Poots raises funding for recycling initiatives to over £5 million

Environment Minister Edwin Poots announced further funding today to boost recycling rates across Northern Ireland.

This brings the total to over £5 million made available through his Department this year for projects that will reduce waste to landfill through recycling or reuse activity.

The Minister announced £2.83 million of capital funding for the 16 successful projects from the first round of the Rethink Waste Fund. He also announced that he has earmarked £2.3 million for further recycling initiatives.

It is estimated that the 16 successful projects alone will divert 12,000 tonnes of waste from landfill each year. This could save ratepayers over £575,000 every year in landfill taxes.

Speaking on the announcement the Minister said: “Waste is an extremely valuable resource and we can no longer afford to ignore this value. The fact that £5 million has been secured for recycling in the current financial climate demonstrates that waste is a very important asset for the Northern Ireland economy.

“The 16 recipients named today have been successful because they have identified how to divert waste from landfill and ultimately save ratepayers money. This is not only good for the economy but has tremendous environmental benefits.”

The announcement was made at Waverley Court apartments in Lisburn.

Lisburn City Council will be offered a grant to extend the provision of recycling and organic collection services to approximately 3000 apartments, townhouses and some rural properties which do not currently receive these services. This is due to either inadequate storage space in the normal wheeled bins or access provision for the current refuse collection vehicles.

The Minister continued: “Whilst much progress has been made in terms of recycling I am convinced that more can be done and I want to do what I can to assist.

“This is why, in addition to the funding already allocated to the Rethink Waste Fund, I have asked officials to develop proposals for a number of pilot projects covering new and innovative approaches to increasing recycling rates. I hope to be able to make a further announcement on this in the coming weeks.

“I am also considering the potential for a second round of funding, in this financial year. Whilst some councils have not been successful this time around, some of their work and ideas may form the basis of successful future bids. I would therefore urge councils to begin to review any unsuccessful applications for the first round of funding and consider how they would approach any future funding round.”

Notes to editors:

1. The sixteen successful recipients are as follows: North West Region Waste Management Group (NWRWMG), North Down Borough Council, Ards Borough Council, Ballymena Borough Council, Omagh District Council, Dungannon & South Tyrone BC, Strabane District Council, Ballymoney Borough Council, Magherafelt District Council, Down District Council, Larne Borough Council, Cookstown Borough Council, Lisburn City Council, Belfast City Council and Antrim Borough Council.
2. Councils could apply individually, in partnership with other councils, with the community and voluntary sector, the private sector or through Northern Ireland’s Waste Management Groups.
3. The funding is available for capital costs only such as collection vehicles, bins, improvements to amenity sites or household recycling centres.
4. The Rethink Waste Fund was administered by the Department of Environment with the support of the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
5. A Rethink Waste revenue fund of £200,000 was also announced this week to assist with resource efficiency and innovative waste management projects. This fund will make grants available to the community and voluntary sector, private sector and local councils for revenue costs associated with projects that will boost waste prevention, recycling and re-use.
6. Northern Ireland is required to meet the European statutory household waste recycling target of 50% by 2020. The most recent data indicates that we are currently recycling around 34.4% of household waste.
7. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of the Environment Press Office on 028 90 540003. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.