DAERA Minister: '˜Let's work together to recycle more and cut landfill this Recycle Week'

Launching Recycle Week 2016 at Pritchitts Dairy in Newtownards are Edward Wright, Environmental Manager, Pritchitts; Ian Garner, Head of WRAP Northern Ireland; and Environment Minister Michelle McIlveen.

That is the message from Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen for Recycle Week 2016.

Delivered by WRAP Northern Ireland and supported by DAERA, Recycle Week is this year focussing on ‘The Unusual Suspects’ – items such as trigger sprays, toilet roll tubes and drinks cartons – that are often overlooked for recycling.

Speaking during a visit to the Pritchitts Dairy plant in Newtownards to launch Recycle Week, the minister said: “Statistics show that Northern Ireland households are recycling more and more each year, and that is excellent news, but I believe we can do even better.

Launching Recycle Week 2016 at Pritchitts Dairy in Newtownards are (l-r) Paul Denvir, Recycling Operator, Pritchitts; Edward Wright, Environmental Manager, Pritchitts; Environment Minister Michelle McIlveen; Ian Garner, Head of WRAP Northern Ireland; and Alison Curtis of Ards and North Down Borough Council.

“This Recycle Week why not take the opportunity to see what other items of household waste could be saved from the landfill site and instead recycled.

“There are many things we often discard with general waste that can in fact be recycled. Items such as trigger sprays, aerosol cans, even jars and containers for beauty products, are very often recyclable.

“With a little extra effort from all of us to detect and recycle ‘The Unusual Suspects’, we can collectively make a huge positive contribution.

“Not only does increasing the amount we recycle and reducing the waste sent to landfill help protect our environment, it also reduces the amount of landfill tax incurred by local councils – a win for ratepayers.”

Councils across Northern Ireland will be marking Recycle Week, which runs 12-18 September, by organising local events and activities.

To find out more about Recycle Week visit: http://www.recyclenow.com/recycleweek

Ian Garner, Head of WRAP Northern Ireland, said: “Recycling is important as it saves energy, which helps the environment, so it’s great to keep up the good work.

“Recycle Week is an ideal time for people to take a fresh look at their recycling habits, and see if they can recycle even more items. There are lots of things that can be recycled, but some are lesser known or more ‘unusual’ than others.”