Your Number One Waste Collection Provider

Latest News

Ims Marketing

Nov 09, 2023
Sorting All Types of Domestic Waste: A Must for Clear-outs

Decluttering your home during the holiday season can be daunting, especially when you’re unsure how or where to dispose of the different types of domestic waste.

From clearing out the massive mess in the shed and old clutter in the attic and sorting out all the unused clothing, old blankets, and bedding to old books, now is the perfect time to deep clean your homes inside and out before the holiday season.

So, how about having a stress & mess-free holiday season? Below, we have outlined our top tips and key information to help you understand what to do with the different types of waste from your home clear out.

Understanding the Types of Domestic Waste

Efficient waste sorting is key for responsible disposal. It not only streamlines the process but also contributes significantly to environmental conservation.

General Household Waste

General household waste spans a broad spectrum, from everyday disposables to non-recyclable plastics. Recognising and categorising this waste is the first step in crafting an effective sorting strategy.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous items can hide undiscovered among the many types of domestic waste. These pose a substantial risk to both human health and the environment. Identifying and safely disposing of such materials is imperative during clear-outs.

Electronic Waste

The digital age has given rise to a new challenge—electronic waste. Understanding the components of electronic devices and their potential environmental impact is critical for correct and safe disposal. Read our blog on electronic waste to learn more about responsible WEEE disposal.

Effective Sorting Strategies for Home Clear-outs
1. Make correct, responsible use of the designated bins.
Correctly sorting your household disposal and using the designated bins for the different types of domestic waste is the first step to ensuring an effective home clear-out. Ensure you separate hazardous materials and electronic waste.

Not sure of what goes on each bin? See what goes in each Barna Recycling bin.
1. Utilise Recycling Centres
Collaborating with local recycling centres facilitates the responsible disposal of recyclable materials. Barna Recycling’s purpose-built Civic Amenity Sites can assist you greatly when clearing out your home. With seven civic amenity sites across Connacht, we collect a large variety of non-hazardous and recyclable household waste at a reduced cost.

Here are some of the benefits of using one of Barna Recycling’s civic amenity sites.
- They are cost-effective and cheap to use.
- Accept a wide range of items, including hazardous materials.
- They are clean, local, and easily accessible.
- Open on weekends to make them more accessible to all.
- They are well laid out and marked for each waste material.
- Cater for small and large deliveries in the exact location.
- Provide WEEE and Glass Bottle services free of charge.
- Cater for small and large deliveries in the exact location.
1. Integrate Composting in Organic Waste Management
Integrating composting into household waste management significantly reduces the environmental impact of organic waste. Composting not only diverts waste from landfills but also produces nutrient-rich compost for soil enrichment.

More on Barna Recycling’s Sites: Types of Domestic Waste We Accept

Old blankets/ Bedding & Mattresses: Some of our civic amenity sites will also accept any type of clothing, footwear, or textiles, including blankets, at selected civic amenity sites. However, an extra charge would apply for disposing of bedding and mattresses.

Books: Generally, books should be placed in the household recycling bin. However, if you have a large volume of old books, phone books, newspapers, and magazines, you can dispose of them at some of our local civic amenity sites.

Electrical items: You can bring unwanted electrical waste, more commonly known as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), such as Computers, Monitors, Mobile Phones, Electronic Toys, Game consoles, Speakers, Headphones and electrical appliances to your local amenity site to dispose of it free of charge.

Old Swing sets and Garden Furniture: If you have an old garden swing or garden furniture still in working condition, you could consider selling it, passing it on to someone else or donating it to local charity shops. You can bring them to your nearest local civic amenity site if they require disposal. Most wood, metal, and plastic furniture are widely accepted and recycled at civic amenity sites. Read our blog on bulk waste disposal.

Need more information on where to dispose of certain items or order a skip? Give us a call today at 091 771619 or fill in our Contact Us form.
Ims Marketing

Oct 18, 2023
Your Guide to Effective Plastic Packaging Waste Disposal

Irish Data from 2021 shows that out of the 372,819 tonnes of plastic packaging generated, only 26,048 were recycled. Almost all remaining plastic packaging was often shipped overseas to Europe for incineration or use by energy plants. Currently, Ireland recycles less than one-third (28 per cent) of all plastic packaging waste, and reaching the recycling targets set by the EU will demand much more effort and commitment from all of us (see graphic below).

Source: https://www.epa.ie

At Barna Recycling, we have invested in technological advancements that allow us to sort, recover and dispose of different plastic materials. However, the efforts of each household are vital for correctly and efficiently managing recycling plastic packaging waste in the country. It will help put Ireland a huge step forward towards achieving the increased packaging recycling targets set by the EU.

