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Christmas Recycling Facts & Tips We Bet You Didn’t Know

Christmas is a festive season full of joy and generosity. However, the most wonderful time of the year also comes with a less festive byproduct: waste. Mountains of wrapping paper, packaging, and unwanted decorations find their way to landfills, contributing to a cycle of waste that harms the environment.

In Ireland alone, the disposal of nearly 1 million tonnes of waste over the festive season places immense strain on local waste management systems. Addressing this challenge requires both individual effort and community awareness.

Surprising Christmas Recycling Facts You May Not Know

Here are some interesting Christmas recycling facts you should know:

• If a household reuses a plastic tree for up to five years, its carbon footprint will be smaller than a household that buys a real tree every year.
• One ton of recycled Christmas cards can save 15 trees.
• At Christmas time, we use over 1,100 tonnes of wrapping paper, enough to gift wrap the Spire in Dublin over 10 times.
• Shiny, metallic wrapping paper and glitter-covered cards are often non-recyclable because they frequently contain plastics and foils that contaminate recycling streams.
• +30 Million Batteries are sold over Christmas.
• Over 50% of plastic packaging, including toy boxes and food containers, remains unrecycled each Christmas.

Barna Recycling’s Top Tips To Reduce Waste This Holiday Season

1. Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Real Christmas trees can easily be recycled or shredded into chippings and used in parkland areas. Artificial Christmas trees cannot be recycled but can be reused and donated to family, friends, or a local charity shop. If these are not possible, another alternative would be to bring your artificial Christmas trees to a civic amenity site to dispose of. Find your nearest civic amenity site here.

Where to Recycle Christmas Trees?

An artificial Christmas tree is seen as a bulky waste item. It can be brought to your local civic amenity site (except our civic amenity site in Clifden) to be disposed of. Our civic amenity sites will also accept real Christmas trees. Find out more ways on how you can recycle or replant your Christmas tree.

2. Upcycle Old Christmas Decorations with Creativity

Recycling Christmas decorations is another effective way of reducing waste. When taking down your decorations, some items may be broken and need to be disposed of. Often items that are deemed to be single-use items can be used again, so before you dispose of everything, take a minute to think if this could be used again next year. It is best to sort through your decorations as you are taking them down. 

You can also embrace the beauty of sustainability by choosing decorations that can be reused year after year. Invest in timeless pieces made from durable materials, reducing the need for constant repurchase. When the time comes to refresh your decor, ensure that the materials are recyclable, contributing to a cyclical and eco-conscious festive aesthetic.

3. Mindful Gifting & Christmas Cards

In the quest for the perfect present and Christmas cards, consider options with a minimal ecological impact. Opt for items made from recycled materials and sustainable resources. Another way to reduce waste is by recycling your Christmas cards. It is safe to place the holiday cards you received in your home recycling bin. Any plastic, paper or cardboard design materials are recyclable. However, these may not be recyclable if the card contains glitter or any bulky designs. 

Plan gift-giving wisely and avoid excessive packaging by opting for experience-based gifts like vouchers or memberships, which come with minimal material waste.

4. Saving on Wrapping paper

Try and save any reusable pieces of wrapping paper and store them safely for next year. Save any gift bags that can be used again next year too. But be sure to take off any name tags from the bag! 

Besides, ditching traditional wrapping paper in favour of recyclable alternatives like brown kraft paper, fabric wraps, or even old newspapers allows you to explore eco-friendly alternatives. Cloth wraps, reusable gift bags, or even repurposed newspapers can add a touch of creativity while minimising the environmental strain of single-use wrapping paper. Elevate your gift presentation without compromising on sustainability.

EXTRA TIP: Keep An Eye For Batteries and Chargers

Batteries and chargers are considered hazardous waste but are still important components for controllers and children’s toys. Since they cannot be disposed of at home, you must bring them back to where they were purchased or to a civic amenity site. Electrical items such as chargers also need to be disposed of correctly. They need to be returned to where they were purchased or brought to a WEEE drop-off recycling point or your local Civic Amenity Site to be disposed of. Click here for more information on how to dispose of WEEE the right way.

Using Your Household Bins To Dispose of Your Christmas Waste

Boxes

Ensure you maximise the space in your bins by breaking down waste before you put it in. This is especially important for the recycling bin. Cardboard boxes and packaging can quickly take up a lot of space, so be sure to break down bulkier items. Remember that overflowing bins or items left out beside your bins may not be taken away.

