Your Number One Waste Collection Provider

Latest News

Barna Recycling

Apr 30, 2025
Wardrobe Revamp: What To Do With Old Clothes That Can’t Be Donated

The beginning of summer is usually when you open your wardrobe and start looking for lighter clothes that have been hidden for a long time. It’s also the perfect time to realise your wardrobe needs a revamp. As you make a pile of old, unwanted clothing, you’re likely to ask yourself: what to do with old clothes that cannot be donated in Ireland?

At Barna Recycling, we’re here to help. Many of our customers ask us how to handle clothes that are too worn or damaged for charity. Thankfully, there are sustainable, practical ways to recycle clothes and responsibly dispose of unwanted textiles. Here are our top tips for clothes recycling across Ireland.

5 Key Tips on Clothes Recycling & Textile Disposal

With the average Irish resident projected to own over 75 pieces of apparel in 2024, sustainable textile recycling is more important than ever. Here are five tips to help you manage your wardrobe responsibly.

1. Shop Smart To Reduce Clothing Waste

Reducing waste begins with conscious shopping. The textile industry is the second-largest contributor to global pollution (Source: mywaste.ie). Every piece of clothing you wear or use has undergone a complex manufacturing process that uses high electricity, water, and other energy sources.

Recycling and upcycling unwanted textiles saves energy by reducing or eliminating the need to make materials from scratch. So, before you purchase a new piece of clothing, shoes, etc., always ask yourself, ‘Do I need it, and will I wear it?’.

2. Pass, Swap or Hand Them Down

Before resorting to textile recycling, see if friends or family can reuse your clothes. Remember to be honest about any damage and wash the clothes before you pass them along. Research shows that second-hand clothing is growing and will represent around 27% of the apparel market share by 2027. Swapping platforms like Depop and Thriftify are ideal for giving your old wardrobe a second life. Hosting a swap party is another fun way to exchange clothing locally.

3. Donate to Charity – Where Possible

You can also donate clothes and unwanted textiles in good condition to local charity shops, as non-profits and charities would often be extremely grateful for your donation. Over 10 million garments per annum are handled via charity or second-hand shops. Using charity shops often means the sales from the clothing benefit causes in your local area or community.

Organisations such as Enable Ireland, Oxfam, Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP), and Liberty Recycling are some of the organisations that accept quality clothing. Use Charity Retail Ireland to find donation centres or clothing banks near you. For items that cannot be donated, move on to options like clothes recycling.

4. Transform & Upcycle

Damaged clothing can be creatively repurposed into face masks, tote bags, or cleaning cloths. All it takes is a little creativity and vision. Platforms like Pinterest and YouTube offer great inspiration for DIY upcycling projects.

5. Use Recycling Centres and Civic Amenity Sites

For items that can’t be reused or donated, your local recycling centres are the best solution. Barna Recycling’s sites accept a wide range of textiles, including clothes, shoes, and blankets. While extra charges may apply for bedding and mattresses, it ensures responsible disposal through proper clothes recycling methods.

BONUS: 6. Barna Recycling’s Expert Textile Tips

As the number one environmentally friendly waste collection provider, we have put together a list with valuable extra tips to help you with disposing of old clothes and textiles:
- Consider the charity shops’ big advantage – not only are the clothes reused and not treated as waste, but they also help provide financial assistance to a particular charity.
- Familiarise yourself with other items charity shops may take for upcycling or re-selling – such as household goods, books, electrical items, etc. Not all of these shops are dedicated only to clothes.
- Help the charity by purchasing something on the same journey – when dropping off clothes, always have a look at what’s for resale.
- Bedclothes and duvets are not always accepted by all charities. Check-in in advance of travelling.
- Point out clothes that are heavily soiled or damaged—although they can still be taken to some banks, this should be checked in advance.
- Old clothing not able to be reused can still be put to good use by being shredded and reused for things such as furniture stuffing.
Where Can I Recycle Clothes in Ireland?

Wondering where to recycle clothes that cannot be donated? Barna Recycling has five fully equipped Recycling Centres across Co. Galway. Each centre accepts a range of non-hazardous materials, including textiles.

