Farm Hazardous Waste Collection Campaign 2014

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.

The location and dates for the 10 farm hazardous waste bring centres are as follows:

Bring Centre Locations Dates
Cillin Hill Mart, Co.Kilkenny Wednesday, 29 October
Tullamore Mart, Co.Offaly Friday, 31 October
Whites Agri, Lusk, Co.Dublin Tuesday, 4 November
Ballyjamesduff Mart, Co.Cavan Thursday, 6 November
Raphoe Mart, Co.Donegal Tuesday, 11 November
Balla Mart, Co.Mayo Wednesday, 12 November
Dungarvan Mart, Co.Waterford Tuesday, 18 November
Kanturk Mart, Co.Cork Thursday, 20 November
Abbeyfeale Mart, Co. Limerick Tuesday, 25 November
Enniscorthy Mart, Co.Wexford Thursday, 27 November

Bring centres will open from 9:30 am to 3:30pm

Information on the waste types accepted, the charges applied and guidance on the handling, segregation, packing and transporting of hazardous waste by farmers to the bring centres has been advertised and can be viewed at EPA Information, locations and dates for farm hazardous waste collections or by calling LoCall: 1890 33 55 99.

The scheme assists farmers in complying with various EU and national legislation, quality assurance schemes and supports the ambitions of the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan and Food Harvest 2020.

Waste types accepted Costs
Out of date pesticides and biocides; veterinary medicines and animal health-care wastes; needles and syringes; waste paints; aerosols; corrosives (acids;, detergents); oil and air filters; oily wastes; brake fluids; brake pads; antifreeze; adhesives; coolants All charged at €2/kg (excl. VAT which is charged @ 13.5%)
Waste packaging e.g., plastic and/or metal containers that are contaminated with hazardous materials €8 per 200 litre drum

€4 per 20/25 litre drum

Waste engine oil and waste hydraulic oil (do not mix with vegetable oil) Free of charge
Waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) (e.g., TVs, computers, fridges, freezers, power tools, kettles); all batteries and light bulbs Free of charge
Important Information
  • Each waste type must be clearly identifiable, segregated and packaged to avoid leaks.
  • MIXED wastes 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.
  • Farm plastics such as silage wrap, fertiliser and feed bags; netting; and triple rinsed pesticide containers will NOT be accepted.
  • Wastes can NOT be dropped BEFORE or AFTER the designated collection date.

Source: EnvirocentreNews.ie – Farm Hazardous Waste Collection Campaign 2014