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• • Barna Recycling
  • Sep 11, 2024

  Steps to Follow when Disposing of Plastic Packaging Waste

  Irish Waste Data shows that out of the 372,819 tonnes of plastic packaging generated, only 26,048 was recycled in 2021. Ireland is already achieving the 2025 target for glass, wood and ferrous metal, however, the 2025 target for plastic, aluminium and the overall packaging target are far from reach according to the most recent EPA waste data published 24 August, 2023 (reference graph below).

  
  Source: https://www.epa.ie

  At Barna Recycling, we have invested in technological advancements that allow us to sort, recover and dispose of different plastic materials, but the efforts of each household are vital for correctly and efficiently managing the recycling of plastic packaging waste in the country. In this blog, we discuss Barna’s plastic packaging recycling process, as well as answering the many ambiguous and frequent questions about how we properly dispose of plastic in Ireland.

  Can You Recycle Soft Plastic in Ireland?

  Yes, you can! Soft plastic is any type of plastic that you can scrunch in your hand. Good examples of soft plastic are shrink wrap, plastic carrier bags, toilet roll wrappers, plastic bread bags, zip lock bags, and bubble wrap.

  

  A good indicator to identify whether plastic is soft and recyclable is to pull on the plastic to see if it stretches. This means the plastic is not laminated and can be recycled. If the plastic doesn’t stretch this means it’s laminated or coated, indicating it is much more unlikely to be recyclable. These types of plastic are removed during our sorting process and sent for waste to energy recovery. Examples of non-soft plastics are foil-based packaging, netting, polystyrene or foam.
  
  Remember to place your recycling materials loose, clean, and dry into your bin. Please do not place your recycling items in a plastic bag. You can always check What Goes in My Blue Bin if you are unsure of which empty household items can be recycled.

   

  Interesting Facts about Plastic

  • Until 2020, Irish recycling facilities could only process rigid plastics
  • Plastic makes up 90% of the rubbish in our oceans
  • Plastic production uses 8% of the world’s oil production
  • Every ton of plastic recycled saves 30 barrels of crude oil
  • A plastic bag takes 500 years to break down in a landfill
  • Recycling 1 plastic bottle saves the same amount of energy needed to power a 60-Watt light bulb for 6 hours

  Did you know that many items can be made from recycled plastic bottles? From fleece to sleeping bags, backpacks, and dog beds, there are many useful items that can be made from plastic bottles. For example, 25 large plastic soft drink bottles will make 1 Fleece Jacket.

   

  How do we dispose of plastic and is all plastic packaging waste recyclable?

  Smart Waste management company, Sensoneo, have created a very helpful diagram guide for plastic waste management to help with the sorting and correct disposal of the many plastic materials circulating our environment. In the diagram, the categorization of plastics helps us to understand the types of plastics that can be recycled, guiding us to a more sustainable future.
  

  

  Not all plastic is created equal, and it’s important to know what types can be recycled. Look for the recycling symbol, usually found on the bottom of the product, and identify the number inside the symbol. This number corresponds to the type of plastic and will indicate whether or not you can recycle it. One of the main problems of sustainable waste management nowadays is that currently there are seven different common types of plastics in the consumer market:

  1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)
  2. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
  3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl)
  4. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
  5. Polypropylene (PP)
  6. Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam)
  7. Other

  OECD estimates suggest that the number of plastic products and waste will triple by 2060, while the recycling rate will only see a slight increase. On average, the official recycling rate of plastic packaging is reported to be around 10% across the globe, although this exact figure varies from country to country. EPA (2023) records concluded that plastics present a serious challenge in Ireland with only 28 percent of plastic packaging waste having been recycled in 2021 – a figure that was a long way off the 2025 EU target of 50 percent under the Circular Economy and EU Legislation. The majority of Ireland’s plastic packaging waste is still being incinerated.

  What is Ireland doing to improve waste management plastic recycling and proper disposal?

  Ireland’s introduction of the DRS (Deposit Refund System) in 2024 has encouraged a huge effort by the Irish nation to recycle plastic bottles. The Irish DRS scheme is closing the gap between the current average recycling rate of plastic waste in the country and the 2025 EU target of 50%. Return.ie (2024) has published record-breaking figures, counting 300 million plastic bottles and cans returned by Irish consumers between February – July this year.

