The European Recycling Platform (ERP) has, today unveiled its show-stopping ‘Trash EEE-lk’ (EEE: Electrical and Electronic Equipment) installation ahead of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin. The structure, made purely from e-waste, highlights the urgent need for Irish households to recycle (and not bin!) their invisible electrical items. The aim of the majestic mammal, which is set to dominate St. Patrick’s Park from 14th – 16th March, is to encourage people to dispose of electrical items, most notably, invisible e-waste properly. ‘Trash EEE-lk forms part of ERP’s Sustainability Partnership with the St Patrick’s Festival.
In addition to ‘Trash EEE-lk’, ERP has just released new findings in a survey conducted by Coyne Research. It reveals that 55% of adults have never heard of the term “Invisible WEEE”, despite almost universal ownership of small electrical items that often go unnoticed in Irish homes.
The findings show that chargers and cables are the most hoarded, most binned, and most recycled Invisible WEEE items, simply because almost every household owns several of them. Everyday items such as vapes, earbuds, headphones, power banks, remote controls, power tools and small kitchen gadgets also frequently end up in household bins – a serious concern as battery-related fires at waste treatment plants are on the rise. Vapes (13%) and audio accessories (9%) are among the items most commonly misdisposed of, while smart home devices (33%), electric blankets (33%) and even St Patrick’s light‑up hats and accessories (6%) add to ever-growing stockpiles of invisible e-waste accumulating in our homes.
ERP Ireland’s ‘Trash EEE-lk’ brings an ancient giant back to life to symbolise Ireland’s growing invisible electrical waste problem, encouraging the public to stop in their tracks and recycle responsibly, whilst highlighting the importance of correct disposal.
Designed by renowned Irish artist Ned Leddy, this striking large-scale installation is created from over 1,000 electrical items and components. Towering over the park, it measures five metres long, four metres high and boasts 3.5‑metre antlers. As a form of “artivism”, it does more than captivate – it aims to influence recycling culture and spark real change. Inspired by the prehistoric Irish Elk, the largest species of deer ever known, ‘Trash EEE-lk’ connects Ireland’s ancient past with a modern reminder to recycle the unseen.
‘Trash EEE-lk’ forms a wider part of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival theme, Roots, which explores identity, belonging and the shared stories that connect generations. The majestic Irish Elk – which roamed Ireland and Europe before, during and after the last Ice Age and became extinct around 7,700 years ago – stood taller than a modern moose, with antlers spanning up to four metres (13 feet). By transforming this ancient giant from no longer used electronics, ‘Trash EEE-lk’ blends Ireland’s deep past and ancient roots with a powerful yet modern message about recycling invisible WEEE.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Trash EEE-lk’, Artist Ned Leddy said:
“I was delighted to take on such an ambitious, creative and meaningful project. The idea of resurrecting an ancient Irish creature using today’s electronic waste immediately resonated with me. I hand-selected every piece of recycled material, choosing components that would add texture, scale and personality to the sculpture. It was fascinating to see discarded electronics transform into something so striking and symbolic. I hope ‘Trash EEE-lk’ inspires people to see waste differently while reconnecting us with our ancient past.”
Commenting on this year’s instalment, Country General Manager of ERP Ireland, James Burgess, added:
“This year’s St. Patrick’s Festival theme, Roots, is about understanding where we come from and how we shape the future. By reimagining the ancient Irish Elk through modern electronic waste, we want to spark meaningful conversations about sustainability and encourage people to think differently about the electrical items in their homes. ‘Trash EEE-lk’ truly brings Ireland’s lost Elk – and invisible WEEE – back into view.
Electrical waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, yet many people don’t realise that small items like cables, vapes or even light-up novelty St Patrick’s hats should be recycled. Through this installation, we’re showing that recycling is a simple action – one that protects our planet, preserves resources, and keeps electrical items out of our household bins.”