As a safety precaution, we always advise our customers not to leave boxes of expensive items beside their bins, such as new TVs or game consoles, as this may encourage theft. If you do not have space for such boxes, bring them to your local civic amenity site or store them in a shed or garage until you have sufficient room to put them in your bin.

Christmas Cards and Wrapping Paper

When disposing of wrapping paper, the most important thing is to note that not all paper is recyclable. Any wrapping paper containing glitter, foil, or tape will have to go in the waste bin. Similarly, for Christmas cards with excess glitter, ribbons or homemade cards that contain glue must go in the general waste bin. In the case of ribbons, you can also save it and reuse it again for wrapping presents next year.

Christmas Decorations

Items such as tinsel that can’t be used again can be placed in the general waste bin. Fresh wreaths can be put into your compost bin once you take off any non-compostable materials. Broken glass baubles need to be brought to the bottle bank, and lights and electrical appliances that no longer work can be brought to a WEE disposal site. Please note that any electrical items that contain a battery must also have the batteries removed before being disposed of or for safety reasons. Any decorations wholly made of metal should be brought to your local civic amenity site.

If your bin is overflowing well in advance of your collection day, call the Barna Customer Care Team on 091 771619 to discuss your options.

Lower Your Costs With Waste Management In 2025

Barna Recycling is Connacht’s leading provider of waste management services, providing a professional, reliable, and environmentally friendly service. Join Ireland’s number one environmentally friendly waste collection provider and enjoy the peace of mind that we will recycle what you throw away.

How Technology Can Help You Reduce Waste

From food waste to single-use products, the need for adopting more sustainable practices has become even clearer with all the environmental challenges we’ve faced in the past years. 

Like in other aspects of our daily lives, technology has played an important role in helping people become more conscious regarding waste disposal. Waste reduction apps are emerging as powerful tools for individuals and communities to minimise waste generation, promote recycling, and adopt more sustainable practices. More than only making waste reduction more accessible, these digital solutions also encourage a shift in mindset towards responsible consumption.

Let’s look into the apps making waves in waste reduction, showing how simple technology can catalyse significant environmental change.

Top Waste Reduction Apps and How They Work

From food to household items,  the vast array of waste-reducing apps available can help users tackle various forms of waste in daily life.

Apps for Food Waste Reduction

Food waste is a major contributor to landfills, and two leading apps are addressing this issue with innovative approaches.

• Too Good To Go: On this app, restaurants, cafes, and bakeries list leftover food that would otherwise be thrown away. Users can then browse the map for food near them and pick up a ‘magic bag’ for a fraction of the original retail cost. You can register for free and specify your dietary requirements.
• Olio: Designed to foster a local sharing economy through community sharing as the app lets users offer surplus food and household items to neighbours. By fostering a local sharing economy, Olio helps households minimise waste.

Apps for Secondhand Shopping and Reuse

Encouraging a circular economy, these apps connect individuals to give used items a second life.

• Depop: Popular among young consumers, Depop is a fashion resale app where users buy and sell secondhand clothing. By reducing the demand for new fashion production, Depop aids in cutting down the carbon footprint associated with the industry.
• Nuw: Founded by Irish entrepreneur Aisling Byrne, Nuw turns fashion into a currency: you upload an item, earn coins, and use these coins to redeem a “nuw” piece.

Benefits of Using Waste Reduction Apps

The positive impact of waste reduction apps extends beyond environmental benefits; they also provide economic and educational advantages.

When waste is minimised, there’s less need for new resources, leading to a more sustainable environment. Moreover, some waste reduction apps save consumers and businesses money by providing discounted surplus goods or encouraging the reuse of items. 

Waste reduction apps also empower consumers by providing knowledge on sustainable practices. Through app notifications, tips, and interactive features, consumers become more informed about environmental issues and motivated to make eco-friendly choices daily.

Take an Important Step Towards Sustainability

Barna Recycling is Connacht’s leading provider of waste management services, always providing a professional, reliable, and environmentally friendly service. All this ensures that customers enjoy the peace of mind that we will recycle what they throw away, lowering the cost to our customers and the environment.

Our household mobile app helps our customers optimise their waste disposal, offering numerous benefits and key features that go beyond simply allowing them to see their bin collection history.

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

Barna’s Guide To Sorting All Types of Domestic Waste

Decluttering your home during any season can be a daunting task, especially when you’re not sure how or where to dispose of the different types of domestic waste.

