Northern Ireland witnesses record recycling of household waste

There was 15% rise in the amount of biodegradable municipal material being landfilled by councils compared with the same period last year.

By Scrap Monster

Household recycling of waste has surged to record levels in Northern Ireland with 41% of waste reused or allowed to decompose from April to June this year, according to Environment Minister Alex Attwood.

Belfast Telegraph reported that there was 15% rise in the amount of biodegradable municipal material being landfilled by councils compared with the same period last year. The amount of household waste collected by councils has fallen by 4%. This means 126kg of waste per person, a decrease of 7kg compared with the same period last year.

The weight of recycled and composted household waste remained unchanged, but because of the reduction in the amount of waste generated, the proportion recycled or composted rose to the highest quarterly figure for April to June, the statistics said. Mr Attwood added: 'Biodegradable waste should not be ending up in landfill as it produces a double hit of greenhouse gases and leachate which harm the environment. 'I am therefore heartened to see both this reduction and the good progress made towards meeting our European commitments and targets.'

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/household-recycling-at-record-level-16063400.html#ixzz1af9kQeD4

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