Farm hazardous waste collection centres are a necessity going forward, according to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton.

During the pilot, over 1,000t of hazardous waste including pesticides, veterinary products, waste oil, contaminated containers, paint, WEEE and batteries were collected and disposed of safely.

The EPA is expected to publish its findings in relation to the pilot scheme shortly. Bruton has already seen a first draft of this.

“One of the main recommendations by the EPA is that a national scheme be developed to collect these hazardous wastes. My Department is currently exploring with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and other stakeholders how this might be developed and funded,” Bruton said.

“The range and quantity of hazardous waste removed convinces me that there is an absolute necessity for such collections in order to provide an outlet for farmers to dispose of these wastes safely.”

The pilot study was primarily funded through the National Waste Prevention Programme with a contribution from other stakeholders and farmers. Separate funding of €700,000 was made available this year for the collection of waste tyres from farms, this has been fully expended, Bruton said.

Over 500,000 tyres recycled at bring centres

National farm waste collection scheme in development stages

From 2013 to 2017 inclusive, the EPA carried out annual farm hazardous waste collections as a pilot scheme, a national scheme is being developed.