Limerick residents are being urged to safely dispose of household hazardous waste
The initiative, hosted by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices and Limerick City and County Council, allows for the safe disposal of cleaners, pesticides, automotive fluids and more.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is coming to Limerick Racecourse in Patrickswell.
Free disposal of household hazardous items will be available to the public on Saturday, June 13.
The initiative - hosted by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices and Limerick City and County Council - allows for the safe disposal of cleaners, pesticides, automotive fluids and more.
Senior Executive Engineer from Limerick City and County Council, Arlene Mellett, encouraged "everyone from Limerick" to "make use" of the responsible and environmentally sound opportunity.
"We’re proud to partner with the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices to offer this safe, controlled collection day. Please remember that only household hazardous waste is accepted, and it is important to note that hazardous products are not placed in the general waste bin."
Opening hours are between 9am and 1pm, subject to capacity limits, with entry permitted only to those who have registered prior to the event.
Funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the initiative aims to reduce the harmful effects of the unsafe disposal of hazardous substances.
“Mishandling hazardous waste poses serious risks not only to our environment but also to public health,” said Carol Sweetnam, Senior Executive Scientist 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.”
In addition to potentially contaminating drinking water supplies, the unsafe disposal of household items containing harmful components poses a significant threat to waste collection workers and wildlife, who could be exposed to dangerous chemical reactions or fires in waste facilities.
A list of accepted materials includes household chemicals, personal care products, garden chemicals, paints, solvents, and automotive products.
Attendees are asked to bring items in their original containers with legible labels and to adhere to a limit of 10 cans or tubs of leftover paint and 25 litres of motor oil per customer.
With a strict household hazardous waste-only policy, commercial and farm waste are prohibited, along with items categorised as medicines, medical waste, electrical waste, electronic equipment, and gas canisters.
A complete list of accepted materials and event registration can be found at www.mywaste.ie.