WRAP helps waste firms reap extra £5.9m

Waste recycling and reprocessing businesses in Northern Ireland supported by WRAP have seen a £5.9m increase in their turnover.


WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) announced the figures at a high profile meeting of government representatives and business leaders in Belfast.

It was one of a number of achievements outlined by the organisation, which is funded for its work in the region by the Northern Ireland Executive.

Dr Ian Garner, WRAP’s Manager for Manager Northern Ireland, said: “WRAP is proud to have helped grow the recycling economy in Northern Ireland.

“We have helped boost the quality and innovation of recycling sector businesses which will continue to be key players in building Northern Ireland’s resource efficient economy.

“Northern Ireland government was, with WRAP’s support, the first in the UK to give its full commitment to sustainable construction. This has created opportunities for business along the whole construction supply chain.”

He added: “We believe there is potential to achieve even more and for Northern Ireland to make an even greater impact in the UK’s recycling and reprocessing sector.”

WRAP has also awarded grants worth £425,000 to businesses in Northern Ireland, including funding for the expansion and upgrade of a wood recycling firm in County Down.

Local authorities were also given help to improve recycling collections, such as support for Newtownabbey Borough Council and Belfast City Council to carry out food waste trials.

Other projects included the regeneration of the site of the infamous Maze prison, where 93% of demolition materials were recovered and more than 90,000 tonnes of materials were recycled on and off the site.

The use of recycled aggregates in the project is estimated to have saved between £400,000 and £600,000.

WRAP bosses said they now plan to build on the successes of the last two years and continue to reduce the impact of waste in Northern Ireland.

Kate Martin

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