NILGA: We ask people to take these simple steps to cut and manage their waste

We welcomed Environment Minister Edwin Poots’ recent guidance on how household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) may safely and gradually re-open.

Each of our 11 councils are now considering the best course of action and it will be up to individual councils to manage the opening of their household recycling centres.

The majority of HWRCs were closed to comply with government advice to restrict unnecessary travel but, as the situation evolved and a way to open centres on a restricted basis (whilst still complying with government advice and taking a safety first approach) was identified, councils were able to make informed decisions on plans to re-open.

Protection of life and public health remains local government’s number one priority. Councils will be working closely with Minister Poots and his Department to ensure that the necessary systems are in place to enable centres to reopen for essential waste services.

We understand that this extended period at home is a tempting time to do a spring clean and tidy up the house. However, substantial clearing out of your home and an increase in your household waste at this time could place much greater strain and pressure on local waste services and workers.

We are urging everyone, where possible, to take these simple steps to reduce and sensibly manage their waste:

• Where possible, try to store waste at home during this time. Reducing the amount of waste produced at home will greatly assist your council until their recycling centres re-open.

• When you are out and about, take your litter home with you and reduce the level of waste that our key workers find out on the streets.

• Never dispose of gloves or other personal protective equipment in the street as this poses a significant health risk to our workers also.

• Councils across Northern Ireland are deeply concerned about the behaviour of some irresponsible individuals who are causing an increase in fly tipping, littering and illegal dumping of animal carcasses. Actions like these are unlawful, place serious strain on our key public services and as the Ulster Farmers’ Union has already pointed out, fly tipping could result in the deaths of livestock.

• We would strongly encourage farmers to use the appropriate channels for disposing of dead farm animals, and to seek advice from DAERA if required.

The most recent recycling and waste management figures released by DAERA – which showed that half of all household waste in NI is now recycled — remind us of the great work that councils and waste management workers do to protect the environment and keep our towns and cities clean and tidy. Help our frontline colleagues and keep them safe by avoiding putting any unnecessary burden on them. Councils need everyone to play their part in responding to the challenges we face, and we would like to thank the local community groups, sports clubs and individuals that have already organised and participated in socially distanced litter picks.

Karen Smyth, Head of Policy, NILGA (Northern Ireland Local Government Association)