Poots opens new recycling facility in Carrickfergus

A £1million investment in a new recycling facility will help both our environment and economy, says Environment Minister Edwin Poots.

Minister Poots is pictured with Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Noel Williams.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) awarded the money to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to build the new Household Recycling Centre (HRC) in Carrickfergus.

Speaking at the official opening of Sullatober Household Recycling Centre, Minister Poots said: “This £1million investment is part of our Household Waste Recycling Collaborative Change Programme and brings the total invested so far to almost £5million. The most recent Northern Ireland household waste recycling statistics were published on 28 April 2022, for the period 1 October 2021 – 31 December 2021.  These figures reveal that the household waste recycling figure for the last 12 months is 50.2%. I am determined to build on this success with investments like this, which will help to increase recycling, as well as the range of materials that can be recycled.”

The Minister continued: “This investment alone will mean over 1,000 tonnes of waste will be diverted from landfill each year. The money also helps improve how waste is separated and the quality of materials collected to support local processors and our circular economy. We will continue to look for ways to collaborate with local councils and other stakeholders to ensure recycling rates remain high and to see ways of increasing the economic value of recycling in the economy by improving the quality of recycling and reducing contamination.”

Sullatober Household Waste Recycling Centre has doubled in size and serves 40,000 residents. It is the ninth council household recycling project that DAERA has funded.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, welcomed the £1million funding, saying: “The new Sullatober Household Recycling Centre will provide a much more efficient service for the residents of Carrickfergus, and is a welcome milestone in Council’s key strategic aim of creating a sustainable and healthy local environment which is protected for future generations.”

Notes to editors: 

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