Energy recovery pushes NI landfill rate to new low

The amount of waste sent to landfill in Northern Ireland has reached a new low. New figures from the government reveal household waste landfilled in July to September last year […]

The amount of waste sent to landfill in Northern Ireland has reached a new low.

New figures from the government reveal household waste landfilled in July to September last year fell to below 100,000 tonnes for the first time.

Only 38% of the country’s waste collected by local authorities were sent to landfill.

It was driven by an increase in waste sent for energy recovery, the Government of Northern Ireland stated.

During the quarter, 42,000 tonnes of municipal waste were sent to be converted into energy, “giving an energy recovery rate of 16%”.

However the amount of waste being recycled has fallen.

Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “Just a little extra time to put your recyclable waste in the right container either at your home, a council recycling centre or one of the many ‘bring banks’ across the North will make a significant difference. Not only are there many facilities available but the range of materials that can be recycled is increasing.”

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