Minister sets out opportunities in moving towards circular economy in NI Resources and Waste Management Strategy
Date published:
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir is seeking views from the public on a new strategic approach to the management of resources and waste in Northern Ireland until 2031.
The aim of the draft Rethinking Our Resources: Northern Ireland Resources and Waste Management Strategy is to move away from the linear model – of take, make, use and dispose – towards a circular approach of reduce, reuse, repair and recycle – leading by example in how to best manage natural resources and the benefits that can bring.
The draft strategy aims to integrate policy reforms, modern technology, and partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability and adaptability. It focuses on controlled wastes from households, commercial and industrial premises, as well as category 3 animal by-products.
To help achieve this vision, the draft strategy sets out 10 targets and 63 actions which will help government, and our stakeholders meet and exceed targets, whilst transforming the landscape of waste management. These include:
- Actions on increasing waste prevention and reuse.
- Increased action on household and business recycling to improve the quantity and quality of material.
- The introduction of extended producer responsibility for packing materials and a deposit return scheme.
- Further action to increase capture of food waste and ensure this type of waste is not sent to landfill.
- Actions to improve how we deal with waste in commercial and industrial settings.
- Case studies showing how action is already happening and helping to create change.
This public consultation offers everyone a valuable opportunity to provide their views on the draft strategy to help shape how waste can be better managed in Northern Ireland. DAERA invites responses from both organisations and individual members of the public.
Launching the consultation, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “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.
“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.”
The public consultation is available at: Rethinking Our Resources: Northern Ireland Resources and Waste Management Strategy. The closing date for responses is 23:59 on 8th April 2026.
Notes to editors:
- The consultation on the draft Resources and Waste Management Strategy will run for 12 weeks until 8 April 2026. Full details of the draft strategy and how to respond can be accessed on the DAERA website.
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