District Councils have been reminded to avail of important grants from the NI Department of Environment to maximise recycling.

Minister Edwin Poots has highligthed his department's £3.13m 'Rethink Waste Fund'.

He said the initiative will make grants available to local councils for schemes, which will boost waste recycling and re-use and ease the burden on ratepayers.

The Rethink Waste Fund was announced on 28 May and the closing date for applicants is 28 June.

Speaking today, Minister Poots said: "We need to recognise that what people think of as waste actually consists of very valuable resources which, if recycled, can have major economic benefits. High rates of recycling are good for the environment and good for the economy.

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"I recognise that all Northern Ireland's councils have made excellent progress in boosting recycling rates in recent years. However, I am convinced that with the right support further improvements can be achieved and I am keen to assist councils in doing this.

"I would encourage all councils to identify and submit quality applications for those schemes which demonstrate improvements in recycling and reuse activity whilst easing the burden on Northern Ireland's ratepayers."

Councils may submit proposals either individually, in partnership with other councils, with the community and voluntary sector, the private sector or through Northern Ireland's Waste Management Groups.

(NS/BMCC)