Causeway Coast and Glens Council Supports Plan to Reduce Black Bin Collections to Every Three Weeks to Boost Recycling

Causeway Coast and Glens Council has endorsed a proposal from Stormont to empty household black bins every three weeks.

This initiative is one of many measures being introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to boost recycling rates.

Council's support was confirmed in a consultation response approved by the Environmental Services Committee last week.

DAERA aims to limit households to 90 litres of non-recyclable waste per week. They have suggested replacing the current 240-litre wheelie bins with 180-litre bins while maintaining a bi-weekly collection schedule.

However, the council believes fortnightly collections would be more accessible to implement but prefers to keep the current bins to minimise costs and avoid the rush for new, smaller bins.

"If all councils move at the same time, sourcing bins may be an issue," the response notes. "The purchase of equipment will require additional costs, which need to be included in annual estimates. This could result in a project duration exceeding 24 months."

The council also supports exceptions for households with more than six people and those with medical conditions. However, it opposes lifting restrictions during Christmas, citing health and safety risks associated with extra waste left outside bins. The council pointed out that collection dates are already adjusted to handle additional Christmas waste.

The council backed DAERA's proposed core list of dry recyclable materials on blue bins, including paper, cardboard, glass jars and bottles, aluminium and steel cans, plastic bottles, and Tetrapak-type cartons.

They agree that items like ceramic and glass crockery, laminated foil packaging, bulky plastic items, polystyrene, and absorbent hygiene products should be banned from blue bins.

The council expressed concern about Northern Ireland councils facing stricter recycling requirements than mainland UK ones. "CCGBC objects to a different standard being applied to councils in NI compared to other UK regions," the response states.

They questioned DAERA's approach, suggesting that Northern Ireland councils were being used as a "test bed" without the necessary resources to meet the new standards.

DAERA has proposed fines ranging from £50 to £200 for householders who breach the rules. The council considers £50 appropriate but is concerned about the enforcement costs, especially in areas of social deprivation.

Under the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022, Northern Ireland must achieve a 70% recycling rate by 2023.

Causeway Coast and Glens Council currently recycle just over 50% of household waste.

To view the report, click here.

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UPDATE for Causeway Coast and Glens Residents!

Significant changes might be coming to our black bin collection schedule!

Proposals suggest moving from a two-week to a three-week collection cycle.

Important Date: This month - Thursday, June 27th- this business item will be ratified by the full Council.

Your Voice Matters! If you want to share your thoughts, contact your councillors now.

Find their contact details here - > https://bit.ly/3gXIOMX