Is your shed overflowing with leftover paint cans? Are old chemical sprays and containers lurking under your sink? Don’t let these hazardous items pose a risk to your family or the environment any longer.
The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices and Galway County Council are teaming up to host a free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, November 15, from 9:00am to 1:00pm at Gort Mart.
This initiative lets you safely bid goodbye to those lingering products tucked away under the sink or gathering dust in the shed.
Think leftover paint tins, harsh cleaning chemicals, bleach, garden herbicides, and forgotten aerosol cans – gone in one clean sweep, with peace of mind.
Why is this so important? Throwing hazardous items like bleach, paints, or aerosol cans into your general waste bin or pouring them down the drain can have serious consequences.
These substances can contaminate our soil and water sources, harming wildlife and potentially entering our drinking water supply.
They can also pose risks to waste collection workers and cause dangerous chemical reactions or even fires in waste facilities. This collection day provides a safe, responsible, and environmentally sound alternative.
What You Can Bring (Household Items ONLY):
The collection day will accept household items that contain potentially harmful components. Please ONLY bring the following:
- Household Chemicals: Disinfectants, detergents, bleach, oven cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and other potent cleaning agents
- Personal Care Products: Nail polish, nail polish remover, aerosols, and other chemical-based cosmetic products
- Garden Chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, and other chemical treatments used in lawn and garden care
- Paints: Leftover paint and paint related products such as paintbrushes and rollers.
- Solvents: Varnishes, thinners, strippers, inks, glues, resins, and other solvent-based products
- Automotive Products: Used motor oil, petrol, diesel, antifreeze, surface polish, and other automotive fluids
Important Reminders:
- This collection is for household hazardous waste only. Commercial/farm waste CANNOT be accepted
- Medicines, medical waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and gas canisters will not be accepted
- There’s a 10 can/tub limit per customer for leftover paint
- There’s a 25 litre per customer limit for motor oil
- Please plan your visit accordingly, as materials can only be accepted between 9:00am and 1:00pm on Saturday November 15, and entry is permitted only for those who have registered online to pre-book their spot
- Opening hours are dependent on capacity limits to maintain safety and operational efficiency
Ann Dolan, Senior Executive Scientist of Galway County Council, said, “Proper disposal of household hazardous waste is crucial to protecting Galway’s natural environment.”
“If these hazardous waste items end up in general waste bins, they can cause serious pollution, additionally health and safety issues.”
“This event offers a convenient and free way for residents to safely get rid of harmful materials, helping us keep our communities and ecosystems clean and healthy. We urge everyone to participate and make a positive impact.”
“Mishandling hazardous waste poses serious risks not only to our environment but also to public health,” says Carol Sweetnam from the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices.
“Improper disposal of hazardous waste can harm both ecosystems and local communities. This collection event aims to provide householders with an easy and convenient way to safely dispose of these materials, helping us protect and preserve a clean, safe environment for all.”
Don’t miss this chance to properly dispose of your household hazardous waste for FREE. Register here to pre-book your spot — only registered attendees will be granted entry.
Just remember to bring items in their original containers with legible original labels. For a complete list of accepted materials, visit www.mywaste.ie.
