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Most recent data from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) shows that 271,501 tonnes of waste was collected by Northern Ireland’s councils during the three-month period from April to June 2024, up on the 267,107 tonnes collected during the same period in 2023.

To put the problem into perspective, this volume of waste weighs about the same as 22,500 double decker buses.

To tackle the challenge at hand, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful has unveiled an education and awareness campaign - A Better Way. Funded by DAERA through the Carrier Bag Levy, the campaign encourages us to explore the ways we can by reduce, reuse or repair items to significantly decrease the amount of waste we create.

Minister Muir said , “The prevention of waste is the most favourable option and as such is at the top of the Waste Hierarchy. Waste prevention saves money through more efficient use of materials, reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change, and supports the principles of a circular economy. I am keen to see our resources moved as far up the waste hierarchy as possible and welcome the impact that this campaign will have on changing waste prevention behaviours across Northern Ireland."

86.8 per cent of the waste collected by Councils between April and June 2024 was generated by households, with 15.4 per cent of this having to be directed to landfill. Whilst this figure is lower than the 19.8 per cent of waste sent to landfill between April to June 2023, the data reveals that Northern Ireland has an ongoing challenge with the sheer volume of what ends up in our bins, and the strain that managing this waste puts on our environment.

Eric Randall, Chief Executive of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful said, “Our A Better Way campaign highlights that we have the chance to make small and simple changes in our daily lives to reduce what goes in the bin, and what is directed to landfill. At present, the amount we are throwing away is indicative of a very wasteful culture. We need to challenge our perceptions of what waste is. Let’s explore the ways in which we can reduce, reuse and repair to turn the tide on waste in 2025.”

As part of the campaign, an official A Better Way mark has been developed, which retailers and wider organisations such as vintage clothing shops, alteration specialists, appliance repairs and others committed to doing better, can display. Repair Café Belfast have already signed up to don the mark, demonstrating that many see the value in A Better Way.

Aoife McCrory, Waste & Pollution Solutions Coordinator at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, highlighted some of the solutions that A Better Way initiates.

She said, “It is better for the environment and our pockets to cherish what we already have. Why not invest in reusable coffee cups and water bottles, designed for long-term use, to reduce the need to buy disposable items? Similarly, rather than throwing food jars away, use them as storage containers. Borrow or rent from friends and neighbours to reduce the need to buy new. Use refill stations to cut down on packaging, opt to go paperless when it comes to banking, repair tears on clothing. The better ways exist – but we need to show greater commitment.”

For more information and guidance visit keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org

ENDS

For interview requests contact Navigator Blue:

Grainne Glenny | g.glenny@navigatorblue.com

Notes to Editors

Data referenced is from Northern Ireland Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste Management Statistics: Quarterly provisional estimates for April to June 2024. The report was published in October 2024.

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/daera/lac-municipal-waste-q1-2024-25-report.pdf

Live Here Love Here, a people-powered campaign dedicated to improving the local environment and fostering civic pride, has revealed the winners of its 2025 Community Awards. The event, held at Belfast City Hall on Thursday, February 6 and hosted by TV presenter Joe Mahon, brought together over 150 guests - including Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir, local leaders, environmental advocates and volunteers – to honour the outstanding contributions of voluntary community groups across Northern Ireland working to improve the environment and promote civic pride.

Sponsored by Power NI and supported by DAERA, nine local councils, and the Housing Executive, the awards serve as a vital platform for recognising the power of collective action in tackling community environmental challenges such as dog fouling, littering, biodiversity loss, transformation of neglected spaces and environmental education.

On the night, 12 awards were presented to celebrate the achievements of local community groups, including the Regional Champions Awards, which honoured volunteers from Live Here Love Here’s nine partner council areas. The Lasting Contribution Award, supported by DAERA, was presented to Copeland Bird Observatory for their enduring commitment to environmental sustainability and community improvement spanning more than six decades. Since 1954, the observatory has been dedicated to bird conservation, research, and community engagement, particularly on the Copeland Islands, making a lasting impact on local biodiversity and environmental education. Runner-up, Comber Regeneration Community Partnerships (CRCP), was also recognised for transforming its town through initiatives like creating a community garden and fostering pride and responsibility among residents.

The Bright Future Award, supported by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, was awarded to Antrim Community Fridge for their innovative approach to environmental stewardship. Founded in 2024, this up-and-coming group has engaged over 500 households, hosted events to tackle food insecurity, and worked to reduce food waste while promoting sustainability and strengthening community ties. While, the Community Together Award, supported by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, was presented to Holywood Shared Town from Ards and North Down Borough Council area for their work supporting smaller groups and leading initiatives that build a cohesive and inclusive community, including focusing on environmental improvements and social spaces for residents.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, said, “I’m proud to support Live Here Love Here, which connects volunteers, fosters learning, and empowers meaningful action towards a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment. The Community Awards are a special occasion to celebrate the diverse contributions of those dedicated to environmental stewardship. I am delighted to present the Lasting Contribution Award, which celebrated Copeland Bird Observatory’s unwavering dedication and long-standing efforts in fostering a sustainable community and creating a lasting positive impact.

“Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we celebrate and support these local groups that are making a tangible difference at the grassroots level. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility and encouraging people of all ages to take action, we can ensure that the future of environmental stewardship remains full of opportunity. The work being done today by these dedicated groups will leave a lasting legacy, inspiring others to take part and make a difference in their own communities.”

Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said, “The Community Awards resonate because they celebrate the unsung heroes in our communities who are driving real environmental change through volunteer work. This year, the theme ‘Community Connections’ made it even more special as we honoured groups that demonstrate the power of collective action. Whether it’s transforming vacant land into thriving green spaces or mobilising locals to restore and protect local waterways, these groups are proving that no action is too small to make a difference. We’re reminded that, together, we can build a cleaner, greener, and more connected Northern Ireland."

She added, “We also want to thank DAERA, Power NI, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, and our nine council partners for their continued support, which ensures the ongoing success of Live Here Love Here.”

For more information on the Live Here Love Here campaign and the Community Awards, visit liveherelovehere.org.