L-R: Philip Thompson, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Director of Operations, Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston, and DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA, look over the plans for the new £1M Sullatober Household Recycling Centre.
Plans for a new £1million waste recycling facility in Carrickfergus, have taken another step forward with work expected to begin at the site at Sullatober later this month, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Edwin Poots MLA, heard during a visit to the site earlier this week.
The Sullatober Household Recycling Centre, when completed, will be more than double the size of the existing facility to cater for some 40,000 residents. The new recycling centre will be located directly opposite the current facility.
As well as increasing the amount of waste segregation by over 20%, the new centre will help Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to divert over 1,000 tonnes of waste from landfill each year.
The new site will also result in more efficient waste compaction and haulage, with new material streams for recycling and a reduction in carbon emissions.
Planning approval for the Sullatober Household Recycling Centre development was granted in December 2020, with Council securing £995,000 in funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for the project. It is expected that work will commence at the site in coming weeks and last until February 2022.
“This £1m investment is part of our Household Waste Recycling Collaborative Change Programme and brings the total invested so far to almost £5m,” explained Minister Poots.
“The most recent Northern Ireland household waste recycling statistics were published on 22 April 2021 for the period 1 October 2020 – 31 December 2020. The figures reveal that the household waste recycling figure for the last 12 months is 50.7%.
“I am determined to build on this success with such investments which will help to increase recycling, as well as the range of materials that can be recycled.
“This investment alone will mean over 1,000 tonnes of waste will be diverted from landfill each year.
“The money also helps improve how waste is separated and the quality of materials collected to support local processors and our circular economy.”
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, welcomed the progress made on the project.
“The new Sullatober Household Recycling Centre will provide a much more efficient service for the residents of Carrickfergus, and is a welcome milestone in Council’s key strategic aim of creating a sustainable and healthy local environment which is protected for future generations. “Council will continue to keep local residents updated as the development progresses and in order to minimise any disruption during the construction period, users can plan their visit to the site by using the online booking system at: