Farmers will once again have the opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous waste, with 10 collection points operating for one day in October and November. This Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-led initiative began in 2013.

Hazardous waste includes waste engine oils and filters, pesticide residues and out-of-date pesticides and veterinary medicines. The option to safely dispose of these potentially dangerous substances is important from a farm safety perspective as it removes any potential pollution risks associated with accidental spillage or usage.

The first collection point takes place this Friday 21 October in Carnew Mart, Co Wicklow. The EPA estimates that 2,000 farmers will participate and use the opportunity to dispose of out-of-date chemicals and other hard-to-manage wastes. Safe disposal of such wastes is important in terms of keeping farmyards safe, in producing quality-assured products and in maintaining Ireland’s green image.

The EPA-led campaign comprises a range of organisations including Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment and local authorities.

The EPA’s deputy director general, Dara Lynott, said that the previous pilot initiatives saw up on 5,000 farmers deliver 163t of hazardous wastes such as pesticides, veterinary medicines, paints, oil filters etc, 275t of waste oils and 158t of electrical equipment and batteries.

The locations and dates for this year’s farm hazardous waste collection points are listed below.