The new electrical waste directive which will force manufacturers to dispose of household appliances in an environmentally-friendly way has come into operation
Under the EU's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) programme, retailers and manufacturers must take in old goods when new equipment is sold.
Householders will further benefit by being able to take electrical items to civic amenity sites where councils will dispose of them for free.
The Minister for the Environment Dick Roche has described the system as a cradle-to-grave recycling regime.
But there are fears that consumers could be lumbered with added costs if retailers attempt to put additional charges on to new products for the eco-friendly disposal of old machines.
Shops have threatened to place recycling charges on goods they sell.
On large household goods such as refrigerators, consumers could pay up to 40 euro per item, 20 euro for large televisions, 5 euro for vacuum cleaners and 1 euro for small items like radio alarm clocks.
Old goods can then be disposed of at stores and recycling centres.
The Consumers Association of Ireland has called for a boycott of shops which attempt to pass the fee on to the buyer.