Visit our locations page to see what’s accepted at each site. Please note that waste items accepted may vary depending on location.

Not a Barna Recycling customer yet? Switch to Barna Recycling today and save!
Barna Recycling

Mar 19, 2025
Do’s & Don’ts: What Goes In The General Waste Bin?

Spring has finally come, and we can’t wait for the first glimpses of summer! If you are like us, you would agree when we say now is the perfect time to declutter and organise your homes inside out for the summer months. However, as you declutter your home, you might often wonder which waste items from your home clear out go in the general waste bin and which items cannot be disposed of as general waste.

To help you get your home ready for summer, we have outlined a few tips and key information about what goes in the general waste bin. We have also outlined where to dispose of items that can’t be put in a general waste bin and how to dispose of other oversized items that won’t fit in your household bins.

Why Is General Waste Disposal Management Important?

Proper general waste handling, collection, transportation, and disposal aims at minimising the adverse impacts of waste on the environment, public health, and safety. Understanding the importance of effective waste management is crucial for ensuring sustainable development and preserving natural resources.

What Goes In The General Waste Bin?

Generally, the black bin is for any waste items that you CANNOT put into your recycling or organic bins. It’s also important to remember NOT to include any kind of liquids in your general waste bin and ensure you separate the packaging to segregate out the food waste and recyclable materials such as envelopes, milk cartons, and newspapers. This way, you are saving costs, maximising space, and making sure that you are not overloading your general waste bin.

The waste in your black bin is collected by Barna Recycling and processed to recover any recyclables. The remaining non-recyclable fraction is then sent for landfill disposal with energy recovery.

Correct Waste Disposal: See a List Of General Waste Items

In general, most non-recyclable and non-organic waste go into the general waste bin. However, there are exceptions, items that don’t go in any of the three bins and, therefore, should be properly disposed of at civic amenities. See a list of items that can go in the general waste bin:
- Nappies
- Ashes**
- Tin Foil
- Aero board
- Contaminated & Wet Paper
- Non-recyclable plastic
- Food wrappers
**When disposing of ashes in your general waste bin, ensure you place the ashes in a bag first. There are two critical reasons for this:
1. Hot ashes are the number one reason a bin can catch on fire. So, placing the ashes in a bag will help you determine whether they are cool enough to be placed in the bin.
2. It keeps the bin and the truck from getting dirty with loose ashes, which could also dirty other householders’ bins. Moreover, on windy days, the ashes can be blown over and dirty the area.
Don’ts: Items That Can’t Go Into Your General Waste Bin
- Paint cans – You can bring them to a local Civic Amenity Site
- Clothes – Clothes can’t go in your waste bin but can be brought to a clothes bank or charity shop.
- IT equipment and electrical goods – More commonly referred to as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), all electrical goods retailers must be registered as producers of WEEE and will take back your old electrical equipment free of charge when you buy new goods.
- Batteries – You can bring used batteries back to shops. Many supermarkets have drop-off points for recycling batteries.
- Glass – Should be washed and brought to your nearest bottle bank.
- Duvets – Can’t be disposed of in your waste bin, but they can be brought to your local Civic Amenity Site.
- Bulky waste items – Old furniture, couches, mattresses, tables, and large household appliances that have seen the end of their useable life can be brought to a local civic amenity site near you.
Disposing Of Large Items That Can’t Be Put In Your General Waste Bin

You can consider hiring a skip for larger items that can’t be disposed of in your general waste bin, which makes decluttering your homes much easier. At Barna Recycling, we have skips of all sizes, so you can be sure we’ll have one to suit your needs and the space available to you – check out our handy skip sizing guide here.

