Mid and East Antrim Proposes Standardised Household Recycling Collection Across the Borough

Council Approves Co-Mingled Blue Bin System to Boost Recycling Rates

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has approved a proposal to introduce a standardised recycling collection system across the Borough, aimed at simplifying the process for residents and improving local recycling rates.

New Co-Mingled Collection Model Approved

The new recycling model, approved by the Waste Harmonisation Sub-Committee on 24 February and later ratified at the Full Council meeting on 3 April, will see a co-mingled collection system introduced across all areas of the Borough.

Under this system, all dry recyclable materials—such as plastics, cardboard, and tins—can be placed into one single blue bin. Ballymena and Carrickfergus residents will receive new 240-litre blue bins, while households in Larne will continue using their existing ones. The blue bin will be collected fortnightly.

Meeting Northern Ireland’s Recycling Targets

Northern Ireland councils are under increasing pressure to meet ambitious recycling targets:

• 55% by 2025
• 60% by 2030
• 65% by 2035
• A target of 70% by 2040, introduced under the Climate Change (NI) Act 2022, which will also require increased business participation in recycling efforts.

In 2023/24, Mid and East Antrim achieved a recycling rate of 50.67%, prompting the Council to explore more effective and user-friendly systems.

Community Feedback Shaped the Proposal

The decision follows extensive research and analysis conducted by the Council’s Waste Harmonisation sub-committee. Using both local and regional recycling data—alongside feedback gathered through the MEA Residents Survey 2025—the sub-committee concluded that streamlining collections into a single bin would encourage greater household participation.

Residents highlighted a desire for a more straightforward recycling process, which the new model aims to deliver.

Mayor McCaughey Supports the Move

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman William McCaughey, expressed his support for the initiative, stating:

“Council have long sought to standardise waste collection provisions across the three legacy Boroughs and improve the service for all residents in Mid & East Antrim.

“The proposal leads the way to increasing Mid and East Antrim’s recycling capacity for households, in a simplified way. It will also see Council investing in fleet and staffing to provide a more adaptable and efficient recycling service.”

Next Steps: Consultation and Rollout Planning

Before implementation, the Council will:

• Conduct a public consultation
• Undertake a detailed economic appraisal
• Finalise a timetable for the rollout of the new recycling model

In the meantime, residents should continue using their current recycling service until advised otherwise.

Find Out More

For more information on what you can and can’t recycle, visit the official Mid and East Antrim Borough Council website:
👉 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/Recycle