NI Water is delighted to announce that a Farm Chemical Disposal Scheme is now open in the Lough Erne catchment area. This follows on from our successful schemes in River Derg, River Faughan and Lower Bann areas.
The confidential scheme will collect unwanted or out-of-date herbicides, weed-killer, sheep dip, insecticide sprays, rodenticides, fungicide sprays, veterinary medicines and empty containers.
If you register for the scheme, a NI Water contractor will collect these items free of charge from your farmyard on a pre-arranged date and then dispose of them safely and confidentially. Registration for the scheme closes on 27th April and is open to 50 applicants. Collection of the chemicals will then commence from May 2026.
To be eligible for the scheme, farmers must live within the Lough Erne catchment area. This includes most of Co Fermanagh and small parts of Co Tyrone. The exact area covered can be seen on the website below.
Kerry Morris, NI Water Catchment Officer commented: “This scheme is taking place to reduce the risk of dangerous chemicals making their way into watercourses, which are important drinking water sources for the local areas. 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.”
The scheme is also supported by the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU). Glenn Cuddy, UFU deputy President said: “We are happy to support this NI Water venture that helps protect our water sources and I would really encourage farmers in this area to take up the opportunity and register for this free service. 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.”
To see the project details or to register for this free service please go to the following webpage and please have your postcode at hand, which will be used to check eligibility:
https://niwater.com/farm-chemicals
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Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com
