Northern Ireland LAC Waste: Recycling Steady, Energy Recovery Up

Key Points

• Northern Ireland’s councils collected 273,182 tonnes of waste during July to September 2025, higher than the 267,125 tonnes collected during July to September 2024.
• During July to September 2025, 53.3% of waste collected by councils was sent for recycling, similar to the 53.0% recycling rate recorded in the same quarter of 2024.
• The landfill rate for waste collected by councils was 3.4% in July to September 2025, a significant fall from the 15.5% rate recorded during July to September 2024.
• In the longer term, landfill rates have decreased dramatically from 71.8% recorded in July to September 2006.
• During July to September 2025, 41.8% of waste arisings were sent for energy recovery, higher than the 30.2% reported in July to September 2024.
• In the longer term, energy recovery rates have increased substantially from 0.1% recorded during July to September 2009.
• Household waste accounted for 87.1% of all Local Authority collected (LAC) waste during this period.
• The recycling rate for household waste only was 53.6% during July to September 2025, similar to the 53.8% recorded during July to September 2024.
• The landfill rate for household waste was 3.3% in July to September 2025, lower than the 15.1% rate recorded in July to September 2024.

Northern Ireland (Manchester Mirror) 29 January 2026 – Provisional statistics on local authority collected municipal waste management for July to September 2025 reveal a rise in total waste collected alongside sustained recycling rates and sharp declines in landfill use, as published today by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). This quarterly updated report provides key measurements of LAC municipal waste for councils and waste management groups across Northern Ireland, underscoring ongoing efforts to meet environmental targets. The data highlights incremental improvements in waste diversion from landfill, with energy recovery playing a growing role.

What Are the Latest Northern Ireland Waste Collection Figures?

Northern Ireland’s 11 councils collected a total of 273,182 tonnes of municipal waste between July and September 2025, marking an increase from the 267,125 tonnes gathered in the corresponding quarter of 2024, according to the DAERA provisional report. This uptick reflects growing population pressures and consumption patterns in the region. Household waste dominated the composition, comprising 87.1% of all LAC waste during the period.

The report, drawn directly from council-submitted data, emphasises provisional figures subject to later refinement. As detailed in the official DAERA release, these statistics form part of a continuous quarterly series tracking municipal waste arisings, management routes, and performance against benchmarks.

How Has the Recycling Rate Performed in Q3 2025?

Councils achieved a recycling rate of 53.3% for all LAC waste in July to September 2025, marginally up from 53.0% in the same period of 2024, per the DAERA statistics. For household waste specifically, the rate stood at 53.6%, closely mirroring the 53.8% from 2024. These figures indicate stability in recycling efforts amid fluctuating waste volumes.

DAERA’s analysis attributes this consistency to established council programmes, including kerbside collections and bring sites. The department notes that recycling encompasses dry recycling, composting, and reuse preparation, aligning with EU-derived Waste Framework Directive obligations still influential post-Brexit.

Why Has the Landfill Rate Dropped So Sharply?

The landfill rate plummeted to 3.4% for all LAC waste in Q3 2025, down from 15.5% in Q3 2024, as reported by DAERA. Household waste followed suit, with landfill at 3.3% versus 15.1% the previous year. Over nearly two decades, this represents a profound shift from the 71.8% landfill reliance in Q3 2006.

This decline stems from the 2015 landfill ban on biodegradable municipal waste and subsequent capacity constraints at sites like Ballymacilroy and Magilligan, pushing councils towards alternatives. DAERA highlights that residual waste – not sent for recycling, energy recovery, or landfill – now constitutes a smaller fraction.

What Role Does Energy Recovery Play in Waste Management?

Energy recovery captured 41.8% of waste arisings in July to September 2025, a notable rise from 30.2% in 2024, according to the DAERA publication. Long-term growth is evident, from just 0.1% in Q3 2009, driven by facilities like the Belfast Waste Management arc21 incinerator and Derry’s Ervia plant.

DAERA classifies energy recovery as waste converted to fuel or direct combustion with energy capture, excluding landfill gas. This method supports Northern Ireland’s net-zero ambitions, though environmental groups debate its hierarchy position below recycling.

Which Waste Types Make Up LAC Municipal Waste?

Household waste formed the bulk at 87.1% of LAC totals in Q3 2025, with the remainder from trade, commercial, and civic amenity sources, as per DAERA data. Recycling for household waste held steady at 53.6%, while landfill fell to 3.3%. Non-household streams showed varied management, with energy recovery prominent.

The report delineates LAC waste as kerbside, bring centres, and bulky collections, excluding civic amenity permits. DAERA stresses comprehensive coverage across all 11 councils: Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ards and North Down, Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon, Belfast, Causeway Coast and Glens, Derry City and Strabane, Fermanagh and Omagh, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Mid Ulster, Newry Mourne and Down, and Mid and East Antrim.

How Do These Figures Compare to Historical Trends?

Long-term trajectories show transformation: landfill from 71.8% in 2006 to 3.4% now; energy recovery from 0.1% in 2009 to 41.8%, per DAERA’s historical tables. Recycling has stabilised around 50% since 2020, post-single-use plastic bans and deposit return scheme preparations.

These shifts align with the 2023-2027 Towards a Zero Waste Strategy, targeting 70% recycling by 2030. DAERA’s quarterly bulletins, including this provisional release, enable year-on-year monitoring.

What Challenges Remain for Northern Ireland Councils?

Despite progress, residual waste management beyond energy recovery and recycling requires scrutiny, as councils approach landfill capacity limits. DAERA notes provisional data may adjust with finalised returns, urging verification. Contamination in recycling streams persists as a concern.

Councils collaborate via waste management groups like arc21 and SWaMP 2008, pooling infrastructure. The report calls for enhanced data granularity on waste types to refine policies.

How Does DAERA Publish and Update These Statistics?

This statistical report updates quarterly, containing provisional LAC municipal waste data for councils and groups, as stated in DAERA’s official summary. Released today, 29 January 2026, it covers July to September 2025 – the third quarter.

DAERA, responsible for environmental statistics, disseminates via its website, with interactive dashboards and CSV downloads. Methodological notes clarify definitions, aligning with UK Statistics Authority standards.

What Implications Do These Stats Have for Policy?

Sustained 53% recycling meets interim targets but trails the 70% goal, prompting scrutiny of enforcement. Landfill’s near-elimination validates bans, yet energy recovery’s rise sparks hierarchy debates – is it sustainable diversion?

DAERA integrates these into broader monitoring, influencing funding for circular economy initiatives. Stakeholders, from NI Environment Link to businesswaste.co.uk analysts, praise diversion but advocate compostables separation.