Residents encouraged to safely dispose of household hazardous waste in Mullingar this June
Westmeath residents are being urged to safely dispose of old paints, chemicals, aerosols and other hazardous household products as the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices (RWMPO) and Westmeath County Council announce the return of their Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day this year.
Taking place on Saturday, June 6, from 9am to 1pm at Mullingar Civic Amenity Site, Zone C, Mullingar Business Park, N91X768, the initiative gives householders a safe, convenient and environmentally responsible way to dispose of hazardous materials that may be stored in sheds, garages, utility rooms or under kitchen sinks.
The initiative is funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and led by RWMPO to ensure hazardous household waste is managed safely, responsibly and in a way that helps protect both public health and the environment.
From leftover paint tins and strong cleaning chemicals to weed killers, solvents and old automotive fluids, many common household products can become harmful if stored incorrectly or disposed of through general waste or drains.
Improper disposal can contaminate soil and water sources, damage ecosystems, create fire hazards and pose risks to waste collection workers and the wider public.
The collection day is designed to help residents safely remove these potentially dangerous items from their homes while supporting safer waste management practices across County Westmeath.
What you can bring (household items only):
The collection day will accept household items containing potentially harmful components, including:
• Household Chemicals: Disinfectants, detergents, bleach, oven cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and other strong cleaning agents
• Personal Care Products: Nail polish, nail polish remover, aerosols and chemical-based cosmetic products
• Garden Chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides and lawn or garden treatment products
• 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 strictly for household hazardous waste only — commercial and farm waste cannot be accepted
• Medicines, medical waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and gas canisters will not be accepted
• There is a 10 can/tub limit per customer for leftover paint
• There is a 25-litre limit per customer for motor oil
• Materials cannot be left outside the designated opening hours of 9:00am to 1:00pm so plan your visit accordingly
• Opening hours remain subject to operational capacity and safety requirements
Ambrose Clarke, senior engineer, Environment, Climate Action and Rural Water Department, Westmeath County Council, said: “We’re delighted to partner with the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices to provide Westmeath residents with a safe and convenient way to dispose of hazardous household materials responsibly.
"Many people may not realise that products such as paints, chemicals and aerosols should never be placed in general waste bins. This collection day offers a practical solution while helping to protect both public health and our environment.”
Rachael McKeown, technical support officer from the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, added: “Household hazardous waste presents serious risks when it is stored or disposed of incorrectly.
"Through initiatives like this, we aim to make it as straightforward as possible for residents to safely remove these materials and ensure they are managed in a responsible, environmentally sound way. Every action, no matter how small, helps protect our communities, waterways, and the natural environment we all depend on.”
For a full list of accepted materials and further information, visit www.mywaste.ie.