Northern Ireland

Derry and Strabane first to join European Zero Waste scheme

Derry and Strabane has become the first council area in Ireland or Britain to be declared a "Zero Waste Municipality".
Derry and Strabane has become the first council area in Ireland or Britain to be declared a "Zero Waste Municipality". Derry and Strabane has become the first council area in Ireland or Britain to be declared a "Zero Waste Municipality".

DERRY and Strabane is the first council in Ireland and Britain to become a Zero Waste Municipality.

Through the European designation, it joins a network of other local government areas that share their experiences and learning about how to reduce waste generation and improve recycling rates.

Mayor Brian Tierney described it as a significant milestone.

"Everyone can play their part in that journey and we have been working closely with local businesses to increase awareness of waste reduction and to make them aware of how they can use and recycle their waste more economically," Mr Tierney said.

The council's partners in its bid was the group, Zero Waste North West (ZWNW) and Zero Waste Europe (ZWE).

Maeve O'Neill of ZWNW said the announcement was a "truly proud" day for the region and all involved in the bid.

"The represents the first step in authentically addressing and arresting the waste generation crisis that is polluting our air, land and waters, not just locally but globally,” Ms O’Neill said.

She added that in the coming years, waste generation must be reduced to zero.

"It's a journey all of us have a part to play in," she said.

Jack McQuibban of ZWE described the announcement as exciting.

"As the first zero waste city region in the UK or on the island of Ireland, this moment marks an important milestone in the growth of the programme as more municipalities across Europe recognise the need for change," he said.