From Waste to Worth – Northern Ireland’s Draft Waste Prevention Programme

Key Proposals and What They Mean

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a public consultation on its draft Waste Prevention Programme 2026. The consultation proposes a refreshed strategic framework for waste prevention in Northern Ireland, building on earlier programmes and aligning with wider circular economy and sustainability commitments.

Purpose of the Proposed Programme

The draft programme seeks to prioritise waste prevention at source, rather than focusing solely on downstream waste management. It is intended to support the transition from a linear “take‑make‑dispose” model towards a circular economy, where materials and products are kept in use for as long as possible.

The overarching proposed aim is to reduce waste generation, conserve resources, and minimise environmental impacts while supporting economic activity across Northern Ireland.

Key Proposed Areas of Action

1) Extended Producer Responsibility and Product Design

A central theme of the consultation is the continued expansion of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Proposals include further embedding producer obligations for packaging, alongside collaboration on eco‑design and eco‑labelling initiatives. The intention is to encourage products that are more durable, recyclable and repairable.

Plastic Waste and Environmental Levies

The consultation proposes a package of measures aimed at tackling plastic waste, including development of a Plastic Pollution Plan, ongoing use of the Carrier Bag Levy, and consideration of further bans or levies on problematic materials. A Deposit Return Scheme for single-use drinks containers is also proposed, with a potential launch date of October 2027.

2) Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

Reform of producer responsibility for electrical and electronic waste is also proposed, reflecting increasing concern around resource recovery, compliance gaps and the environmental impact of e‑waste.

Food Waste Prevention

Food waste remains a key focus of the consultation. Proposals include continued support for the Love Food Hate Waste campaign, participation in the UK Food and Drink Pact, and measures to improve food redistribution to address both waste reduction and food poverty.

Business, Industry and the Built Environment

The consultation proposes further promotion of industrial symbiosis, enabling businesses to treat waste streams as potential resources. This has particular relevance for the development, construction and industrial sectors, where waste prevention, resource efficiency and circular design are increasingly material considerations.

There is also an emphasis on encouraging waste audits, sustainable procurement and behaviour change across the public and private sectors.

Community, Education and the Third Sector

A further strand of the draft programme focuses on awareness, education and community-led initiatives. Proposals include support for Circular Communities, reuse and repair networks, schools-based programmes and third sector organisations delivering zero waste projects. These measures reflect a recognition that long term waste prevention relies on cultural as well as regulatory change.

What This Means for Businesses and Developers

While From Waste to Worth remains at consultation stage, the proposals signal a clear regulatory direction of travel that businesses, developers and asset owners would be well advised to engage with now.

If progressed, the Programme is likely to influence how developments are designed, constructed, occupied and operated, particularly where waste prevention, materials selection, energy recovery, food waste management and producer responsibility obligations intersect with real estate and infrastructure projects.

For commercial landlords and occupiers, future compliance may extend beyond traditional waste contracts into lease drafting, service charge recoverability, ESG reporting and allocation of responsibility for waste streams. For developers and investors, these proposals sit alongside wider energy transition and circular economy policies, creating both risk and opportunity.

Conclusion

The draft strategy proposes higher expectations, greater accountability and increased regulatory oversight across the sector. While it proposes to place substantial new responsibilities on the sector, it also opens the door to innovation, investment and opportunities in circular economy growth.

Above all, the strategy signals that the entire sector must work collectively and adapt quickly to meet Northern Ireland’s ambitious climate and waste reduction commitments.

Get in Touch

This article has been produced for general information purposes and further advice should be sought from a professional advisor. Our Energy Sector team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin can provide you with the specialist advice you need.

 

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