Survey backs three-bin system for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland should opt for a fully commingled three-bin system across all households to bolster its recycling sector, waste management firm Re-Gen has said.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (Daera) is consulting on collection systems for the 11 council areas as part of a consultation that also covers whether residual waste collected either fortnightly or on a three-weeks basis.

These at present use either three or six bin systems and Re-Gen said Daera’s data showed areas with a three-bin system consistently ranked among the highest for recycling.

A survey of 1,991 households for Re-Gen by market research firm LucidTalk found more than 79% of those using the three-bin system did not want to switch to six bins and 76% said doing so would discourage them from recycling more.

Among those using the six-bin system, more than half would like to switch to three bins.

Householders also opposed what Re-Gen said was an estimated £1bn cost of switching all councils to six bins.

Joseph Doherty, chief executive of Re-Gen, said: “The three-bin system, sorts waste using the latest and fast developing technology (such as robotics and artificial intelligence) and also produces high quality paper, plastic and metal recyclate which is used by local companies to make new products.

"With a small investment, glass could also be used by the local recycling sector, a move which would help complete the circular waste economy.

“The evidence is clear the three-bin system encourages more recycling so is better for the environment, is preferred by householders for its simplicity and also produces a premium level of recyclate to help bolster Northern Ireland’s circular economy.”

Courtesy : mrw.co.uk