Free Mattress Amnesty Helps Louth Tackle Fly-Tipping
By ArdeePost Reporter
Annual Amnesty to Combat Fly-Tipping Returns: Free Mattress & Couch Drop-Off This Week
Residents across Louth are being urged to take advantage of this year’s Mattress & Couch Amnesty, a free disposal initiative designed to cut down on bulky household waste and tackle the scourge of illegal dumping.
Organised by Louth County Council, the amnesty will provide two key opportunities for householders to dispose of old mattresses and sofas at no cost:
- Drogheda V & W Civic Amenity Centre – Wednesday, September 3, from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
- Dundalk V & W Civic Amenity Centre – Wednesday, September 3, from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
- Kieran McGee Ardee Livestock Sales Yard – Thursday, September 4, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
This annual initiative has become one of the Council’s most popular recycling schemes, saving residents money while reducing incidents of fly-tipping in rural areas. Under normal circumstances, mattress disposal costs €15 for a single or €20 for a double at recycling centres, but these charges will be waived during the designated amnesty times.
Deputy Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr. Declan Power, welcomed the move, saying:
“Mattresses and sofas too often blight our laneways and ditches through illegal dumping. This amnesty makes it simple and free to do the right thing—protecting our countryside and saving the Council significant clean-up costs every year.”
He added that fly-tipping is not a victimless act:
“It impacts farmers, walkers, cyclists and wildlife, and drains resources that could be invested in roads, parks and community facilities. By using the amnesty, residents directly support cleaner towns and a healthier environment.”
The event is part of the Council’s wider anti-dumping strategy, which has proven effective in previous years. Residents are being encouraged to plan ahead, inform neighbours—especially older residents who may find transport more difficult—and arrive early to avoid long queues.
What you need to know:
- Items accepted: Mattresses and couches/sofas only.
- Cost: Free of charge during the amnesty.
- Dates/venues: Drogheda / Dundalk (Sept 3), Ardee (Sept 4).
- Times: Drogheda / Dundalk 9.30am–5.30pm; Ardee 9.30am–3.30pm.
- Reminder: Dates are location-specific and non-transferable.
Louth County Council is encouraging everyone with bulky items taking up space at home to make use of the scheme, and in doing so, help keep the county clean and green.