This is according to new research from WEEE Ireland, which showed that 16% of the 1,000 Irish consumers polled by TNS mrbi still put electronic goods coming to the end of their lives in bins, skips and dumps.
It said this potentially highlights a need for retailers to do more to advertise the free recycling scheme.
Those living in Dublin and people over the age of 35 were found to be most likely to know that they can recycle WEEE-eligible items for free.
“We would encourage consumers to bring back all old or broken electronic equipment – no matter how big or small – to their local recycling centre or to a retailer when an equivalent item is being purchased,” said Elizabeth O’Reilly, compliance manager at WEEE Ireland.
Under the regulations, distributors of electrical and electronic equipment are obliged to take back WEEE goods from private households for free.
Retailers are also able to employ a third party to ensure that this process is carried out.