Roscommon Farmers are reminded that they will have an opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous wastes from their farms at a special EPA Hazardous Farm Waste Collection event tomorrow, Saturday November 19th.
Like many businesses, some hazardous farm waste is generated through the normal running of a farm, from engine oils & filters to the residues of pesticides, herbicides and out-of-date veterinary medicines. The removal of these potentially dangerous substances represents a major step in improving farm safety while reducing the serious pollution risks associated with accidental spillages.
Safe disposal of these wastes is important for every farmer in keeping the farmyard safe for themselves and their family; in producing quality-assured products; and in maintaining Ireland’s green and sustainable image. The scheme assists farmers in complying with legislation & quality assurance schemes, and also supports the ambitions of strategies such as the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan and Food Wise 2025.
The Roscommon collection event will be held in Roscommon town at the Roscommon County Council lands across from the Mart (and beside the Fire Station) on Saturday November 19th between 9:30am and 3:30pm.
EPA Deputy Director General Dara Lynott said:
“Given the environmental and public health risk posed by these chemicals and oily wastes, it is important to provide responsible and practical disposal options for farmers. The level of support and engagement shown by the farming community for these collection events in recent years has been most welcome. The pilot initiative demonstrates the need, and appetite, for a national long-term solution to safely manage these wastes.”
By the end of this year, the farm hazardous waste campaign will have operated at least once in every county in Ireland. Since 2013, EPA has run 26 collection events and 5,000 farmers have voluntarily brought 163 tonnes of hazardous wastes (such as pesticides, veterinary medicines, paints, oil filters); 275 tonnes of waste oils; and 158 tonnes of electrical equipment and batteries.
Teagasc Environmental Specialist Tim Hyde said
“This initiative is an excellent opportunity for farmers to safely dispose of their farm hazardous waste and at an extremely competitive rate. I would encourage all farmers to bring their farm hazardous wastes to one of the ten locations, where it will be collected and processed in a safe and environmentally sound manner. These collection days provide an opportunity for farmers to dispose of materials that may be harmful to humans and animals, and also to ensure compliance with DAFM Cross Compliance and Bord Bia Inspections.”
The campaign was initiated in 2013, and is led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) working with a cross-government team that includes Teagasc; the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine; the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment and local authorities.