Consultation on measures for climate action and a circular economy

Views sought on proposals aimed at reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill whilst recycling more.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published a consultation entitled ‘Rethinking Our Resources: Measures for Climate Action and a Circular Economy in NI.’ DAERA would like to hear your views on proposals aimed at improving the quality and quantity of household and non-household municipal recycling, how to improve reductions in food waste, how to cut landfill rates and how to get businesses on board to increase recycling rates.

The aim of the consultation is to bring forward new policy options for consideration. Proposals and questions focus on issues such as how new measures might best be implemented, considering views on practicality, economic barriers and how the future of recycling in Northern Ireland might look.

In Northern Ireland the current household waste recycling rate is 51.1 per cent compared to 10 per cent in 2002. It is hoped the proposals could see the rate increase to 74 per cent.

The proposals, which are aimed at households and the non-household municipal sector, include the implementation of the EU Circular Economy Package which would see legislation for recycling extended to businesses which produce waste which is similar in nature to that from households. Another proposal is to extend Food Waste Regulations to all businesses and increase recycling rates from the non-household municipal sector.

Find out more about the consultation and how to respond.

First published 8 March 2024