Opportunity to safely dispose of unsafe waste

KERRY County Council has arranged for householders throughout Kerry to dispose of hazardous household waste safely and without charge this coming weekend.

A “Household Hazardous Waster Drop-off ” is to take place from 10am to 4pm on this Saturday, April 28. Certain hazardous wastes can be disposed of free of charge at County Buildings Car Park, Tralee. The event is funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and supported by Connacht-Ulster Regional Waste Management Office. Items, fluids and containers can be considered hazardous to the environment and human health if not disposed of correctly, with Pauline McDonagh of the Southern Regional Waste Management Office explaining that even items such as cooking oil and detergents can be hazardous if not given proper care.

“Waste is classified as being hazardous when it displays one or more of the hazardous properties listed in the Waste Management Act,” she said. “These relevant properties are explosive, oxidizing, flammable, irritant, harmful, toxic, or carcinogenic.

“People are surprised to learn how many common items around the home fit this criteria, for example mixed fuels; batteries – car and household; medicinal waste; pesticides; herbicides; paints; and varnishes. Household detergents, anti freeze, oil filters, adhesives and aerosols should also be considered as hazardous and treated accordingly.

“The careless disposal of hazardous household waste has the potential to cause physical injury to waste disposal workers and contaminate septic tanks or our waste-water systems if poured down sinks, toilets or drains.”

Oonagh O’Connor of the local authority’s Environment Department also described Saturday as an opportunity to “consider replacing these items, where possible, with environmentally friendly, natural products.

“Ideas and recipes on how to create household cleaners from common non-hazardous ingredients will be available on the day or by contacting our Environment Office at ooconnor@kerrycoco.ie or 066 7162000.” The event is open only to householders and all items must be in original packaging and labelled. A full list of acceptable items is available at www.kerrycoco.ie or by phoning Kerry County Council at 066 7162000.