Free Trade Ireland Quicklinks

The Free Trade Ireland Quicklinks have been specially chosen to help users find out more about initiatives and programmes currently helping to promote and facilitate material reuse throughout Ireland today.

If you are involved in a project or initiative and would like to be considered in getting added to our lists then please contact us at info@freetradeireland.ie.

Government and Community based programmes

Many ongoing Government initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting the concept of sustainable waste management and reuse are in operation across a multitude of sectors in Ireland since the launch of the National Waste Prevention Programme in 2004.

Such initiatives are managed (to name but a few!) by such groups as the EPA, the Department of the Environment, An Taisce and Fáilte Ireland. For more information check out:

TidyTowns is an annual competition organised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with the support of the main sponsor SuperValu and many other agencies. First run back in 1958, the competition now attracts on average over 700 entrants per year from all over Ireland.  

The competition involves participating areas being rated on all aspects of their local environment, prizes awarded to the best under many different categories with the overall winner crowned as "Ireland's Tidiest Town". For more information on the TidyTowns competition:

In conjunction with the Government initiatives highlighted above, there are a number of community and national based programmes operated by organisations outside direct government control. These include:

- Ballymun Rediscovery Centre - Furniture reuse programme;

- National School Book Exchange;

- Camara IT equipment reuse;

- Rehab WEEE reuse schemes;

- Rothar.ie bicycle refurbishment programme.

Charity Shops

There is a wide network of charity shops located all over Ireland. For more information on shops located in your area visit the Irish Charity Shops Association website.

Mobile Phone Recycling Schemes for Charity

By receiving old mobile phones or used printer cartridges many charities have the opportunity to raise much needed funds. Charities availing of such schemes now include:

OPEN & Grow Your Own

OPEN is the national network for lone parent groups and organisations working with lone parents. They provide education and training programmes for one parent families.

OPEN are about to start providing the “Grow Your Own Future” Organic Horticulture programme and urgently need equipment and tools. Click here to download the full list of equipment needed. Any donation, however small, would be gratefully appreciated.

For more information on OPEN see: www.oneparent.ie/

Local Authorities

The Local Authorities of Ireland are constantly updating their information regarding waste prevention and reuse. For more information on initiatives in your area visit your Local Aurhorities website: