Welcome to Barna Recycling, your Number One Environmentally Friendly Waste Collection Provider.

Latest News

• • Barna Recycling
  • Jun 24, 2025

  How to Reduce Plastic Waste: Simple Changes That Make a Big Difference

  Let’s talk plastic! Picture this: you unpack your groceries and end up with more plastic than food. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Irish homes are awash with plastic packaging, but did you know that of the 372,000+ tonnes we generated in 2021, only a tiny fraction (just over 26,000 tonnes) was actually recycled? That’s a serious problem, but also a huge opportunity for change.

  

  Source: https://www.epa.ie

  At Barna Recycling, we know that tackling plastic waste starts with everyday habits at home. In this post, we’ll show you how to reduce plastic waste with realistic tips, bust some recycling myths, share how Ireland is improving, and give you a peek behind the scenes of what happens to your plastics once they leave your blue bin.

  First Up: What Even Counts as Plastic Waste?

  Plastic waste is any used plastic that’s thrown away. Think food wrappers, drink bottles, cling film, and those little nets that come with fruit. The issue? Most of it sticks around for hundreds of years, polluting land, sea, and even our air as it breaks down.

  Some of the worst offenders are single-use plastics: packaging, wrappers, straws, and takeaway containers. These items are used for minutes but can linger for centuries. Reducing our reliance on these throwaway plastics is one of the most effective ways to cut down on waste.

  

   

  How to Reduce Plastic Waste at Home: Easy Changes That Stick

  You don’t need to go zero-waste overnight. Here are a few ways to make a real dent in your plastic footprint:

  1. Buy in bulk – Fewer packages, less plastic.
  2. Use reusable items – Invest in a durable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bags.
  3. Say no to plastic-wrapped produce – Choose loose fruit and veg where possible.
  4. Avoid microplastics – Switch to natural fibre clothes and check cosmetics for plastic beads.
  5. Support local and eco brands – Seek out businesses that use biodegradable or minimal packaging.
  6. Get crafty – Repurpose plastic containers for storage, crafts, or garden use.
  7. Teach your kids – Instilling recycling habits early makes a lifelong impact.

  These simple choices can significantly reduce the amount of plastic leaving your home each week.

   

  Can I Recycle Soft Plastic Now?

  Yes, finally! Since 2020, Irish recycling centres (including Barna’s) can now accept soft plastics like bread bags, bubble wrap, and toilet roll wrappers. These used to be sent to landfill or incineration but are now recoverable thanks to improved technology.

  Here’s the quick test: if it stretches rather than tears, it’s likely recyclable. If it feels crinkly and tears like paper, it’s probably laminated and belongs in the general waste bin.

  Tips:

  • Wash and dry all plastics before tossing them into the blue bin.
  • Keep it loose – don’t bag your recycling.
  • When in doubt, check our What Goes in My Blue Bin page.

   

  What Can (and Can’t) Be Recycled?

  The diagram below is a helpful guide for plastic waste management. The categorisation of plastics helps us to understand which types can be recycled, guiding us to a more sustainable future.

  • PET (1) – Water and soft drink bottles (yes)
  • HDPE (2) – Milk bottles, shampoo containers (yes)
  • PVC (3) – Food wrap, pipes (no)
  • LDPE (4) – Shopping bags, frozen food packaging (check locally)
  • PP (5) – Yoghurt pots, margarine tubs (yes)
  • PS (6) – Disposable cups, foam packaging (no)
  • Other (7) – Mixed plastics (generally no)

  

  When you recycle right, you reduce contamination and help the entire system work better.

   

  How Ireland Is Tackling Plastic Waste: The DRS Scheme

  Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), launched in early 2024, is already having a big impact. In February 2025, Re-turn, the operator of Ireland’s DRS, celebrated the milestone of 1 billion drinks containers returned by the Irish public. This milestone shows that the number of bottles and cans returned would be enough to circle the globe 4.7 times.

  With return points expanding and public awareness growing, we’re on track to meet our EU targets. This scheme not only rewards responsible behaviour but also keeps recyclable materials in circulation and out of nature.

  

  What Happens After Barna Collects Your Recycling?

  Our recycling process starts with you. Once your plastic waste is placed in the household recycling bin, our collection crew collects the recycling bins on the designated day and delivers the waste materials to our EPA-licensed recycling facility. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how your waste is handled:

  1. Collection: Our crews pick up your recycling bins on designated days.
  2. Sorting: At our EPA-licensed facility, items are hand and machine-sorted.
  3. Segregation: Soft plastics are separated using high-tech optical sorters.
  4. Baling: Sorted materials are compacted into bales.
  5. Transport: These bales are shipped to licensed facilities across Europe for reprocessing into new products.

   

  Plastic Waste by the Numbers: Eye-Openers

  • A single plastic bag takes 500 years to decompose
  • 90% of ocean waste is plastic
  • Recycling just one bottle powers a 60W bulb for 6 hours
  • 25 bottles = 1 fleece jacket
  • Plastic production uses 8% of global oil

  These stats show why every small step matters.

  It’s about time YOU took action to reduce plastic waste on OUR planet!

  Reducing plastic waste doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, consistent steps, such as buying smarter, recycling right, and supporting systems like the DRS, can add up to a big difference.

  Join thousands of Connacht residents already making that change with Barna Recycling. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Ireland.

  Not with Barna Recycling yet? Sign up today to make your recycling count. Join here.

• • 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.