Improving waste management practices though a voluntary
grouping of two local authorities in Northern Ireland.

Strategy Targets

The Strategy targets are based on legislation via the EU Waste Framework Directive 75/442/EEC, EU Landfill Directive 99/31/EC, Towards Resource Management, the Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy 2006-2020 and the North West Region Waste Management Group’s Waste Management Plan 2006-2020.

The aim of the NWRWMG Waste Management Plan (section 1.9) is to develop a waste management system that meets the region’s needs and contributes to economic and sustainable development. Section 6.14 of the Plan sets out the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) from landfill in compliance with the requirements of the Landfill Directive (99/31EC), the following targets limit the quantities of BMW going to landfill:

  • 50% of 1995 levels by 2013 – (NWRWMG – NILAS target 61,172 tonnes)
  • 35% of 1995 levels by 2020 – (NWRWMG – NILAS target 42,384 tonnes)

The Landfill Allowances Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009, which came into operation on 1 April 2009, amend the NILAS 2004 Regulations by reducing from 71% to 64% by weight, the assumed amount of biodegradable municipal waste in an amount of collected municipal waste.

These targets represent the major driver in the management of municipal waste. In recognition of the priority that needs to be attached to Waste Prevention, and the un-sustainability of high waste growth rates, the Group has set limits for annual growth in municipal waste over the Plan period, up to 2020, as follows:

  • 1.5% up to 2010
  • 1.0% from 2010-2013
  • 0.5% from 2013 to 2020

Household Recycling and Composting targets

Section 4.8 of the Groups Plan sets out the targets for household recycling and composting at:

  • To recycle and compost 40% of household wastes by 2015
  • To recycle and compost *45% of household wastes by 2020

*Whilst the recycling and composting targets included in the NIWMS and the NWRWMG waste management plan of December 2006 aim to reach 45% by 2020 this has been revised to 50% in order to be consistent with the EU Waste Framework Directive of 2008[1]. Therefore, operationally, the recycling and composting target of NWRWMG is to reach 50% by 2020.

Municipal Recycling and Composting Targets

Section 6.84 of the Groups Plan sets out the targets for municipal recycling and composting at:

  • To recycle and compost 30% of municipal wastes by 2010
  • To recycle and compost 35% of municipal wastes by 2013
  • To recycle and compost 40% of municipal wastes by 2020

To meet the 2013 and 2020 targets will require additional investment in resources and facilities to be undertaken by the local authorities. The constituent districts are currently reviewing their collection arrangements to develop service delivery plans to enable this by adding materials to the mixed dry recyclables contract and have begun the North West Infrastructure project.  Combined with investment in facilities the Group is also investing in enhancing its communications by re-developing its web-site, embracing the Recycle Now brand and producing a bi-annual newsletter.

© North West Region Waste Management Group
  • Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council
  • Derry & Strabane District Council