Householders across County Galway are being encouraged to bring their batteries and electrical waste for free recycling next month.
Galway County Council is organising a set of free collection days being held in Mountbellew, Loughrea, Gort, Maam Cross and Oughterard during April and May.
Hosted by WEEE Ireland and supported by Galway County Council, the annual initiative saw over 2,720 tonnes of electrical waste collected in the county last year.
Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled for free on the day, including old washing machines, TVs, toasters and kettles, electronic tools and toys, cables, IT equipment, mobile phones, remote controls and batteries.
Cllr. Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council said, “With old electric waste items and batteries lying around many households, these drop-off days provide a great opportunity to recycle these items for free.”
£This initiative ensures waste is diverted from landfill, raw materials are recovered for reuse, and hazardous materials are safely and responsibly disposed of. “
The series of events kicks off on Saturday April 6 at the Oughterard GAA car park followed by Loughrea Mart (April 13), Mountbellew-Moylough GAA Club (April 20), Maam Cross Mart (April 27) and Gort Co-Operative Mart (May 4).
Collections will be accepted from 10am to 4pm each day on those dates.
“Recycling e-waste is incredibly beneficial for both the environment, the county, and the economy,” said Liam Conneally, Chief Executive at Galway County Council.
“There are many old items still lying around a lot of households and we are delighted to work with WEEE Ireland in offering householders the opportunity to recycle these for free.”
Eileen Ruane, Director of Services commented “We look forward to working with WEEE Ireland and Galway householders to hopefully recycle a record-breaking amount of electronic waste.
“All items collected this year will help County Galway meet national e-waste recycling targets for 2024.”
Galway County Council provides a WEEE collection service for householders on an ongoing basis at its Civic Amenity and Recycling Sites in Tuam, Clifden and Ballinasloe. Visit www.galway.ie for more information.
