AQW 34941/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 07/11/2025
Answered On Date: 11/12/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any measures in place to ensure responsible disposal or recycling of Christmas packaging, decorations, and trees.

Answer:

Seasonal variations relating to both household and Non-Household Municipal (NHM) waste during the Christmas period present a challenge, due to the volume of waste collected at kerbside and through Household Recycling Centres which are operated and managed by local councils.

My officials engage with local councils regularly to provide support and guidance on matters relating to resources and waste collection.

My department also provides funding to the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to provide essential local authority support, including specialist technical guidance.

The programme includes collaborative efforts with local councils on key national and regional behaviour change campaigns through the National Communications Advisory Panel (NCAP), such as Recycle Week and Food Waste Action Week, designed to enhance the quality and quantity of recycling.