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• • Barna Recycling
  • Jul 18, 2024

  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. On the daily, however, we all use toiletries, personal care items and bathroom cleaners, which means our bathroom is 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. 

  It is extremely important that you know how and where to dispose of your bathroom waste correctly. Below we have outlined some practical tips and techniques for maintaining 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: ‘fewer bathroom products, less waste produced’. Reducing bathroom waste is a great place to start when it comes to building an eco-friendly bathroom. We invite you to practise two sustainable habits:

  1. Frequently dedicate time to reorganise and rearrange all your cosmetics, toiletries, and personal care items. This will enable you to identify exactly what you need, what you use regularly, how often such items require replacement or replenishment.
  2. Dispose of bathroom items that you do no longer need and those that have expired. We are all guilty (from time to time) of leaving bathroom cleaner products and toiletries in the bathroom, untouched for weeks and months, even when they no longer serve us a purpose.

   

  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 claim they are eco-friendly products. Try to avoid purchasing these heavily-packaged products if you wish to create a planet-friendly bathroom and reduce your household waste disposal. Instead, we advise you to:

  • Opt for products that come with sustainable, biodegradable, or compostable packaging materials, corrugated bubble wrap, biodegradable foam beads and more.
  • When bathroom products are packaged in reusable boxes or bubble wrap, it is always eco-friendly to find a new purpose (a new use) for such bathroom packaging where possible.

  Use Biodegradable Products

  • • Think ‘biodegradable’ – 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/hairbrushes. Wooden and bamboo care products have become stylish and trendy in 2024, and these all-natural, biodegradable products retail in most shops.
    • Ditch the plastics – Switch to using soap bars and shampoo bars to eliminate the use of plastic bottles completely, dramatically reducing household waste disposal of plastic. Ditching the plastics will also save you money in the long term, as these eco-friendly sanitary bars are cheaper than the liquid soap, shampoos and shower gels that come in non-recyclable plastic pumps. 
    • Rinse & repeat – When it comes to makeup removal or skincare application, cotton pads are being used and discarded after single use. Rather than using numerous cotton pads, switch to using washable cotton which can be cleaned with your regular laundry and restored to its fresh form. It’s great to see several make-up brands in the cosmetics industry (including multinational Boots) now rewarding their customers for recycling used beauty and hygiene products.
    • Go organic – To play your eco-friendly part when washing your hands, seek organic, palm oil-free soaps. These soaps come in compostable packaging, are made from 100% natural ingredients. This means they have no link to animal cruelty as they do not undergo animal testing, a thought you will be proud to bear each time you go to wash your hands. 

  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 are recyclable, even though only 50% of us are actually recycling them according to Hubbub (2023). Here is a list of some common bathroom products that 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 soap boxes 
  • Bathroom cleaner and bleach bottles 
  • Deodorant lids 

  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). 

  All items being recycled must be clean, dry, and loose. Be sure to rinse out any bottles and containers before putting them in the recycling bin. Check out What Goes in My Blue Bin if you are unsure about what 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 our shared environment.

  Learn more about our contract options and sign up today.

• • Barna Recycling
  • Jun 17, 2024
  • Garden Waste

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

  

  Summer is finally here, and so is the opportunity for you to get those gardens and patios summer all ready. Want to find out the best ways to get rid of garden waste? We’ll tell you everything you need to know, from where you can dispose of garden waste to where to recycle it.

  With 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, why not take the opportunity to revamp your outdoor space and tidy up your garden? Whether you’re planning parties with friends or simply enjoying family time, it’s 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 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

  Reusing and recycling green waste can bring a number of benefits:

  1. Composting provides you with a valuable soil fertiliser.
  2. Reduces disposal costs while also creating a valuable, usable product.
  3. It is a natural method of processing material which would otherwise be landfilled.

  However, cleaning up your garden may also generate waste items that are not considered ‘green’; therefore, they cannot be composted:

  • 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. 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 Ballinasloe, Carrowbrowne and Cartrontroy Athlone recycling centres.

   

  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. 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.

   

  Old Swing Sets and Garden Furniture Disposal

  If you have an old garden swing or garden furniture that is still in working condition, you can 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 all widely accepted and recycled at civic amenity sites.

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

   

  Why Not Consider Hiring a Skip for Garden Waste?

  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.

   

  With Barna Recycling, You Can Say Goodbye to Clutter

  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.

  Not a Barna Recycling customer yet? Join us today!

  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.

• • Barna Recycling
  • May 24, 2024

  Wardrobe Revamp: How to Dispose of Old Clothes

  The beginning of summer is usually that time of the year when you open your wardrobe and start looking for lighter clothes that have been hidden for a long time. It’s also when one might realise that their wardrobe desperately needs a revamp, so it’s time to reorganise the bedroom and make 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? What to do with unwanted textiles?

  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 Key Tips on How to Dispose of Old Clothes

  According to research, the average volume per person in the Apparel market has been increasing and is projected to be 75.7 pieces in 2024. Therefore, by correctly disposing of your clothing and unwanted textile items, you are playing your part to make for a cleaner, greener environment. Here are five precious tips to give you insights on how to dispose of your old clothes.

   

  1. Shopping Smart To Reduce Clothing Disposal

  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 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/Hand Them Down

  Before you decide to dispose of or recycle the clothes and textiles you no longer use or wear, consider passing them on to a friend or family member if they might be interested. 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. There are several online platforms that allow you to swap or re-sell your clothing, such as Depop and Thriftify 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 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.

  Enable Ireland, Oxfam, Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP), and Liberty Recycling are some of the organisations accepting clothing donations. 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 and Recycling Centres

  If you feel you cannot do any of the above with large volumes of old, unwanted 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 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 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 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!

   

   

• • Barna Recycling
  • Apr 25, 2024

  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.

   

  Items Not To 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.

• • Barna Recycling
  • Feb 15, 2024

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

  

  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.

   

  

  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.