Why three-bins recycling is better for the environment and public purse, according to experts

For the sake of Northern Ireland’s environment, economy and local recycling industry, Stormont is being urged to opt for the simpler, three-bin mixed recyclable waste collection system by recycling experts Re-Gen. This is paid for advertising and does not reflect the views of Farming Life.

Re-Gen sorts as much as 200,000 tonnes of Northern Ireland’s waste every year and is putting its expertise behind a bid to adopt the new central mixed recycling system in a Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) consultation.

They claim it will lead to higher recycling rates, avoid an estimated cost of £1 billion to the public purse and produce a premium level of recyclate to feed the local recycling sector.

It is urging everyone to take part in the DAERA consultation and opt for the three-bin system, as well as talk to local political representatives about the issue.

All 11 councils in Northern Ireland have different collection systems at present and DAERA is considering which uniform method to adopt for the whole of Northern Ireland in its consultation, Rethinking Our Resources: Measures for Climate Action and a Circular Economy in NI Consultation. Choosing a system which is best for the region’s environment and 2030 climate targets is a main aim.

Householders are required to sort their waste into as many as six bins, with dry recyclables split into three caddy bins, for current ‘kerbside sorts’ at Antrim and Newtownabbey, Mid & East Antrim and large parts of Belfast. That is one of the options being proposed.

Though Re-Gen say that Government data acknowledges that the three-bin system, with all household waste sorted into three wheelie bins, leads to a higher recycling rate because it’s simpler. It is currently used by six local council areas including Derry City and Strabane, Newry, Mourne and Down and Mid Ulster – and is known as ‘mixed recyclable’.

It is the easiest system and used blue or green bins for dry recyclables and glass, with a brown bin for food and garden waste, as well as a grey or black bin for residual waste.

Saving the public purse money

Analysis commissioned by Re-Gen has revealed that changing to the six-box system would cost Stormont as much as £1 billion over seven years because of the price of new bin lorries, boxes and other costs which need to be taken into consideration.

However, the three-bin system, which would call on companies like Re-Gen to sort the waste, produces high-quality paper, plastic and metal recyclate used by local firms to make new products. Glass could also be added to the mix and used by local companies with a small investment, in order to help complete the circular waste economy.

The three-bin mixed recyclable system is the best for Northern Ireland’s environment, economy and recycling industry. We are urging Stormont to choose the system which makes sense and which will be the most simple and convenient for householders

Re-Gen Chief Executive Joseph Doherty

He added: “The mixed recyclable system will help Northern Ireland reach its 2030 climate commitments and will save the public purse from needless cost at a time when the finances are stretched. Let experienced companies like Re-Gen sort waste rather than forcing householders to operate a recycling centre from their own homes.”

Have your say

To find out more and have your say in the consultation click here