secure their livelihoods.
Jul.14
2Firsts Holds First Global NGP Compliance Certification Training (U.S. Edition), Building the World’s First Professional NGP Compliance Talent Program
2Firsts Holds First Global NGP Compliance Certification Training (U.S. Edition), Building the World’s First Professional NGP Compliance Talent Program
2Firsts held its first Global NGP Compliance Certification Training in Shenzhen, building international compliance talent and strengthening the industry’s global ecosystem.
Jul.14
Retraction Statement Regarding the Article: “2Firsts Investigation | U.S. Tightens E-Cigarette Enforcement, Disrupting China Air Shipments — Industry Estimates $78 Million in Goods Seized in Six Months”
Retraction Statement Regarding the Article: “2Firsts Investigation | U.S. Tightens E-Cigarette Enforcement, Disrupting China Air Shipments — Industry Estimates $78 Million in Goods Seized in Six Months”
Retraction Statement.
Jul.15
2Firsts Insights | Imperial Brands’ blu Teases “Summer Bundle” Featuring BLU BOX KIT and New blu 2.0
2Firsts Insights | Imperial Brands’ blu Teases “Summer Bundle” Featuring BLU BOX KIT and New blu 2.0
Imperial Brands’ e-cigarette brand blu has announced an upcoming “Summer Bundle” on its official website, highlighting cool-flavored products. Earlier this year, blu launched two pod-based devices—the BLU BOX KIT, which focuses on compatibility and safety, and blu 2.0, featuring adjustable flavor intensity and a power-saving mode.
Jul.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Austria to Ban Flavors in Heated Tobacco Products; E-Cigarettes Unaffected for Now
Austria to Ban Flavors in Heated Tobacco Products; E-Cigarettes Unaffected for Now
Austria’s National Council has approved new rules banning flavors in heated tobacco products and tightening warning label requirements as part of an EU directive. The measures will take full effect by May 31, 2026. While e-cigarettes remain unaffected, some parties are calling to extend the ban to playground smoking and disposable vapes.
Jul.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Dual Magnetic Design and Top Display: JNR Aurora Debuts in the UK Market
Product | Dual Magnetic Design and Top Display: JNR Aurora Debuts in the UK Market
E-cigarette brand JNR has unveiled its new Aurora device, featuring a “2+10” pod system with a total capacity of 30,000 puffs and a top-mounted smart display. The product has been registered with the UK’s MHRA and officially launched in the UK market, retailing at approximately £11.99.
Jul.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai