Council seeks public input on standardised blue bin recycling plans across Mid and East Antrim
- Love Ballymena
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
Residents across Mid and East Antrim are being encouraged to have their say on a new standardised household recycling collection model set to be introduced across the Borough in 2026/27.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has launched a public consultation following the approval of a new recycling system at a Full Council meeting held on 3 April. The proposed changes will see the introduction of a fully co-mingled recycling collection service, where all dry recyclable materials are placed into a single bin for collection.
The new model aims to harmonise recycling services across the legacy areas of Ballymena, Carrickfergus, and Larne, creating a consistent and simplified system for residents.
Blue bin rollout and service details
Under the plan:
Households in Ballymena and Carrickfergus will receive a new 240L blue bin for dry recycling.
Larne residents will continue to use their existing blue bins but will no longer require a separate glass caddy once the new system is in place.
The new blue bin collection will be on a fortnightly basis.
Residents are invited to complete an online survey—available from Monday 9 June until Sunday 31 August 2025—to share their views and help shape the rollout. The survey can be accessed at:
Hard copies are also available at:
The Braid, Ballymena
Larne Market Yard
Carrick Civic Centre
Council’s three leisure centres
A move towards simplification and sustainability
The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, welcomed the proposals, highlighting both the environmental and practical benefits of the new approach:
“Council have long sought to standardise waste collection provisions across the three legacy Boroughs and improve the service for all residents in Mid and 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.”
The proposed system is part of the Council’s effort to meet ambitious recycling targets set both regionally and nationally. In 2023/24, Mid and East Antrim achieved a recycling rate of 50.67%, just short of the 55% target for 2025.
However, new legislation under the Climate Change (NI) Act 2022 introduces even more ambitious goals, including a 70% recycling rate by 2030, which will require greater participation from households and businesses alike.
Public input helping shape the future
The Waste Harmonisation Sub-Committee considered preliminary insights from the MEA Residents Survey 2025, where many respondents called for clearer, more straightforward recycling collections. The co-mingled system is a direct response to that feedback.
Residents are reminded to continue using their current recycling arrangements until the new system is officially launched.
Further information and a detailed FAQ section can be found on the Council’s recycling page: