Farmers will be able to safely dispose of hazardous wastes from their farms at 10 collection events across the country during October and November.

During the normal running of a farm some hazardous waste is generated such as engine oils and filters to the residues of pesticides, herbicides and out-of-date veterinary medicines.

The removal of these potentially dangerous substances represents a major step in improving farm safety while reducing the serious pollution risks associated with accidental spillages, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The first event will take place in Carnew, Co Wexford on October 21, with nine other events taking place across the country up until the end of November.

Location and dates for this year’s farm hazardous waste collections.

Location and dates for this year’s farm hazardous waste collections.

Some 2,000 farmers are expected to participate in the campaign, which was originally initiated in 2013 and is led by the EPA in conjunction with a cross-Government team.

It is important to provide responsible and practical disposal options for farmers, the EPA Deputy Director General Dara Lynott said.

The level of support and engagement shown by the farming community for these collection events in recent years has been most welcome.

“The pilot initiative demonstrates the need, and appetite, for a national long-term solution to safely manage these wastes.”

Since 2013, the EPA has run 26 collection event with over 5,000 farmers taking part with close to 600t of waste collected.

  • 163t of hazardous wastes (such as pesticides, veterinary medicines, paints, oil filters).
  • 275t of waste oils.
  • 158t of electrical equipment and batteries.

This initiative is an excellent opportunity for farmers to safely dispose of their farm hazardous waste and at an extremely competitive rate, according to Teagasc Environmental Specialist Tim Hyde.

I would encourage all farmers to bring their farm hazardous wastes to one of the ten locations, where it will be collected and processed in a safe and environmentally sound manner.

“These collection days provide an opportunity for farmers to dispose of materials that may be harmful to humans and animals, and also to ensure compliance with DAFM Cross Compliance and Bord Bia Inspections,” he said.

The scheme assists farmers in complying with legislation and quality assurance schemes, and also supports the ambitions of strategies such as the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan and Food Wise 2025.