Recycle IT

Recycle IT

Organisation type: Social Enterprise

Overall interests and goals with respect to research:

Recycle IT is a social enterprise committed to reducing electronic waste through recycling, and workplace training and employment for people facing barriers to the workforce. Its work strongly aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through skills development and job creation, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting recycling for reuse, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by supporting equitable access to employment opportunities. We are mainly interested in a simple method of capturing the social impacts of our organisation. How does Recycle IT’s existence impact communities, trainees, and employees (e.g. to allow people working at Recycle IT grow, development, progress). We see social impact as the positive change created for people, communities, and the environment – the beneficial effect our work has on the communities we serve. Do we make a difference? 

What societal groups does the organisation aim to positively affect and support through collaborative research?

Work placement trainees and employees who are socio-economically disadvantaged people from disadvantaged areas, and their communities, and the environment.

How might engaging in collaborative research with TU Dublin support these groups in the longer term?

Collaborative research with workplace training participants and employees can give them a voice in shaping the work that affects their lives. When participants help design and take part in the research, their experiences, challenges, career goals and ideas are better understood. As a result of the research, participants may experience clearer training pathways, more supportive workplaces, and fairer opportunities for progression. They may also build new skills through the research process itself, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. In the long run, this approach can help create stable jobs, stronger career outcomes, and a sense of ownership and pride, because employees can see that their feedback leads to real change. In this way Recycle IT can continuously improve, demonstrate measurable impact, and ensure its workplace training and employment initiatives deliver meaningful, sustainable change for individuals and the community.

Note that training participants have different levels of literacy and language fluency, and may experience financial challenges, which can prevent them from taking part in collaborative research. Training and resources would need to be built into any research project funding proposal, to address these challenges. 

John McEntee, Business Manager.

Further Information:

• If you would like to know more about potentially collaborating with this organisation, please contact Catherine Bates, Research Engagement Lead at engagementandimpact@tudublin.ie.