Athlone electrical wholesaler honoured at national awards

Two Westmeath electrical wholesalers won awards for lighting recycling at Ireland's second Association of Electrical Wholesalers (AEW) awards which took place in Dublin recently.

Sponsored by Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland, the awards celebrated the best performers in lighting recycling across AEW's 130 members in Ireland last year.

Eastern Electrical Athlone and City Electrical Factors Mullingar scooped the awards for ‘best performing branch’.

During 2025 AEW’s wholesalers took back a total of 473 tonnes of lamps, fittings, and luminaires.

Eastern Electrical Athlone was recognised for its green, sustainable business practices for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in 2025.

"We are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to recycling waste lighting from our customers," said Neil Scally, Branch Manager at Eastern Electrical Athlone, which is based on the Dublin Road.

"This award reaffirms our dedication to making a positive environmental impact and is a great boost for our team."

A total of 14 lighting recycling recognition awards were handed out across the six wholesale trade buying groups that form the AEW – CEF, EWL Electric, Fegime, IEBG, Kellihers and the Independents – with two awards presented per group for 'best performing branch' and 'most improved branch'.

"The recycling efforts of all of our winners deliver a really positive impact on the environment, so a big well done to all," said Leo Donovan, CEO, WEEE Ireland, as he presented the awards.

Recycling partner, Irish Lamps Recycling, works with electrical wholesalers and contractors to collect waste lighting directly from their premises for processing at their facilities in Athy, Co Kildare.

Recycling lighting waste ensures any harmful substances are removed safely and the valuable raw materials used in the production of these items can be recycled and given a new lease of life, supporting the circular economy.