West Belfast recycling centre issues can be sorted if City Hall pays "subsidy", councillor says

An image of Lisburn & Castlereagh environment committee vice-chair Gary Hynds and chairperson Pat Catney at a household recycling centre in the district.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Belfast residents whose nearest dump is in another council area should be allowed to use it but only if City Hall chiefs pay a "subsidy", a Lisburn councillor says.

The suggested waste co-operation came during 'Recycling Week' after People Before Profit rep Michael Collins demanded in City Hall that his Belfast constituents in Collin DEA (district electoral area) be allowed to use the Cutts Household Recycling Centre in Dunmurry.
The south west Belfast area of Collin, includes Poleglass, Lagmore, Twinbrook, Ladybrook, Stewartstown and Dunmurry and has a population of over 34,000, but has no dedicated household recycling facility.

READ MORE: Lagan Valley Island to have no limit on civic centre light-ups for charity.

READ MORE: Lisburn Castlereagh Council approves housing despite concern over 165 year old hedge.

The sore point for Collin is that the area used to be a part of the old Lisburn council, but became part of Belfast in 2015.
LCCC environment chair, SDLP rep, Pat Catney spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) saying: "When we are talking about recycling, I personally believe that the Cutts Household Recycling Centre should be open to all residents who live within the vicinity of the recycling centre.
"I am sure that Belfast City Council could be quite willing to pay a subsidy for those residents from their council area who would use the recycling facility here in Lisburn and Castlereagh. We need to think about saving our planet. We need to get people into recycling.
"You can't have people coming up to a recycling centre just to turn them away, that would lead them to just dumping the stuff somewhere on a rural country road. I think the recycling centres should be opened up for all as we are talking about environmental issues."
The LCCC chamber previously heard demands from Castlereagh ratepayers requesting access to their own household recycling centre as residents were having to travel up to 10 miles to a Co Down council dump as the closest facility available in the district.
The chamber heard in June 2023, that ratepayers could be forced to pay extra to dump waste in a neighbouring council facility with a review of household recycling centres still pending.
LCCC provides three household recycling centres in the district at 'The Cutts' Derriaghy; 'Drumlough' Hillsborough and 'Carryduff' Co Down.
Councillor Catney added: “This Recycle Week is an important opportunity to remind everyone how essential recycling is when it comes to protecting our environment and reducing harmful waste. Everyone of us uses products that can be easily recycled as part of our daily lives and it’s key that we know what to recycle and how to ensure that we are doing it correctly.
“Recycle Week 2024 focuses on making sure that we are recycling the right items and not throwing recyclable items in with our regular rubbish. There is a need for greater awareness around what can and can’t be recycled and I know that a number of people still struggle with this.
"If you are unsure there are resources available on the council website, which provide guidance on what can and can’t be recycled and what belongs in what bin. Recycling is one of the most important things we can do to safeguard our environment and protect our planet for future generations to enjoy.
"I would encourage everyone to recycle regularly and to reach out for help if they are unsure.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our politics newsletter here.