Vapes and solar panels have been identified as the key drivers behind a 75% increase in electrical device sales over the past five years, according to a leading e-waste recycling organization.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland reported that a total of 93 million household electronic items were purchased in 2024, nearly triple the volume sold in 2006.

The 2024 annual report released by WEEE highlighted a 75% rise in electronic items sold per year between 2019 and 2024.

Vaping devices accounted for a significant portion of the sales, with an estimated 31 million units sold last year, while 2.5 million solar PV panels were installed during the same period.

The surge in consumption has put pressure on EU recycling targets, prompting WEEE Ireland to call for increased awareness and action towards recycling electronic devices.

Chief executive Leo Donovan emphasized the importance of recycling valuable materials like aluminium, copper, lithium, and cobalt found in these devices, as global demand continues to rise.

Despite the challenges, WEEE Ireland collected over 38,000 tonnes of e-waste in 2024, including a significant number of large household appliances.

Efforts to recover vape devices have also been successful, with over 1.1 million units collected, showcasing the organization's commitment to addressing the growing e-waste issue.

With the Government's recent allocation of €27 million to support circular economy initiatives, there is hope for further progress in managing electronic waste and promoting sustainable practices in Ireland.