  

  Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme

  The great progress made since the DRS launch in Ireland can be demonstrated by the growing figure of drinks containers returned each month:

  • 2m containers February
  • 20m containers in March
  • 51m containers in April
  • 78m containers in May
  • 90 m containers in June
  • 54 m containers in July to date

  If you are living in a country with a functioning DRS and you do not have a chance to deposit the bottle in an RVM (Return Vending Machine), it is still better not to crush it. By leaving it beside the bin or on a picnic bench in a busy park or city for example, there is a high probability that your bottle will help some other people who will redeem it for credit by recycling it in the correct manner.

  How Does Barna’s Waste Management Plastic Recycling Process Work?

  Our recycling process starts with you. Once your plastic waste is placed in the household recycling bin, our collection crew then collect your recycling bins on the designated day and deliver the waste materials to our EPA licensed recycling facility. After your waste materials are delivered to our facility, we apply the following process:

  • Sorting: Recycled items are sorted for processing on our picking line.
  • Selection: The recycled waste is separated into six different categories such as paper, cardboard or hard plastics, glass, aluminium & steel cans.
  • Segregation: Our technology also allows us to segregate soft plastics in this same way with the use of advanced optical sorting equipment.
  • Shipped & Sold: The recyclable plastic & cardboard waste is baled & shipped abroad to be sold and recycled in European (and other) markets, or used by manufacturers and energy plants.

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

  The world is waking up to climate change, pollution, and resource depletion challenges. Minimise waste, repurpose items and recycle whenever possible. Small changes can yield significant results. 

  Not a Barna Recycling customer yet? Join today and partner with your number one environmentally friendly waste collection provider.

• • Barna Recycling
  • Aug 13, 2024

  Barna’s Moving Day Tips: Disposing of Rubbish When Moving In/Out of Your Student Accommodation

  

  As the summer holidays draw to an end this August, students are getting ready to head back to college and university. At Barna Recycling, we know that moving into rented student accommodation can be a tough task when faced with the disposing of old books, electronic waste disposal and other bulky items from previous years, which are no longer of use to you as you begin the new academic year, modules and subjects. When students break for summer, they often bring back unnecessary items and waste that will never be used again. It’s advisable to do a complete clear-out of your student accommodation before moving out day and before breaking for the summer season. If you did not tackle this task at the time, we definitely recommend sorting through the waste that you brought home at the end of the precious academic year before your upcoming ‘student moving in day’ to avoid more waste accumulation.

  We understand that disposing of rubbish can be confusing, especially for a student who is unsure of the correct disposal methods. To be sure you are disposing of exam papers, disposing of study notes you no longer need and disposing of old books correctly can be daunting. 

  To make your next moving day hassle-free, we have compiled some top tips for students and parents. Barna’s moving day tips will not only help you dispose of your waste properly, but they will also make the process quicker and more efficient, ensuring that you are disposing of rubbish in an eco-friendly, stress-free manner.

   

  What Moving Day Tips can I Refer to When Disposing of my Rubbish?

  When clearing out your rubbish in preparation for moving day, it is difficult to know which waste items would go into your waste bins and what shouldn’t. Ensure you are only moving essential items into your student accommodation so that the task of moving out is made much easier months down the line. Check out our valuable tips for students and parents.

  Barna’s Moving Day Tips For Students

  Disposing of Clothes, Bedding & Mattresses: Any type of old clothing, footwear, textiles (including blankets in unusable condition) can be brought to your local civic amenity sites to be disposed of at a reduced rate. Alternatively, clothes that you no longer want but are still in usable condition, can be given to siblings and friends, brought to a charity shop, or brought to your nearest clothes bank… but do not ‘store’ them in your student accommodation – if you will not be wearing them, dispose of them!

  Electronic Waste Disposal: Electrical waste, more commonly known as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) may include unwanted items such as computers, monitors, mobile phones, game consoles, speakers, headphones… the list goes on for students! Thanks to the ease of access to local civic amenity sites, electronic waste disposal has never been made easier, and you can locate your nearest site HERE.