Can You Recycle Soft Plastic in Ireland?

The answer is: Yes, you can as long as it is clean!

Soft plastic is any type of plastic that you can scrunch in your hand. Good examples of soft plastic are shrink wrap, plastic carrier bags, toilet roll wrappers, plastic bread bags, zip lock bags, and bubble wrap.

Pulling on the plastic to see if it stretches is a good indicator of whether it is soft and recyclable. This means the plastic is not laminated and can be recycled.

If the plastic doesn’t stretch, this means it’s laminated or coated and, therefore, probably not recyclable. These types of plastic are removed during our sorting process and sent for waste-to-energy recovery. Examples of non-soft plastics are foil-based packaging, netting, polystyrene or foam.

Rigid plastics, such as plastic bottles and food trays, are accepted in the recycling bin. Going forward, households can place all plastic packaging waste, including soft plastic, into the recycling bin if they’re clean, dry and loose.

Remember to place your recycling materials loose, clean, and dry into your bin. Please do not place your recycling items in a plastic bag.

You can always check What Goes in My Blue Bin if you are unsure of items that can be recycled.

Interesting Facts about Plastic
- Until 2020, Irish recycling facilities could only process rigid plastics
- Plastic makes up 90% of the rubbish in our oceans
- Plastic production uses 8% of the world’s oil production
- Every ton of plastic recycled saves 30 barrels of crude oil
- A plastic bag takes 500 years to break down in a landfill
- Recycling 1 plastic bottle saves the same amount of energy needed to power a 60-watt light bulb for 6 hours
Did you know that many Items can be made from recycled plastic bottles?
From fleece to sleeping bags, backpacks, and dog beds, there are many useful items that can be made from plastic bottles. For example, 25 large plastic soft drink bottles will make 1 Fleece Jacket.

How Does Barna Recycling Process Work?

Our recycling process starts with you. Once your plastic waste is placed in the household recycling bin, our collection crew then collect your recycling bins on the designated day and deliver the waste materials to our EPA-licensed recycling facility. After your waste materials are delivered to our facility, we apply the following process:
- First of all, recycled items are sorted for processing on our picking line.
- The recycled waste is separated into six different categories: paper, cardboard or hard plastics, glass, aluminium & steel cans.
- Our technology also allows us to segregate soft plastics in this same way with the use of advanced optical sorting equipment.
- The recyclable plastic & cardboard waste is baled & shipped abroad to be sold and recycled in European and other markets or used by manufacturers or energy plants.
It’s About Time You Took Action

The world is waking up to climate change, pollution, and resource depletion challenges. Minimise waste, repurpose items and recycle whenever possible. Small changes can yield significant results.

Not a Barna Recycling customer yet? Join today your number one environmentally friendly waste collection provider.
Ims Marketing

Sep 19, 2023
Wardrobe Revamp: How to Dispose of Old Clothes

There’s always a time of the year when you decide to give your wardrobe a revamp, reorganising the bedroom and making room for the new. And it’s usually after making a pile of old clothing that you’re faced with the question: how to dispose of old clothes in Ireland? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!

Here at Barna Recycling, we often find our customers wondering what to do with clothes that are old/no longer fit and textiles that have already seen their share of wear & tear. There are plenty of sustainable ways to repurpose, recycle and dispose of old clothes in Ireland, and we have a list of top tips that will help you decide the best way to dispose of your old textiles.

5 Tips on How to Dispose of Old Clothes

You are playing your part to make for a cleaner, greener environment by disposing of your clothing and textile items correctly. So, here are five precious tips to give you insights on how to dispose of your old clothes.

1. Shopping Smart

It all starts with a change in habits because the smarter you shop, the less you waste. It’s important to understand that 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 & 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/Hand Them Down

Before you decide to dispose of or recycle the clothes and textiles that you no longer use or wear, consider passing them on to a friend or a family member if they might be interested in them. Remember to be honest about any damage and wash the clothes before you pass them along. There are also several online platforms that allow you to swap or re-sell your clothing, such as Depop, Thriftify, and Nuw to name just a few options available.

Alternatively, you can also see if your friends and colleagues are up for swapping a few items. Invite them over for a few drinks and get the party started. This way you are giving your clothes a new life and everyone goes home happy with some new pieces they can add to their wardrobe for free!

3. Donate to Charity

You can also donate clothes and textiles in good condition to local charity shops, as there are often non-profits and charities that would 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.

Some organisations accepting clothing donations are Enable Ireland, Oxfam, NCBI, Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) and Liberty Recycling. The Charity Retail Ireland website will help you to find your nearest charity shops & clothing banks near you.

