The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has recently published a consultation entitled ‘Rethinking Our Resources: Measures for Climate Action and a Circular Economy in NI’, with proposals to improve the quality and quantity of household and non-household municipal recycling, to improve reductions in food waste, to cut landfill rates and to get businesses on board to increase recycling rates.

The proposals follow the trend seen in Wales (Workplace recycling rules regulations) and England (Simpler Recycling rules), with DAERA seeking to improve commonality in recycling collections from households and recycling of non-household municipal waste generated by businesses, including retail and hospitality. The consultation is seeking views, for example, as to whether there should be a requirement for businesses in NI to fully separate their recycling waste whilst allowing for an exemption (QualiTEE).

BRC will be looking to submit a short industry response based on members feedback. Please send us your observations by Monday 20th May. We are also happy to facilitate a call if members are interested in a short discussion.

Any questions, please get in touch with Nadiya and Neil.