AQW 17224/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 23/10/2024
Answered On Date: 08/11/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department is implementing any measures to prevent food waste in buildings used by his Department or its arm's-length bodies.

Answer:

My department and its arm’s-length bodies have installed recycling facilities, including food waste receptacles, across many of its premises. Food caddies are provided for food waste which are then collected by a third-party contractor to be recycled. Posters are prominently displayed in DfI buildings encouraging good practice and providing advice to staff on food wastage and general recycling. In addition, refrigeration facilities are provided to improve the longevity of food and other perishable goods such as dairy products, sauces and jams.

Where appropriate, my Department will continue to promote, encourage and implement recycling initiatives, including for food waste, across its premises. One such initiative in DfI HQ at James House, is the removal of under-desk waste bins in an effort to encourage staff to use the recycling stations provided to help reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill.