A cross government collaboration will again provide farmers with bring centres for the collection of farm hazardous waste at ten locations throughout the country during October and November 2014.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has teamed up with Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, local authorities in Kilkenny, Offaly, Fingal, Cavan, Donegal, Mayo, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Wexford, WEEE Ireland, European Recycling Platform (ERP) and RILTA Environmental Ltd to operate the bring centres.

Teagasc environmental specialist, Tim Hyde said, ‘Safe disposal of Farm Hazardous Waste is important for every farmer in producing quality assured products for the end user and for maintaining Ireland’s green and sustainable image. This scheme is an excellent opportunity for farmers to safely dispose of their farm hazardous waste at an extremely competitive rate and I am encouraging all farmers to bring their farm hazardous wastes to one of the ten locations points where it will be collected, transported and disposed of in a safe and environmentally sound manner.’

The farm hazardous waste campaign was successfully piloted in 2013, when 864 farmers brought waste to six being centres and a total of 94 tonnes of hazardous waste and 22 tonnes of WEEE and batteries were collected.

Jane Brogan, Scientific Officer, EPA said, ‘The first pilot scheme received overwhelming support from farmers who demonstrated their willingness to contribute financially to the environmental sound management of their hazardous waste when presented with an accessible opportunity. The pilot clearly shows that there is a need for a long-term sustainable and affordable national scheme for the collection of hazardous waste which has accumulated on farms over the years. Information gathered in 2013 and during this 2014 campaign can assist in the establishment of such a scheme.’

Waste types collected

  • Out-of-date unused pesticides, veterinary medicines and animal healthcare wastes (tubes, sheep dip, needles and syringes); waste paints/solvents; aerosols; corrosives (acids, detergents); oil and air filters; oily wastes; brake fluids; brake pads; antifreeze; adhesives; coolants; grease containers/guns; empty silicone guns.
  • Waste packaging, empty containers and drums.
  • Waste engine oil and hydraulic oil.
  • Waste electronic and electrical equipment (e.g. TVs, computers, fridges, freezers, power tools, kettles); all batteries and light bulbs.

Presentation of waste

  • Each waste type must be clearly identifiable, segregated and packaged to avoid leaks and minimise risks.
  • MIXED wastes will not be accepted.
  • Farm plastics such as: silage wrap; fertiliser and feed bags; netting; and, triple rinsed pesticide containers will NOT BE ACCEPTED.
  • All needles and syringes to be delivered to the centres in separate sealed containers.
  • Payment by cash, cheque or card.
  • Farmers will be issued with a receipt of payment and a certificate of transfer of control of waste.

Waste