Best Ways to Get Rid of Garden Waste in Ireland (Everything You Need to Know)

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to tidy up your garden and outdoor spaces. Ireland is currently experiencing a prolonged period of warm weather, with temperatures reaching up to 25°C in some areas. This “mini-heatwave,” as described by Met Éireann, is expected to last for a good few days, bringing sunny conditions and minimal rainfall.

This extended dry spell has implications for garden maintenance and waste disposal. Gardeners are advised to conserve water due to very low soil moisture levels, which could affect plant health. Additionally, the dry conditions increase the risk of fires, making it crucial to dispose of garden waste responsibly and avoid burning debris. So, whether you’re trimming hedges, mowing the lawn, or clearing out dead plants, knowing how to dispose of garden waste responsibly is key.

With the warm weather encouraging outdoor activities, it’s an ideal time to address garden waste. In this guide, we’ll explain the best ways to get rid of garden waste in Ireland, from where to recycle it to whether you can use your black bin for garden waste. A clean, organised garden not only looks great but also enhances your outdoor enjoyment.

Read on to discover how to manage your garden waste sustainably while keeping your outdoor space tidy and eco-friendly.

 

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 biodegradable, which means that it can be broken down by natural processes, and consists of:

• Plant trimmings and pruning
• Lawn clippings
• Leaves and twigs
• Flower cuttings and deadheads
• Vegetable and fruit scraps

Recycling garden waste in the right way provides numerous benefits, including:

1. Producing compost, a valuable fertiliser for your garden.
2. Reducing disposal costs while creating useful products.
3. Minimising waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill.

However, some items need special disposal methods as they can’t be composted or recycled in the same way:

• Stones or gravel
• Concrete
• Dirt or rocks
• Animal waste
• Treated or painted wood
• Glass
• Metal
• Soil

 

Best Ways to Get Rid of Each Type of Garden Waste

 

Green Garden Waste Disposal and Where to Recycle Garden Waste

Understanding and effectively managing green garden waste is crucial for maintaining a healthy garden and promoting environmental sustainability. If you’re looking to manage your green garden waste effectively, there are several options available:

• Composting at home is one of the best ways to get rid of garden waste. By composting at home, you can transform organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, perfect for your garden. Here is a helpful guide to get you started on composting.
• Grass Recycling. When mowing your lawn, you can leave the grass clippings on the ground to decompose naturally. Once on the ground, these break down quickly, returning nutrients like nitrogen back to the soil.
• Brown Bin. In most areas of Ireland, green garden waste can be placed in your brown bin for collection. Check our guide to organic waste management for more details on what can go in your brown bin.
• Civic Amenity Sites. Alternatively, you can bring large volumes of your green garden waste to our Ballinasloe, Carrowbrowne and Cartrontroy Athlone recycling centres.

 

Garden Chemicals & Liquids Waste Clearance

Garden chemicals and liquid waste 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 can be hazardous and harmful to the environment. Always follow the instructions on the product label. Here are some key tips:

• 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. This will assist in disposing of the item correctly.
• ALWAYS remember that 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.

Note: Always avoid putting garden chemicals in your general waste bin.

 

Disposal of Old Garden Furniture and Swing Sets

If you have old garden furniture or a swing set, there are a couple of disposal options available:

• Reuse or Donate: If the furniture is in good condition, consider selling or donating it to charity shops.
• Recycle at Civic Amenity Sites: Many civic amenity sites accept wood, metal, and plastic furniture, recycling them responsibly.

Check out Barna Recycling’s list of civic amenity sites here.

 

Why Hiring a Garden Waste Skip Is a Great Option

When clearing large volumes of garden waste or undertaking significant garden renovations, renting a garden waste skip might be your best option. A garden waste skip will allow you to dispose of waste quickly and efficiently without having to make multiple trips to a recycling centre.

At Barna Recycling, we offer a variety of skip sizes to suit your needs. Whether you’re clearing debris, hedge trimmings, or soil, we’ve got you covered. For more information, call our skip team on 091-771619 or visit our website to book your skip today.

 

Say Goodbye to Clutter with Barna Recycling

Recycling garden waste materials promotes sustainability and reduces landfill waste. Utilising Barna Recycling’s civic amenity sites and applying our top tips on the best ways to get rid of garden waste can ensure responsible waste management while promoting environmental stewardship and maintaining the beauty of your outdoor space.

Join Barna Recycling today to start managing your waste the eco-friendly way!

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