Benefits of hiring a Skip

Here are the top 3 benefits of hiring a Skip to dispose of large items:
- You can keep the skip as long as you require it.
- You have the convenience of not having to take large, awkward items in your car to the Civic Amenity Site.
- If you are a Barna Recycling customer, you can get a discount if you order a skip from us. All you need is to have your Barna Recycling Account number handy.
Items that can’t go in a skip are as follows:
- Hazardous Waste: A significant rule that is often forgotten is that hazardous waste should not go in a skip. It can leak and contaminate other recyclable materials.
- Asbestos: If asbestos is found during a renovation project or a home clearout, it must be dealt with by a team of specialists and not put into a general skip.
- Appliances: Other items that we find cause great confusion are electrical items, especially large household items. Refrigerators, freezers, microwaves & cookers should not go in a skip but instead be brought to a Civic Amenity Site.
- Oil or paint cans & tyres
- Solvents, fuels and batteries
- Chemicals, flammable materials
- Household waste includes food scraps, soiled nappies, and sanitary items.
- Liquid Concrete
Find out where your nearest recycling centres might be located. If you have any questions on skip hire, do not hesitate to contact a member of our skip hire team on 091 771619.

Choose Connacht’s Leading Provider of Waste Management Services

At Barna Recycling, we make waste disposal easy, cost-effective, and sustainable for homes and businesses across Connacht.

Whether you need residential bin collection, commercial waste solutions, or skip hire, Barna Recycling provides seamless, customer-focused services.

Join thousands of satisfied clients who trust us to keep their communities clean and green. Switch to Barna Recycling today!
Barna Recycling

Feb 20, 2025
Barna’s Top 3 Tips For More Efficient And Effective Bulk Waste Disposal

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland generated 3.19 million tonnes of municipal waste in 2022 and recycled 41 per cent of it. “Municipal waste” accounts for waste types such as residual, recyclable, and bulk.

Here, “bulk” refers to large waste items that are also considered bulky waste. These are items that cannot fit in your general waste bins (e.g., furniture, bedding) and always tend to take up too much space in your home. Here at Barna Recycling, we’re often asked by customers what to do about bulky item disposal.

To give you an idea of how to manage these items, we’ve pulled together top three tips that you can implement today. These will help you get rid of large items and put in place a more efficient and effective bulk waste disposal process.

What is an Example of Bulky Waste?

Bulk waste disposal can be confusing when you’re unsure about what’s considered part of this waste category. So, first, let’s have a look at some of the common items:
- Couches
- Chairs
- Tables
- Mattress
Interesting fact: Around eighty percent (80%) of most mattress’ components can be recycled
- Old furniture, such as wardrobes and bed frames
- Large household appliances, such as fridges, freezers, washing machines and dishwashers
- TVs
Top 3 Tips For Bulk Waste Disposal

Tip 1: Why not try Upcycling?

Upcycled furniture, or any other “upcycled” item, is when you reuse an item in a way that adds quality or value. So, if you’re still in love with your old furniture and want to get the maximum use out of it, you could always try to upcycle them where possible to create something entirely new.

Upcycling is also a nice way to spend your weekends as it gets your creative juices flowing. Besides, chances are you could end up creating something spectacular that you can advertise to sell and make some money.

Need some more convincing? Check out MyWaste.ie’s video content around upcycling and selling items.

Tip 2: Donate to Charity

Before you dispose of your bulky waste, assess whether it’s in good enough condition to donate to a local charity. There are several charities around the country that are willing to collect old but clean and functional furniture from your home and bring it to those in need. The Irish Charity Shops Association website will help you find the nearest charity shops near you.

Be sure to check in advance if the charity shop accepts furniture and large items.

Tip 3: Civic Amenity Sites

A question we often receive is: “How do you properly dispose of waste?” Well, if your bulky item has seen the end of its useable life, and you feel the only feasible option is to dispose of it, you can always bring it to your local civic amenity site near you. However, an extra charge applies for the disposal of old beds and mattresses.

A member of the Barna Recycling team will meet you on arrival at the civic amenity site to identify the contents you want to dispose of. Our experienced and helpful staff will advise you and direct you towards where the materials should be put on site.

On some days and at some sites, there are people to help you with the unloading of materials, but this isn’t always the case. If you need help, you can always give us a ring to let us know in advance, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.

Remember, we also accept Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) free of charge. For more info on how to correctly dispose of WEEE, click here.

What are 10 Ways to Reduce Waste at Home?

