The Minister made the comments on a recent visit to Bryson Recycling in Newtownabbey, where he launched a new 12-week consultation that has 26 proposals for change in relation to how we can improve recycling and waste management. This includes the possibility of recycling a wider variety of materials in kerbside bins, enhancing food waste collections, and reducing the amount of residual waste allowed.

The North Down MLA has said: “Recycling should be an integral, yet simple, everyday activity that people can carry out when they are at home, their place of work, educational or healthcare setting, or a social hub.

“The proposals within this consultation have been collaboratively designed through a period of extensive engagement with people and businesses, and we are keen to hear the views of everyone. They include, but aren’t limited to, extending Food Waste Regulations to all businesses and increase recycling rates from the non-household municipal sector.

“Whilst there are legislative requirements on us to recycle more and send less to landfill, we know it is the right thing to do. The current household waste recycling rate is 51.1%, compared to 10% in 2002. This is a dramatic and incredibly encouraging increase, and it is hoped these proposals could see the rate increase to 74%.

“The simple fact is that recycling is good for us, our local economy, and the planet all at the same time.”