Our Changeprint
Our Changeprint can be measured by the reduction in waste to landfill; recycling furniture and paint that benefits the community and householders; savings in greenhouse gas emissions; and a strong link with local charities that has created a network for furniture reuse.
Our story
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is the largest council by area in Northern Ireland with the smallest population.
We were concerned by the amount of furniture and paint ending up in landfill and by recycling containers that could be reused in the local community. This was both bad for the environment and a financial burden to ratepayers in the district.
The waste hierarchy advocates we take measures to reduce and reuse waste. We looked at the financial implications, funding opportunities, space on site, skills and ways to innovate in a rural council area. We contacted local charities to gauge interest and obtained funding through DAERA's 'Rethink Waste Programme' to help purchase containers and signage. Local charities who expressed an interest were allocated a week per month to collect from the sites.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was the first council to introduce this type of collection scheme. Containers are onsite for donations at Gortrush Civic Amenity Site (in Omagh), Carrickmore, Dromore, Drummee (in Enniskillen), Fintona, Irvinestown, Kesh and Lisnaskea Household Recycling Centres.
Paint can be donated and collected free of charge by residents throughout the district at any of the above sites. The scheme has had significant environmental, economic and social benefits and is a key initiative in our commitment to meeting our climate change obligations.
The model can and has been replicated in other council areas.
Our advice
Communication is key. The communications plan included leaflets, flyers, signage on sites, PR in local papers, council website promotion, the Binovation App and social media. In addition, the Environment Minister visited Gortrush Recycling Centre to promote the scheme. Staff on site were also trained and engaged with the initiative.
The council is a member of the Northern Ireland Resource Network (NIRN). The Council Recycling Officer sits on the steering committee. NIRN is the representative body for reuse and repair organisations. NIRN's aim is to promote sustainable reuse and repair as a practical and effective way of tackling Northern Ireland's waste generation and developing opportunities in the circular economy. We would encourage other local councils, as well as reuse and repair organisations, to take up membership.