Looking for ways to reduce waste at home? Try these 10 options:
1. Deter from buying single-use items
2. Use less water
3. Bulk buy items where possible
4. Reduce food waste
5. Donate unwanted furniture
6. Dispose of electronics responsibly
7. Go paperless
8. Turn to sustainable fashion
9. Embrace the second-hand economy
10. Educate others
Efficient And Effective Bulk Waste Disposal With Barna Recycling

Get the most out of your visit to our civic amenity sites and make your bulk waste disposal more efficient by planning ahead.

See more information about our Civic Amenity Sites and view the list of items they accept.
Barna Recycling

Jan 15, 2025
2025 Hacks: Mastering Household Waste Disposal

As we enter 2025, mastering household waste disposal is not just a responsible choice but a necessity for a sustainable future. Understanding the different types of waste streams is the first step towards successful household waste management. Waste classification into organic, recyclable, and non-recyclable components sets the foundation for effective disposal techniques.

What is considered household waste?

The waste produced in households and similar waste produced by businesses is also called municipal waste or Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Household waste is a diverse category encompassing general, recyclable, and organic waste collected directly at kerbside and back doors or brought to waste collection centres like banks, civic amenity sites, and pay-to-use compactors.

According to Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last report, in 2021, out of a substantial 1.84 million tonnes of household waste that were generated in the state, 1.81 million tonnes was managed. However, an estimated 25,700 tonnes remained unmanaged, emphasising the need for continued investments in waste management solutions to address this issue.

Although MSW accounts for just around 10% of total waste generated across the EU, it is difficult to manage since it comprises several streams, including general waste, mixed dry recycling, and organic waste, as well as a high number of producers.

Disposing of daily household waste

Every household is entitled to a general and a recycling bin from a waste collector. If a customer lives in an area of 500 people or more, they are entitled to general, recycling and organic waste bins. Waste collection providers usually have a colour-coded system for separating household waste. For example, we have black, blue, and brown bins at Barna Recycling.
Even though bins are colour-coded, and customers are provided with information regarding household waste disposal management, contamination of bins is still a big issue, with recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) figures indicating that 20% of the material in household recycling bins should not be there, and significant 70% of the material in general waste bins from the commercial sector should be in recycling or organic bins.

This translates into a substantial loss of resource value—a costly oversight for households and businesses. However, proper waste segregation can be the solution to lower waste charges and safeguard investments in local treatment capabilities.

TIP: Ensure you maximise the space in your bins by breaking down waste before you put it in. This is especially important for the recycling bin. Cardboard boxes and packaging can quickly take up a lot of space, so be sure to break down bulkier items. Remember that overflowing bins or items left out beside your bins may not be taken away.

**If your bin is overflowing well in advance of your collection day, call the Barna Customer Care Team on 091 771619 to discuss your options.

How to reduce household waste

The journey to waste reduction begins with intentionality. Mindful consumption requires deliberate choices—purchasing only what is needed, prioritising quality over quantity, and avoiding items with excessive packaging. A discerning approach to shopping can curtail waste before it even enters the home.

By addressing waste at its source and adopting sustainable practices, households can become bastions of environmental stewardship. This collective effort safeguards our immediate surroundings and the planet at large, creating a legacy of sustainability for generations to come. Here are a few simple tips to help you get started with waste reduction:
- Use reusable shopping bags
- Make a weekly meal plan and shopping list
- Avoid produce that’s wrapped in plastic
- Support your local farmer
- Start composting at home
- Avoid single-use plastic
- Replace your soap bottles with bars
- Buy second hand
- Switch to digital documents
How to dispose of household hazardous waste?

Embarking on the journey of proper household waste disposal begins with a critical first step – the identification of hazardous waste lurking within the confines of your home. Everyday items take on a hazardous identity, the most common being pesticides, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, paints, solvents, and various cleaning agents.

The key is not just recognition but the meticulous segregation of these potentially harmful materials. You can either find a local drop-off location like our Civic Amenity Centres – see items accepted – or, depending on the case, bring the item back to the place where it was purchased. You can also check EPA’s guide to hazardous waste prevention.

