NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots has marked the start of Recycle Week by calling on businesses to recognise the potential opportunities which recycling presents to boost the economy.

The Minister highlighted his recent visit to Crumlin-based Cherry Polymers Plastic Recycling - one of the largest plastic bottle sorting plants both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Mr Poots said: "The recycling sector is a vitally important part of the Northern Ireland economy. In 2007 the sector accounted for around 1,000 jobs with turnover of over £180million.

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"Companies like Cherry Polymers are excellent role models by turning what others perceive as rubbish into valuable products. This has generated a number of local jobs and boosted investment in the economy. It also delivers clear environmental benefits by reducing the waste going to landfill.

"This assists every one of us, with landfill taxes increasing, every tonne of waste that we divert from landfill is essentially money in the ratepayer’s pocket."

The Minister continued: "Recycling rates have continued to improve in Northern Ireland. There is no doubt that the work and services of companies like Cherry Polymers have all contributed by ensuring that there is a sustainable end market for these materials. I am confident that we can all increase our efforts through imaginative and innovative solutions to make recycling economically viable.

"Across the globe the potential opportunities presented by the green economy are increasingly recognised. I cannot emphasis enough, particularly during Recycle Week, that we must ensure that Northern Ireland is geared up to maximise the benefits from these opportunities."

NS