Summary
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is launching a consultation to seek views on the draft From Waste to Worth: Northern Ireland Waste Prevention Programme.
Documents
- From Waste to Worth - Northern Ireland Waste Prevention Programme
- From Waste to Worth - Northern Ireland Waste Prevention Programme Consultation Questions
- From Waste to Worth - Northern Ireland Waste Prevention Programme - RNIA
- From Waste to Worth - Northern Ireland Waste Prevention Programme - RNIA Appendix 2
- From Waste to Worth - Northern Ireland Waste Prevention Programme - EQ Screen
Consultation description
Waste prevention is the most effective way to reduce environmental harm, conserve resources, and limit carbon emissions associated with the extraction, manufacture, and disposal of products. By designing out waste, extending product lifetimes, and supporting reuse, repair, and remanufacture, waste prevention supports long‑term environmental, social, and economic benefits for individuals, businesses, and communities across Northern Ireland.
The Waste Prevention Programme brings together a range of waste prevention policies into a single document, outlining the current measures aimed at moving waste as far up the waste hierarchy as possible. The programme does not seek to introduce any new polices or strategies itself but lists a range of policy interventions in the waste prevention landscape.
The Waste Prevention Programme has previously been published as a standalone document, aimed at recognising its importance in its own right, however, consideration is being given to integrating it into the Rethinking Our Resources: Northern Ireland Resources and Waste Management Strategy. As waste prevention is a fundamental component of effective resource and waste policy and the core purpose of the Strategy is to set the strategic direction for waste policy over the next six years, embedding waste prevention priorities within the Strategy could ensure clearer alignment, strengthen policy coherence, and signal a more ambitious, long‑term commitment to reducing waste at source.
We invite responses from Northern Ireland local councils, Northern Ireland environmental groups on the policy interventions. Your feedback will help shape a Programme that is effective, evidence‑based, and reflective of the needs and opportunities across Northern Ireland.