4. Transform & Upcycle

You can transform clothes that are damaged, stained/have holes into new items such as face masks, tablecloths, cleaning cloths, blankets, padding for chairs, bags, t-shirts, and so much more! All it takes is a little creativity and vision. You can check out Pinterest or some DIY YouTube videos for inspiration.

5. Civic Amenity Sites

If you feel you cannot do any of the above with large volumes of old textiles, you can always bring them to your local civic amenity site or clothing banks near you. Some of our civic amenity sites will also accept any type of clothing, footwear, textiles, including blankets at selected civic amenity sites. However, an extra charge would apply for disposing of bedding and mattresses.

BONUS: 6. Barna Recycling Top Tips

As the number one environmentally friendly waste collection provider, we have a few 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 advance of travelling.
- Point out clothes that are heavily soiled or damaged – although they can still be taken in 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 Dispose of my Clothes?

Barna Recycling has five Recycling Centres across Co. Galway, where you can dispose of all types of non-hazardous and recyclable material.

To learn more about the types of waste material accepted and any charges that may apply, choose one of our locations and click on ‘view accepted items’. Please note waste items accepted may vary depending on location.

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

Aug 16, 2023
Small, Simple Changes For An Eco-Friendly Bathroom

In a world that’s increasingly aware of its environmental impact, the concept of an eco-friendly bathroom has gained substantial traction. When it comes to creating an eco-friendlier space, we find that bathroom waste often gets overlooked. However, we all use toiletries, personal care items and bathroom cleaners daily, which makes our bathroom packed with recyclables!

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. And most importantly, you need to know how and where to dispose of your waste correctly.

Below we have outlined some handy tips and techniques for creating a low-waste, eco-friendly bathroom and reducing household waste disposal.

Clearing Chaos: Declutter for an Eco-Friendly Bathroom

Firstly, I am sure you will agree with us when we say the fewer products you have in your bathroom, the less waste you will produce. So, here is how to start reducing waste to create an eco-friendly bathroom:
- Occasionally, dedicate time to reorganise and rearrange all your cosmetics, toiletries, and personal care items to know what you need and use regularly and keep them easy to reach.
- Dispose of the items that you do not need and the ones that have expired.
Craft Your Eco-Friendly Bathroom By Making Conscious Choices

Many cosmetics, toiletries, and even toothpaste tubes often come with excessive plastic packaging and cardboard boxes, including those that say are eco-friendly products. Try to avoid purchasing these products if you wish to create a planet-friendly bath and reduce your household waste disposal.
- Opt for products that come with sustainable, biodegradable, or compostable packaging materials, corrugated bubble wrap, biodegradable foam beads and more.
- With boxes or bubble wrap, it is always a good idea to reuse them where possible.
Use Biodegradable Products
- Looking to reduce your plastic disposal? Instead of tossing out used plastic combs or brushes, make the switch to a biodegradable bamboo or wooden toothbrush/hairbrush. You can find wooden and bamboo combs and brushes that are all-natural, biodegradable, and very stylish.
- Switch to using soap bars and shampoo bars to eliminate the use of plastic bottles completely, dramatically reducing household waste disposal of plastic. This is way more eco-friendly and cheaper when compared to liquid soap, shampoos and shower gels that come in plastic containers and non-recyclable plastic pumps.
- When it comes to makeup or skincare, it is quite common to use up cotton pads per day and throw them after use. Instead, switch to using washable cotton makeup removal pads, which can be washed along with your regular laundry. Several make-up brands, in fact, reward you for recycling their old products, which might be worth looking into.
- To create more impact, look for organic, palm oil-free soaps made from natural ingredients without any animal testing and come with compostable packaging.
Transform with Recycling

Are you looking for smart ways to have an eco-friendly bathroom and reduce household waste? The good news is that a LOT of your bathroom waste items can , in fact, be recycled. Here is a list of what can (and should) be recycled:
- Shampoo, conditioner & shower gel Bottles
- Toilet roll tubes
- Hand soap bottles (reuse or remove the pump dispenser as you cannot recycle it)
- Cardboard boxes, e.g., toothpaste or soapboxes
- Bathroom cleaner and bleach bottles
- Deodorant lids
Note: Items like nappies, toilet rolls, wipes, and cotton wool CANNOT be recycled and would have to be disposed of in the general waste bin (black Barna bin).

All items being recycled must be clean, dry, and loose. So be sure to rinse out any bottles and containers before popping them in the recycling bin. You can also check What Goes in My Blue Bin if you are unsure of items that you can recycle.

Go Green With Barna Recycling

Barna Recycling is 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 the environment.