Some hazardous items include:
- Waste Paint/ Paint Thinners/ Strippers
- White Spirit Creosotes
- Adhesives/Glues
- Aerosols Waste
- Antifreeze/Coolants
- Bleaches
- Chemicals with Identification Labels
- Cleaning Agents
- Detergents
- Engine Oils
- Epoxy Resins
- Herbicides/ Pesticides
- Medicines
- Pharmacy Waste
- Silicones
TIP: Since batteries cannot be disposed of at home, you must bring them back to the place where they were purchased or to a Civic Amenity Site. Electrical items such as chargers also need to be disposed of correctly. They need to be returned to where they were purchased or should be brought to a WEEE drop-off recycling point or your local Civic Amenity Site to be disposed of. Learn more about how to dispose of WEEE the right way.

Household waste recycling centres

A recycling centre, also known as civic amenity site, is an EPA-licensed drive-in facility fully equipped and designed to recycle a wide range of household products. These facilities take bagged household waste, food waste, and bulky items, such as furniture, for disposal.

Not all types of hazardous waste are accepted in these centres, so for details on the types of waste material accepted and any charges that may apply you should check with the waste collection provider.

You can learn more about Barna Recycling’s Recycling Centres here.

Ready to master household waste disposal and lower your costs with waste management in 2025?

Mastering household waste disposal in 2025 goes beyond individual actions—it’s about embracing a holistic approach that entails conscious consumer choices, including a waste collection provider that helps you navigate the challenges of waste management for a more sustainable future.

Barna Recycling is Connacht’s leading provider of waste management services, providing a professional, reliable and environmentally friendly service. Join Ireland’s number one environmentally friendly waste collection provider and enjoy the peace of mind that we will recycle what you throw away.

References:

Household Waste Statistics for Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring–assessment/waste/national-waste-statistics/household/#:~:text=Household%20waste%20includes%20general%20waste,pay%2Dto%2Duse%20compactors.

A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy – Ireland’s National Waste Policy 2020-2025, Government of Ireland. https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/86647/dcf554a4-0fb7-4d9c-9714-0b1fbe7dbc1a.pdf#page=null
Barna Recycling

Dec 08, 2024
Christmas Recycling Facts & Tips We Bet You Didn’t Know

Christmas is a festive season full of joy and generosity. However, the most wonderful time of the year also comes with a less festive byproduct: waste. Mountains of wrapping paper, packaging, and unwanted decorations find their way to landfills, contributing to a cycle of waste that harms the environment.

In Ireland alone, the disposal of nearly 1 million tonnes of waste over the festive season places immense strain on local waste management systems. Addressing this challenge requires both individual effort and community awareness.

Surprising Christmas Recycling Facts You May Not Know

Here are some interesting Christmas recycling facts you should know:
- If a household reuses a plastic tree for up to five years, its carbon footprint will be smaller than a household that buys a real tree every year.
- One ton of recycled Christmas cards can save 15 trees.
- At Christmas time, we use over 1,100 tonnes of wrapping paper, enough to gift wrap the Spire in Dublin over 10 times.
- Shiny, metallic wrapping paper and glitter-covered cards are often non-recyclable because they frequently contain plastics and foils that contaminate recycling streams.
- +30 Million Batteries are sold over Christmas.
- Over 50% of plastic packaging, including toy boxes and food containers, remains unrecycled each Christmas.
Barna Recycling’s Top Tips To Reduce Waste This Holiday Season
1. Recycle Your Christmas Tree
Real Christmas trees can easily be recycled or shredded into chippings and used in parkland areas. Artificial Christmas trees cannot be recycled but can be reused and donated to family, friends, or a local charity shop. If these are not possible, another alternative would be to bring your artificial Christmas trees to a civic amenity site to dispose of. Find your nearest civic amenity site here.

Where to Recycle Christmas Trees?

