Energy recovery from waste hits 40 per cent in Northern Ireland
Date published:
New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs present Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste Management Statistics for April to June 2025.
Key findings
- Total waste collected: Northern Ireland's councils collected 269,429 tonnes of waste during April to June 2025, slightly lower than the 271,501 tonnes collected during the same period in 2024.
- Recycling rate: 53.2% of waste collected by councils was sent for preparing for reuse, dry recycling and composting – a small decrease from 53.8% in April to June 2024. For household waste only, the recycling rate was 54.0%.
- Record low landfill rate: Only 5.5% of waste was sent to landfill in April to June 2025, down from 15.8% in the same quarter of 2024 and the lowest landfill rate ever recorded for Northern Ireland. This represents a long-term reduction from 72.5% in April to June 2006.
- Energy recovery at record high: 40.1% of waste arisings were sent for energy recovery – the highest April to June quarterly rate ever recorded and an increase from 29.5% in April to June 2024.
- Council variations: Belfast collected the most waste at 41,882 tonnes, whilst Fermanagh & Omagh collected the least at 15,290 tonnes. Seven councils reported decreases in total waste collected compared to the same period in 2024, with four councils reporting increases.
- Household waste: Household waste accounted for 87.2% of all local authority collected waste during this period.
About the publication
The full report provides detailed quarterly statistics on waste management across Northern Ireland, including:
- Breakdowns by council area and waste management group
- Analysis of different waste treatment methods (recycling, composting, energy recovery, and landfill)
- Comparisons with previous quarters and long-term trends
Information on biodegradable waste sent to landfill - Data on waste collected at kerbside and civic amenity sites
These accredited official statistics are used by local authorities, waste management groups, government departments, and the public to measure progress towards achieving targets from various waste strategies and to inform policy and lifestyle choices related to waste treatment.
Further information
Read the full report: Northern Ireland local authority collected municipal waste management statistics April to June 2025