Council bins support for nappy collection suggestion

A stock image of a recycling bin.A stock image of a recycling bin.
A stock image of a recycling bin.
Support for a nappy collection service has been binned by Council ahead of an imminent DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) report on waste management.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) had been lobbied by Ards and North Down Borough Council to write to the DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir (Alliance) to establish a new separate collection of hygiene products.

However, a DUP proposal in support fell in chambers as NMDDC chief executive Marie Ward warned elected reps would be signalling against the council’s position on future household waste collections.

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Rowallane DUP rep, Callum Bowsie said: “I was surprised to see that 4% of residual waste in Northern Ireland is made up of disposable nappies. “That’s 4%, a significant amount for one item, that could be recycled, which could help us meet the 70% recycling targets that are coming in (Climate Change Act 2022).

CEO of NMDDC Marie Ward.CEO of NMDDC Marie Ward.
CEO of NMDDC Marie Ward.

“I propose we write in support with Ards and North Down, this would urge the Minister to put recycling of nappies into any new waste strategy.”

Council chairperson Pete Byrne (SDLP) told the chamber that such a move would be a “direct negative” to what the council had already supported in its waste consultation.

The DAERA 12 week consultation launched in March 2024, entitled ‘Rethinking Our Resources: Measures for Climate Action and a Circular Economy in NI’ is expected to publish its findings in the coming weeks.

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There are due to be 26 proposals for change, including the possibility of recycling a wider variety of materials in kerbside bins, enhancing food waste collections and reducing the amount of residual waste allowed.

NMDDC chairperson Cllr Pete Byrne.NMDDC chairperson Cllr Pete Byrne.
NMDDC chairperson Cllr Pete Byrne.

In Northern Ireland the current household waste recycling rate is 51.1% compared to 10% in 2002. It is hoped the proposals could see the rate increase to 74%.

Downpatrick SDLP councillor, Gareth Sharvin added: “In essence I have nothing against the proposal, but I do think it would be more appropriate for it to go to the sustainability and environment committee to understand the implications for us as a council.

“It’s not very clear whether there would be any funding made available for this service.

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“We would need to know the financial impact of providing this service…rather than automatically saying we would do it.

Cllr Gareth Sharvin (SDLP).Cllr Gareth Sharvin (SDLP).
Cllr Gareth Sharvin (SDLP).

“Would we need additional vehicles and routes for collections ?”

A council officer responded: “The consultation with DAERA, we are expecting the response to come through next month, they have said early 2025.

“In particular in relation to capacity in bins. This was to consider larger households using nappies and other hygiene products.

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“This is not a waste stream that has been identified as a segregated residual waste collections.

Cllr Callum Bowsie (DUP).Cllr Callum Bowsie (DUP).
Cllr Callum Bowsie (DUP).

“In our response to the consultation, we did not support multiple segregated waste streams, and we did support additional capacity for households that required it, such as those who need nappy disposal.

“We can take this matter back to the cleansing and refuse task group for further discussion, which will go to the sustainability and environment committee for any decision.”

CEO Marie Ward warned: "If we were to respond in this light we would be suggesting to the to the Minister that we are in agreement for a further waste stream, which is actually against what we have responded to in the consultation.”

Following a vote in chambers the matter was referred to committee for further discussion.

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