Northern Ireland rethinks approach to recycling
The last stop on our UK-wide tour of recycling strategies takes us to Northern Ireland, where impressive progress has been made when it comes to recycling.
Recycling rates increased from 10% to 50% between 2000 and 2020, and the amount of municipal waste going to landfill has been cut by 75% since 2007!
Today, recycling rates are at 51% securing the country 9th place in a recent Global Recycling League Table – ahead of both England and Scotland.
But – as is true across the UK – more needs to be done to protect Northern Ireland’s environment.
Rethinking Resources
In March 2024, DAERA (Northen Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) launched the Rethinking Our Resources consultation, with 26 proposals focused on household and business recycling.
The key targets are:
- Recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2035
- A maximum of 10% landfill waste by 2035
One key proposal calls for standardised kerbside recycling, including separating dry recyclables like glass, paper and cans – a notable difference in approach to England’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ scheme.
Challenges and Considerations
Supporters believe this proposal could increase recycling rates, support local businesses, and help build a green economy. However, critics point to concerns about increased costs, more bins, and added complexity for households. Any new policies must also work alongside the delayed Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which is already well underway in the neighbouring Republic of Ireland.
Supporters believe this proposal could increase recycling rates, support local businesses, and help build a green economy.
A fleet to meet evolving requirements
Unhelpfully, it’s not clear as to when the Rethinking Our Resources consultation will report on its findings, or when policies will be instituted thereafter. Change is highly likely though, if Northern Ireland is to meet its ambitious recycling targets.
Endurance vehicles are already deployed with customers across the province. Whatever the details of Northern Ireland’s future recycling policies, we’ll be there supporting their endeavours with clean, efficient and clever vehicles that simplify the collection and recycling process.
Your fleet partner should be a key factor in how you deliver your waste strategy and meet recycling targets. If you’re not getting guidance on your fleet composition, the data insights to drive further efficiencies, or assurance of future fleet investment, it might be time to speak to Endurance.
It’s not about our vehicles, it’s about your future.
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