  Disposing of old books & papers: If you have old college books in good condition, you can donate them to the college library or request the student’s union to sell them on your behalf. Alternatively, you can pass them on to someone who has signed up to do the same course/subject in the upcoming academic year. If the books can’t be reused, you can dispose of old books in your household recycling bin. For large volumes that cannot be reused, you can also dispose of old books & papers at your local civic amenity site, as recommended by MyWaste (2024).

   

  Disposing of Old Books: When to Keep Them, When To Let Go

  At the beginning of an academic year, you may be struggling to decide what books, papers and notes you should keep for the future, and which of these will no longer serve you purpose. Check out the diagram below from Life With Less Mess to help you understand if disposing of old books & papers is the best next course of action to take.

  

  Moving Day Tips: How Parents Can Help?

  Mum or dad – If you are charged with helping your child clear out their waste before beginning a new academic year and moving into their student accommodation on moving day, get ready to practise patience. You both share a common goal when tackling the moving day process…that is for it to be as stress-free as possible! Here’s some of Barna’s Moving day tips to ensure the move is made as easy and as eco-friendly as possible.

  • Facilitate Decisions: Help them to decide what items they want to keep and what needs to be thrown out (referring back to the Life With Less Mess diagram above will be helpful).
  • Separating Rubbish: Have a rubbish bag prepared for general waste and one for recycling.
  • Get Strict: Clarify what your child wants to do with the bulky items first. Are they being dumped or recycled? Bulky items may include bed clothes, stereos, kettles and any other items that would otherwise take up lots of car space and/or space in the family home. This is the time to get strict!
  • Think Green: Encourage your child to recycle or sell on any old books, notes, clothes, electronics or other useful items before the moving in date.
  • Ask The Questions: Many charities often partner with colleges and universities to establish collection points or van pickups, so be sure to put on your parent cap and enquire about such services before beginning the moving day process.

   

  Take Advantage of Your Local Civic Amenity Site for Electronic Waste Disposal and Other Bulky Waste

  Barna Recycling’s purpose-built Civic Amenity Sites will assist you greatly when moving out of your family home and into your student home. We have seven civic amenity sites across Connacht for your convenience, where you can dispose of a large variety of non-hazardous and recyclable household waste at a reduced cost. Visit our website to find out where your nearest recycling centres might be located. Our civic amenity sites may be just what you are looking for if you are a student moving out of your family home and into new student accommodation, getting ready for the disposing of old books or wondering how you are going to manage your bulky electronic waste disposal.

  

   Here are some of the benefits of using one of our civic amenity sites:

  • They are cost-effective and cheap to use.
  • Accept a wide range of items, including hazardous materials.
  • They are clean, local, and easily accessible.
  • Open on weekends to make them more accessible to all.
  • They are well laid out and marked for each waste material.
  • Cater for small and large deliveries in the exact location.
  • Provide WEEE and Glass Bottle services free of charge.
  • Cater for small and large deliveries in the exact location.

  The items accepted will vary for each of our civic amenity sites. Please be sure to call us in advance or check our website for the complete list of items accepted at your nearest centre. The charges for the items you bring to the respective civic amenity centre will be based on the type of vehicle you have, not the quantity or weight of the waste items themselves.

   

  Still Worrying About Waste Disposal on ‘Moving Day’?

  Our Barna Recycling team are always on hand at our civic amenity sites to greet you on arrival, assist you with drop-offs, and provide you with advice and information about recycling and waste disposal. 

  Alternatively, you can choose to hire a skip, which also makes the disposing of rubbish much quicker and easier. At Barna Recycling, we have skips of all sizes for all purposes, so you can be sure we will have one to suit your needs and requirements – have a look at our helpful skip sizing guide here for more information.

  Don’t let unnecessary waste and clutter bog you down during your new move. Let us help you make your moving day a breeze with our expert advice and guidance so that commencing your new academic year feels clean and green. If you would like more information on where to dispose of certain items or order a skip, give us a call today on 091 771619.

• • 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!

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• • 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!