The draft Rethinking Our Resources: Northern Ireland Resources and Waste Management Strategy set out how resources and waste in Northern Ireland would be managed through to 2031, with the aim of moving towards a circular economy.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said the strategy is intended to provide a clear framework for climate action, economic opportunity and improved resource efficiency, while supporting Northern Ireland’s commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Muir commented: “By prioritising waste reduction, reuse, repair and recycling we can unlock a host of benefits whether it be environmental gains by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, economic opportunities by embracing circular practices stimulating innovation, creating green jobs and supporting local businesses alongside greater resource efficiency and community resilience.
Targets and policy measures
The draft strategy focuses on controlled wastes arising from households, commercial and industrial premises, and category 3 animal by-products.
According to DAERA, these waste streams will play a key role in meeting recycling targets under the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 and in reducing emissions from the waste sector.
To deliver this vision, the draft strategy sets out 10 targets and 63 actions.
Headline targets include achieving a 70% recycling rate by 2030, increasing municipal waste recycling rates over the coming decade and limiting landfill disposal to a maximum of 10% of waste by 2035.
Key policy areas and measures include:
- The introduction of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging, shifting the full cost of managing packaging waste onto producers and incentivising more recyclable product design
- Implementation of a deposit return scheme (DRS) for single-use drinks containers, aligned with wider UK reforms
- Food waste reduction and capture, including measures to prevent food waste and ensure unavoidable food waste is diverted away from landfill
- Improved management of commercial and industrial waste, with stronger data, clearer requirements and targeted support for businesses
- Action on littering, fly-tipping and waste crime, supported by better enforcement and data through digital waste tracking
DAERA said improved data will be critical, with mandatory digital waste tracking due to be introduced across the UK from October 2026, providing a more complete picture of waste movements and supporting regulatory compliance.
Consultation details
The strategy was released alongside a public consultation, with DAERA inviting views from organisations, businesses, local authorities and individual members of the public.
DAERA said responses will help shape the final strategy and inform how waste and resources are managed in Northern Ireland over the remainder of the decade.
Muir added: “Moving forward, ongoing education, innovation and collaboration across sectors will be critical to adapting to emerging challenges and ensuring the continued success of our waste management efforts.
“I would encourage anyone who wants to help shape sustainable resource management and circular innovation towards a low-carbon, circular economy to have their say.”
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