Farm Hazardous Waste collections are returning in 2026, with six collection days confirmed across Ireland for September and October. Announced on gov.ie by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the new scheme gives farmers a practical way to dispose of dangerous materials safely while supporting better environmental protection and on-farm compliance.
The initiative follows earlier collection drives in 2024 and 2025 and forms part of the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2021-2027. It is being delivered with support from government stakeholders, reinforcing how Irish public bodies are working through gov.ie to improve waste handling, farm safety and sustainable agriculture.
Farm Hazardous Waste collection dates and locations for 2026
The 2026 Farm Hazardous Waste programme will operate in six counties, with all events scheduled from 9am to 4pm:
- Donegal – Ballybofey and Stranorlar Cooperative Livestock Mart, Railway Road, Stranorlar, F93 E127 – Wednesday, 2 September 2026
- Louth – Ardee Livestock Sales, Drumgoolestown, Castlebellingham, A92 VP92 – Wednesday, 23 September 2026
- Galway – Ballinasloe Co-Op Mart, Cleaghmore, Ballinasloe, H53 YT53 – Tuesday, 29 September 2026
- Kilkenny – Gowran Park Racecourse, Mill Road, Gowran Demesne, R95 AH5W – Wednesday, 14 October 2026
- Kildare – Punchestown Racecourse, Naas, W91 VCX4 – Wednesday, 21 October 2026
- Cork – Clonakilty Showgrounds, Park Road, Cloheen, Clonakilty, P85 D654 – Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Farmers using the service will pay the appointed waste management company directly for collection, removal and final disposal.
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What materials are included in the Farm Hazardous Waste scheme?
The Farm Hazardous Waste service is designed for a range of common but high-risk farm materials. These include chemicals and by-products that cannot be discarded through standard waste channels.
Accepted waste types and charges
- Pesticides and biocides including wood preservatives and rodenticides – €4.50/kg
- Veterinary medicines including doses, dips, wormers, dry tubes, sharps and glass injectable bottles – €3.50/kg
- Waste oil – €0.20/kg
- Hazardous paint – €1.20/kg
- Non-hazardous paint – €1.20/kg
- Oil filters and drums – €1.20/kg
- Corrosives and brake fluid – €6.00/kg
- Grease, adhesives and aerosols – €6.00/kg
- Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) – €6.00/kg
All prices are listed excluding VAT. Farmers are advised to check preparation instructions in advance so materials can be presented safely on the day.
Why the 2026 collections matter for Irish farms
Proper Farm Hazardous Waste disposal reduces risks to soil, waterways, livestock and human health. It also helps farms meet environmental standards linked to Agriculture, Climate Action and wider public policy areas across gov.ie. While agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Local Government bodies and the Health Service Executive (HSE) all have a stake in safe waste management, these targeted farm collection days offer a straightforward route for rural communities to deal with regulated materials responsibly.
The 2026 rollout also reflects continued coordination between departments responsible for Agriculture and environmental policy, showing how Ireland is using practical regional services rather than leaving farmers to navigate hazardous disposal alone.
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What farmers should do before attending
Before bringing materials to a collection point, farmers should:
- Identify waste accurately and separate it by type.
- Store containers securely to prevent leaks or contamination.
- Check likely costs based on weight and category.
- Arrive during the 9am to 4pm operating window.
In short, the Farm Hazardous Waste programme for 2026 gives Irish farmers a timely and structured disposal option in Donegal, Louth, Galway, Kilkenny, Kildare and Cork. For anyone managing old chemicals, waste oil or veterinary by-products, these gov.ie-backed collection days could be the safest and most cost-effective solution available this autumn.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
