18 October 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Farming News
From today, farmers across Ireland will again have an opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous wastes from their farms at ten collection events during October and November.
Hazardous wastes are generated through the normal running of a farm, from engine oils & filters to residues of pesticides; and out-of-date veterinary medicines.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.
The first event takes place in Bandon, Co Cork today, 18th October. Over the course of the campaign, 2,000 farmers are expected to participate by bringing along surplus agri-chemicals and other hard-to-manage wastes. Safe disposal of these wastes is important for every farmer in keeping the farmyard safe for themselves and their family; in producing quality-assured products; and in maintaining Ireland’s green and sustainable image.
The campaign was initiated in 2013, and is led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) working with a cross-government team that includes Teagasc; the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine; the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment and local authorities.
Dr Eimear Cotter, Director, EPA Office of Environmental Sustainability said:
“The EPA is pleased to support the Farm Hazardous Waste Collections again this year. To date the scheme has been very successful in terms of reducing environmental risk by providing farmers with options for disposal and recovery of their farm hazardous wastes. This initiative has demonstrated the feasibility of running these collections, the strong demand from farmers for the service and what can be achieved with the commitment of a wide range of engaged partners.”
Since 2013, the EPA has run 36 collection events to which 6,800 farmers have brought over 800 tonnes of hazardous wastes (including pesticides; veterinary products; waste oil; and electrical equipment & batteries).
Teagasc Environmental Specialist Tim Hyde said,
“This initiative is an excellent opportunity for farmers to safely dispose of their farm hazardous waste and at an extremely competitive rate. 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.”
The scheme assists farmers in complying with legislation & quality assurance schemes, and also supports the ambitions of strategies such as the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan and Food Wise 2025.
Find out more about the 2017 Farm Hazardous Waste collections on the EPA website.
The location and dates for this year’s farm hazardous waste collections are as follows:
| Dates | Location |
| 18th October | Bandon Recycling Centre, Co. Cork |
| 25th October | Nenagh Mart, Co Tipperary |
| 27th October | Enniscorthy Mart, Co Wexford |
| 4th November | Listowel Mart, Co. Kerry |
| 8th November | Kilkenny Mart, Co Kilkenny |
| 14th November | Cahir Mart, Co. Tipperary |
| 17th November | Mayo-Sligo Co-operative, Ballina, Co Mayo |
| 21st November | Tullamore Mart, Co. Offaly |
| 24th November | Athenry Mart, Co. Galway |
| 28th November | Kells Recycling Centre, Co Meath |
Collection centres will open from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
