- 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:
- Deter from buying single-use items
- Use less water
- Bulk buy items where possible
- Reduce food waste
- Donate unwanted furniture
- Dispose of electronics responsibly
- Go paperless
- Turn to sustainable fashion
- Embrace the second-hand economy
- 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.