From clearing out the massive mess in the shed, old clutter in the attic, sorting through unused clothing, old blankets, bedding and old books, there is no better time than NOW now to deep clean your home inside and outside.
 
Experience a seamless and stress-free clear-out with Barna Recycling’s top tips to help you understand what to do with the different types of domestic waste from your home clear-out. 

Understanding the Types of Waste Accumulated at Home

Efficient waste sorting is key for responsible disposal. It not only streamlines the process but also contributes significantly to environmental conservation.

General Household Waste

General household waste spans a broad spectrum, from everyday disposables to non-recyclable plastics. Recognising and categorising this waste is the first step in crafting an effective sorting strategy. If you are struggling to understand what plastics are(n’t) recyclable, you can check out our blog: Steps to Follow when Disposing of Plastic Packaging Waste

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous items can hide undiscovered among the many types of domestic waste. These pose a substantial risk to both human health and the environment. Identifying and safely disposing of such materials is imperative during clear-outs. It is always a good idea to cross-reference Barna’s colour bin guide to understand what waste items should be disposed of in your blue, black or brown bins!

Electronic Waste

The digital age has given rise to a new challenge – electronic waste. Understanding the components of electronic devices and their potential environmental impact is critical for correct and safe disposal. Read our blog on electronic waste to learn more about responsibly disposing of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Domestic Waste Disposal Solutions: The 3 C’s

If you are confused about where to start with your domestic waste disposal and what the correct disposal solutions are, it is useful to create a list that will act as a step-by-step guide to clearing out your home! To better remember the necessary steps for correct waste disposal during your home clean-out, remember to check Barna’s 3 C’s off your list: 1) Colour-coding 2) Civic Amenity Site 3) Compositing

1. Colour-Coding: Make Correct, Responsible Use of The Designated Bins

Correctly sorting your household disposal and using the designated bins for the different types of domestic waste is the first step to ensure an effective home clear-out. Ensure you separate hazardous materials and electronic waste. 

Not sure about what goes in Barna’s brown, blue or black bin? See what goes in each Barna Recycling bin.

2. Civic Amenity Sites: Utilise Your Local Recycling Centres

Collaborating with local recycling centres facilitates the responsible disposal of recyclable materials. Barna Recycling’s purpose-built Civic Amenity Sites can assist you greatly when clearing out your home. With seven civic amenity sites across Connacht, we collect a large variety of non-hazardous and recyclable household waste at a reduced cost.

Here are some of the benefits of using one of Barna Recycling’s 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.

3. Composting: Practise Better Organic Waste Management Habits

Integrating composting into household waste management significantly reduces the environmental impact of organic waste. Composting not only diverts waste from landfills but also produces nutrient-rich compost for soil enrichment. Check out Barna’s useful blog to guide you through better Ways To Recycle Food Waste.

More on Barna Recycling’s Sites: Types of Domestic Waste We Accept

Old Blankets, Bedding & Mattresses: Some of our civic amenity sites will also accept any type of clothing, footwear and textiles, however, an extra charge will apply for disposing of bedding and mattresses.
 
Books: As a rule of thumb, books should be placed in the household recycling bin, however, if you have a large volume of old books, phone books, newspapers, and magazines, you can dispose of them at some of our local civic amenity sites.
 
Electrical Items: You can bring unwanted electrical waste, more commonly known as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), such as Computers, Monitors, Mobile Phones, Electronic Toys, Game consoles, Speakers, Headphones and electrical appliances to your local amenity site to dispose of such items free of charge.

Old Swing Sets & Garden Furniture: If you have an old garden swing or garden furniture still in working condition, you could consider selling it, passing it on to someone else or donating it to local charity shops. If they require disposal because they are no longer fit for purpose, you can bring them to your nearest local civic amenity site. Most wood, metal, and plastic furniture are all widely accepted and recycled at civic amenity sites. Read our blog on bulk waste disposal.

Remember that the household waste byelaws in Ireland oblige every household to use a waste collector or regularly use a civic amenity site or recycling centre.

Need more information on where to dispose of certain items or order a skip? Give us a call today at 091 771619 or fill in our Contact Us form.

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’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.

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.

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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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!

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.

Items Not To 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.

Barna’s Top 3 Tips For More Efficient And Effective Bulk Waste Disposal

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland generated 3.17 million tonnes of municipal waste in 2021 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.