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• • Barna Recycling
  • May 23, 2025

  Small, Simple Changes For An Eco-Friendly Bathroom

  

  We don’t often think of the bathroom as a place where we can go green, but it’s actually one of the easiest rooms to make more sustainable. Whether it’s reducing plastic packaging, rethinking how we use water, or switching to earth-friendly alternatives, there are plenty of small changes that can make a big difference.

  If you take a minute to examine your personal care, beauty, and general hygiene routine, you might be surprised to find that often there is more waste in your bathroom than anywhere else in the house. From shampoo bottles, shower gels, soap packaging, disposable razors, to bathroom cleaners and toilet rolls, the list is endless. 

  In this guide, we’ll walk you through a range of easy ideas to help you create an eco-friendly bathroom. With just a few mindful swaps and habits, you can start building a space that’s better for both you and the planet.

   

  Start by Decluttering: Less Really is More

  Creating a sustainable bathroom begins with knowing what you have and what you no longer need. How many half-used shampoo bottles or expired products are sitting in your cabinet right now?

  • Clear out the clutter: Set aside time to sort through your bathroom shelves and drawers. Discard any out-of-date items or those you no longer use.
  • Use what you have: Before buying anything new, make a habit of finishing what you’ve already got.
  • Recycle thoughtfully: Make sure to separate recyclable items, such as shampoo bottles and cardboard packaging, and dispose of them properly.

  Choose Reusables and Biodegradable Alternatives

  

  Making your bathroom more eco-friendly doesn’t mean overhauling everything overnight. Start small by swapping out disposable items for longer-lasting, biodegradable or reusable alternatives.

  • Switch to bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic ones.
  • Use shampoo and conditioner bars to cut down on plastic packaging.
  • Replace disposable razors with refillable safety razors.
  • Opt for reusable cotton pads and facial cloths instead of single-use wipes.
  • Try organic, natural soaps that are free from harmful chemicals and come in recyclable or compostable packaging.

  These swaps don’t just help reduce waste, they also tend to be better for your skin and wallet over time.

  Rethink How You’re Recycling Bathroom Waste

  

  Recycling in the bathroom is often overlooked, but it’s just as important as in the kitchen. A few tweaks can make all the difference.

  • Install a small bathroom recycling bin: This simple addition can encourage proper disposal of items like empty toilet roll tubes, product boxes, and plastic bottles.
  • Rinse and remove lids: Items should be clean and dry to be accepted by most recycling services.
  • Check local recycling guidelines: Some items might need to be taken to a recycling centre, like aerosol cans or certain plastics. Check out What Goes in My Blue Bin if you are unsure about what items you can recycle. 

  By staying informed and consistent, you can turn your bathroom into a hub for responsible waste disposal.

  Note: Items like nappies, toilet rolls, wipes, and cotton wool CANNOT be recycled and should be disposed of in the general waste bin (black Barna bin). 

  Explore Green Bathroom Ideas for a Healthier Space

  Sustainability doesn’t end with products—it extends to design and functionality too. Whether you’re renovating or just refreshing your space, these green bathroom ideas can help lower your environmental footprint:

  • Install water-saving fixtures like low-flow taps and showerheads.
  • Use LED lighting to reduce energy use.
  • Decorate with indoor plants to naturally purify the air.
  • Choose natural materials like reclaimed wood, stone, or bamboo for a warm, organic feel.
  • Paint with eco-friendly paints that have low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

  With a few thoughtful upgrades, you can create a bathroom that looks good, feels good, and does good.

   

  Building Your Zero Waste Bathroom

  An eco-friendly bathroom isn’t just good for the environment, it’s often more economical, healthier, and simpler too. By gradually swapping disposables for reusables, recycling more mindfully, and embracing sustainable design, you’re taking meaningful steps toward a zero-waste bathroom.

   

  Go Green With Barna Recycling

  At Barna Recycling, we’re committed to helping you live more sustainably, starting with your everyday spaces. We are Connacht’s leading provider of waste management services, providing a professional, reliable and environmentally friendly service.

  Not yet a customer? Join today and enjoy the peace of mind that we will recycle what you throw away, lowering the costs to our customers and also to our shared environment.

  Learn more about our contract options and sign up today.

• • 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.

  • See what goes in your Black Bin (General waste)
  • See what goes in your Blue Bin (Recycling waste)
  • See what goes in your Brown Bin (Organic waste)

  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