NI Water has announced that a farm chemical disposal scheme is now available for farmers in the Lough Erne catchment area.
The scheme, which is confidential and free of charge, will offer a collection service for the several waste materials.
The list of items include: unwanted or out-of-date herbicides; weed-killer; sheep dip; insecticide sprays; rodenticides; fungicide sprays; veterinary medicines; and empty containers.
According to NI Water, a contractor will collect these items from registered farms on a pre-arranged date and then dispose of them “safely and confidentially”.
The scheme is currently open to 50 applicants, with farmers being urged to register before the deadline on April 27.
NI Water stated that the collection of the chemicals will then commence from May 2026.
NI Water
Lough Erne is the latest catchment area to be offered a collection service by NI Water, with schemes already established in River Derg, River Faughan, and Lower Bann areas.
Kerry Morris, catchment officer with NI Water, noted that these schemes are designed to “reduce the risk of dangerous chemicals making their way into watercourses”.
She commented: “We are happy to be working with our contractors, McQuillan Environmental, who will pick up the waste chemicals from your farm and dispose of them safely on our behalf and within all waste management regulations, no questions asked.”
Ulster Farmers’ Union deputy president, Glenn Cuddy encouraged farmers to get involved with the scheme.
He said: “This is an excellent scheme which will help farmers tidy up their stores and give peace of mind that unwanted chemicals are out of the way and disposed of safely.”
Eligibility
NI Water highlighted that farmers must live within the Lough Erne catchment area to be eligible for the scheme.
The exact area, which includes most of Co. Fermanagh and small parts of Co. Tyrone, can be seen on NI Water’s website, where farmers can use their postcode to see if they are eligible.
Similarly, farmers can register for the collection service on NI Water’s website as well.
