Poots commends Restore project

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today visited the Restore project at the recycling centre in Banbridge.

The project, which is run by Banbridge District Council, accepts unwanted household bulky items such as electrical white goods. These are then refurbished for sale. This is the first time a council has taken the lead in this type of project.

During his visit the Minister had the opportunity to see first hand how the project is run.

Mr Poots said: ‘‘I congratulate Banbridge District Council on this initiative. It is an excellent example – not simply to the waste prevention and re-use sector – but to all businesses in Northern Ireland.

“By adopting this approach Banbridge Council is reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and it is treating used household items of furniture as valuable products which will generate an economic and an environmental return.

“This innovation provides an environmental, social and economic benefit to society. ’’

Notes to editors:

1. The Restore project is a ‘bring and buy’ facility incorporating a reception area, workshop and also a shop for the display and sale of second hand household furniture and refurbished household white goods and parts.
2. Banbridge District Council opened the Restore project in the summer of 2009 to enable consumers to donate their unwanted household furniture and electrical goods. The project is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland in which a Council has taken the lead role.
3. The Restore project is based at the Council’s community recycling centre at Scarva Road, Banbridge.
4. The project actively reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise go to landfill and is a source of training and employment for the long term unemployed and others.
5. The Department of the Environment's Rethink Waste campaign aims to raise awareness, encourage best practice and achieve behavioural change among households, the business community and education sectors. The campaign seeks to affect a cultural shift towards better waste prevention and resource management and improved environmental quality in Northern Ireland. For more information visit the rethinkwaste website
6. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of the Environment Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.