An artificial Christmas tree is seen as a bulky waste item. It can be brought to your local civic amenity site (except our civic amenity site in Clifden) to be disposed of. Our civic amenity sites will also accept real Christmas trees. Find out more ways on how you can recycle or replant your Christmas tree.
1. Upcycle Old Christmas Decorations with Creativity
Recycling Christmas decorations is another effective way of reducing waste. When taking down your decorations, some items may be broken and need to be disposed of. Often items that are deemed to be single-use items can be used again, so before you dispose of everything, take a minute to think if this could be used again next year. It is best to sort through your decorations as you are taking them down.

You can also embrace the beauty of sustainability by choosing decorations that can be reused year after year. Invest in timeless pieces made from durable materials, reducing the need for constant repurchase. When the time comes to refresh your decor, ensure that the materials are recyclable, contributing to a cyclical and eco-conscious festive aesthetic.
1. Mindful Gifting & Christmas Cards
In the quest for the perfect present and Christmas cards, consider options with a minimal ecological impact. Opt for items made from recycled materials and sustainable resources. Another way to reduce waste is by recycling your Christmas cards. It is safe to place the holiday cards you received in your home recycling bin. Any plastic, paper or cardboard design materials are recyclable. However, these may not be recyclable if the card contains glitter or any bulky designs.

Plan gift-giving wisely and avoid excessive packaging by opting for experience-based gifts like vouchers or memberships, which come with minimal material waste.
1. Saving on Wrapping paper
Try and save any reusable pieces of wrapping paper and store them safely for next year. Save any gift bags that can be used again next year too. But be sure to take off any name tags from the bag!

Besides, ditching traditional wrapping paper in favour of recyclable alternatives like brown kraft paper, fabric wraps, or even old newspapers allows you to explore eco-friendly alternatives. Cloth wraps, reusable gift bags, or even repurposed newspapers can add a touch of creativity while minimising the environmental strain of single-use wrapping paper. Elevate your gift presentation without compromising on sustainability.

EXTRA TIP: Keep An Eye For Batteries and Chargers

Batteries and chargers are considered hazardous waste but are still important components for controllers and children’s toys. Since they cannot be disposed of at home, you must bring them back to where they were purchased or to a civic amenity site. Electrical items such as chargers also need to be disposed of correctly. They need to be returned to where they were purchased or brought to a WEEE drop-off recycling point or your local Civic Amenity Site to be disposed of. Click here for more information on how to dispose of WEEE the right way.

Using Your Household Bins To Dispose of Your Christmas Waste

Boxes

Ensure you maximise the space in your bins by breaking down waste before you put it in. This is especially important for the recycling bin. Cardboard boxes and packaging can quickly take up a lot of space, so be sure to break down bulkier items. Remember that overflowing bins or items left out beside your bins may not be taken away.

As a safety precaution, we always advise our customers not to leave boxes of expensive items beside their bins, such as new TVs or game consoles, as this may encourage theft. If you do not have space for such boxes, bring them to your local civic amenity site or store them in a shed or garage until you have sufficient room to put them in your bin.

Christmas Cards and Wrapping Paper

When disposing of wrapping paper, the most important thing is to note that not all paper is recyclable. Any wrapping paper containing glitter, foil, or tape will have to go in the waste bin. Similarly, for Christmas cards with excess glitter, ribbons or homemade cards that contain glue must go in the general waste bin. In the case of ribbons, you can also save it and reuse it again for wrapping presents next year.

Christmas Decorations

Items such as tinsel that can’t be used again can be placed in the general waste bin. Fresh wreaths can be put into your compost bin once you take off any non-compostable materials. Broken glass baubles need to be brought to the bottle bank, and lights and electrical appliances that no longer work can be brought to a WEE disposal site. Please note that any electrical items that contain a battery must also have the batteries removed before being disposed of or for safety reasons. Any decorations wholly made of metal should be brought to your local civic amenity site.

If your bin is overflowing well in advance of your collection day, call the Barna Customer Care Team on 091 771619 to discuss your options.

Lower Your Costs With Waste Management In 2025

Barna Recycling is Connacht’s leading provider of waste management services, providing a professional, reliable, and environmentally friendly service. Join Ireland’s number one environmentally friendly waste collection provider and enjoy the peace of mind that we will recycle what you throw away.