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Latest News

  • Barna’s Top 3 Tips For More Efficient And Effective Bulk Waste Disposal

    Bulk waste disposal of furniture

    According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland generated 3.17 million tonnes of municipal waste in 2021 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.

     

    Bulk waste disposal of clothes donation

    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.

  • 2024 Hacks: Mastering Household Waste Disposal

    household waste disposal tips

    As we step into 2024, 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 door, or brought to waste collection centres like bring 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 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. At Barna Recycling, for example, we have black, blue, and brown bins.

    waste management connacht

    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 both 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 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 2024?

    Mastering household waste disposal in 2024 goes beyond individual actions—it’s about embracing a holistic approach that also 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

  • Christmas Recycling Facts and Top 4 Tips To Reduce Waste this Holiday Season

    As the festive season approaches, the spirit of giving and celebration is accompanied by a surge in consumption, where waste volumes increase due to more grocery shopping, the giving and receiving of gifts, decorations and more. This blog explores Christmas recycling facts and practical tips on how to reduce waste during the most awaited time of the year.

    waste collection company

     

    Christmas Recycling Facts We Bet You Didn’t 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.
    • +30 Million Batteries are sold over Christmas.

     

    Barna Recycling’s Top 4 Tips To Reduce Waste This Holiday Season

    1. Recycle Your Christmas Tree

    christmas recycling

    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. Reusing & Recycling Christmas Decorations and Baubles

    reduce reuse and recycle decorations at home

    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

    Barna recycling

    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.

     

    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, stepping away from conventional wrapping paper gives you the chance to explore eco-friendly alternatives. Cloth wraps, reusable gift bags, or even repurposed newspapers can add a touch of creativity while minimizing 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, such as new TVs or game consoles, beside their bins, 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 2024

    Barna 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 w

  • Sorting All Types of Domestic Waste: A Must for Clear-outs

    waste management

     

    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

    waste management ireland

    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.

  • 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).

    plastic packaging waste
    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?

    barna

    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.

 

Barna Recycling are committed to providing our customers with a reliable, consistent and value for money service.

 

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