The Business of Recycling

Frequently Asked Questions

• What will happen if I don't recycle?

  It’s likely that an enforcement officer from your local council or the NI Environment Agency will conduct routine spot checks and ask to see evidence that you’re complying with the new rules. ​​If you aren’t separating recyclables from general waste, your business could face a fine.  

• Why does my business/organisation need to recycle?

  New legislation coming soon will require all businesses, healthcare establishments and academic institutions to separate a number of recyclables from their general waste. These include glass bottles and jars, metal food and drinks cans, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays, paper and cardboard and food waste.

  These new regulations will mean that in future, no waste from businesses can be sent for disposal unless it can be shown to have gone through a treatment process. The simplest way to provide this treatment is to separate your waste for reuse or recycling. The aim is to increase recycling rates and reduce the amount of waste we send for disposal. It will also help reduce your business costs, save energy, conserve natural resources and protect the environment.