Learn more about our contract options and sign up today.
Ims Marketing

Jul 12, 2023
From Mess to Marvel: Best Ways to Get Rid of Garden Waste

Summer is finally here, and with the longer days, the temperatures climbing, and the promise of bright sunny days ahead, our reliance on our outdoor spaces is likely to be a big part of our lives over the next weeks (and months – fingers crossed!).

So now that the opportunity is here for you to get those gardens and patios summer ready, it’s also increasingly important to consider and understand what garden waste items are recyclable and how best to dispose of them.

In this blog, we’ll look at the best ways to effectively get rid of garden waste while minimising its impact on the environment.

What is ‘Green’ Garden Waste?

The term “green” garden waste refers to organic materials generated from routine maintenance activities. Proper garden waste management is not only necessary for a well-kept landscape, but it’s also a contributor to environmental sustainability. ‘Green’ garden waste is decomposable and consists of:
- Plant trimmings and pruning
- Lawn clippings
- Leaves and twigs
- Flower cuttings and deadheads
- Vegetable and fruit scraps
Where Can I Get Rid of Garden Waste?

Understanding and effectively managing green garden waste is crucial for maintaining a healthy garden and promoting environmental sustainability. We have listed disposal options for you to consider when doing a garden waste clearance:
- Composting at home is probably the best method of garden waste disposal. It is a fantastic way to get the final use of your organic garden waste since compost is rich in nutrients and great for your garden, shrubs, or even indoor plants. Here is a helpful guide to get you started on composting.
- Grass Recycling. When mowing the grass in your lawn, you can choose to leave the grass clippings on the ground to decompose naturally. Once on the ground, the grass clippings become dry and decompose quicker, returning valuable nutrients like nitrogen back into the soil.
- Brown Waste Bin. You can also dispose of your green garden waste by putting it in your brown bin. See our blog post on organic waste management and what can go into the brown bin.
- Civic Amenity Sites. Alternatively, you can bring large volumes of your green garden waste to our recycling centres at Ballinasloe, Carrowbrowne and Cartrontroy Athlone.
Barna Recycling’s Tips for Garden Chemicals & Liquids Waste Clearance

Garden chemicals and liquid waste would include weed killers, petrol/fuel for your lawnmower, pesticides and herbicides, fertilisers, and some plant foods. It is essential to store and dispose of these items correctly since some of them can be hazardous and very harmful to the environment. Always follow the instructions on the product label. Here are some best practices you can implement when doing your waste clearance. Not only will you witness a thriving landscape, but you will also make a positive impact on the environment.
- Always try to use Garden Chemicals in full as opposed to having to dispose of leftovers. Be sure to get in-store advice on how much you need beforehand so that you are only buying as much as you need and not overstocking/overusing.
- While purchasing these items, consider the recyclability of the packaging and see if environmentally friendly alternatives are available.
- When storing these items, be sure to retain all original packaging and labelling, so you are aware of any expiry or use-by dates, which will assist in disposing of the item correctly.
- ALWAYS remember liquids of any kind should NOT be included in your general waste bin.
- ALWAYS remember NOT to mix chemicals for disposal under any circumstances, no matter how small the quantity. This can lead to the emission of toxic gases, which can be highly lethal and could lead to hospitalisation.
- Alternatively, you can also check with your local civic amenity sites to see if they accept chemical items as part of their hazardous waste services. Please be sure to check our website for the complete list of items accepted at your nearest centre.
- If the civic amenity site cannot take the item, contact a specialist hazardous waste company that may collect the item from you directly.
What to Do With Old Swing Sets and Garden Furniture

If you have an old garden swing or garden furniture still in working condition, you can consider selling it, passing it on to someone else or donating it to local charity shops. If they require disposal, you can bring them to your nearest local civic amenity site. Most wood, metal, and plastic furniture are all widely accepted and recycled at civic amenity sites.

See our list of civic amenity sites here.

Why Not Hiring a Skip?

If you have large volumes of garden waste or are undertaking bigger garden projects where you are completely redoing your lawn, landscaping, cutting or removing hedging, then hiring a skip would be the right option for you.

You can order a skip by calling our skip team on 091-771619 or enquiring through our website, where you can see the sizes available.

Say Goodbye to Clutter

Recycling garden waste materials promotes sustainability and reduces landfill waste. Barna Recycling’s civic amenity sites and the correct green garden waste disposal using the brown bin offer convenience and ensure responsible waste management while promoting environmental stewardship and maintaining the beauty of your outdoor space.

Did you find this article helpful? Why not share with your family and friends? Use the links below to share this content on your Facebook or Twitter.