The Environment Agencies in Northern Ireland, England and Wales and the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) have jointly developed guidelines for businesses to tackle waste management and recover value from waste materials.
Three waste quality protocols have been launched outlining the steps businesses must take in order to fully recover specific waste materials, including the production and use of:
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) say this will reduce the regulatory costs associated with waste legislation and the significant costs of disposal.
It also said the quality protocol guarantee will help secure markets for valuable recycled materials. The protocols aim to drive greater efficiency in the economy and divert valuable resources away from landfill and toward the production of valuable and useful products.
Environment Minister, Edwin Poots MLA said, “We need modern and effective regulation which supports and acknowledges good practice and efficiency, providing new opportunities for Northern Ireland companies.” He added, “Managing waste in this modern, simple and effective way is essential to bolster economic growth and sustainability, whilst also protecting the environment in a way that businesses and the public understand, respect and trust.”
Dr Ian Garner, WRAP’s Northern Ireland Manager said, “Quality Protocols offer significant environmental and economic benefits. QP compliance reduces the burden of waste for business, while opening up new revenue streams. We are delighted that NIEA and the Environment Minister have instigated the use of these QPs in Northern Ireland, and are certain that the economy and environment will benefit as a result.”
