Extension to recycling to take 8.5m containers out of landfill

The fortnightly green bin recycling scheme will now accept clean foil trays such as those used for takeaway food, pie and quiche cases and oven ready meals as well as clean aluminium foil.

Councillor Andrew Ewing, Chairman of the Environmental Services Committee, said that with the introduction of the scheme to 47,000 homes in the Lisburn area the Council expects over 8.5 million foil containers will not be sent to landfill.

“This carbon busting move is great news for residents who wish to do more for the environment. It also addresses requests from residents to increase the range of containers they can recycle at the kerbside” he said.

“The aluminium used in cooking foil and trays can be recycled endlessly without losing quality; every tray recycled reduces the carbon footprint of the next one made, so this is a really effective way for households to help reduce carbon emissions, save energy and reduce the amount of landfill waste.”

The Council is asking residents to ensure the foil trays are rinsed clean and that clean cooking foil is scrunched into a ball before being placed in the green bin.

Mr Ewing added: “According to Alupro – the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation – consumer demand to include foil containers in household recycling schemes has never been higher. It is hoped that other councils within Northern Ireland will follow Lisburn’s lead as every tonne of aluminium recycled saves approximately nine tonnes of carbon dioxide.”

If you are a resident in the Lisburn area and are unsure about what materials can be recycled in your green bin please contact the Council’s Recycling Hotline on 028 9250 9453 for further information.

Further information on foil recycling is available at www.alupro.org.uk