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Environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful has released its annual Cleaner Neighbourhoods report, which provides a snapshot of the local environmental quality in all eleven council areas across Northern Ireland. The overall picture is consistent with that of the previous year; litter remains a significant environmental issue, particularly litter from single-use plastics.

The report highlights the need for action on key areas of the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), which aim to tackle litter. Nearly a year since the publication of the EIP, the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Report highlights some particular areas that need to be advanced if Northern Ireland is to turn the tide on its litter problem. The EIP provides an important route map for Northern Ireland’s pathway in fighting against the climate emergency. A range of policy initiatives, from the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme to Extended Producer Responsibility, can help us become a leader in this area. We require a range of policy approaches and resources to address this issue.

The report reveals that 19% of the surveyed areas failed to meet acceptable standards of cleanliness. Confectionery (58%) and cigarette litter (53%) are the two most commonly found types of litter in the surveyed transects, followed by litter from drinks (44%) and takeaway packaging (17%). A more commented-on form of litter, dog fouling, was found in 4% of transects, representing a decrease from 7% in 2023. Whilst some items of litter have decreased, the level is still too high.

Speaking about the report findings, the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA said;

“I welcome the publication of the Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful Cleaner Neighbourhoods Report 2024/25. It is encouraging this report shows a decrease in some types of litter however there is always room for further progress. We must recognise that each of us has a role to play in reducing the litter found on our streets and in our local communities. I encourage everyone to play their part in the fight against littering as we strive to protect our environment for future generations as we seek to deliver a cleaner and greener Northern Ireland which is a better place to live and do business. Going forward, in addition to my Department’s 2022 legislation increasing the maximum fixed penalty councils can impose for littering offences to £200, DAERA will be playing its part by delivering on its Environmental Improvement Plan commitments to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme for drink containers and to phase in the Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for packaging”

The Chief Executive of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, Eric Randall, said:

“The publication of the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Report serves as a timely reminder that we must continue to apply pressure to reduce the amount of litter on our streets. This report makes a significant contribution to the debate on litter levels in Northern Ireland. Whilst it is welcome that litter levels have not increased, it is clear, that we still need to go further. It is crucial that policymakers continue work to progress the many initiatives outlined in the Executive’s Environmental Improvement Plan to tackle our litter problem. Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful publishes reports like this to inform the debate and help policymakers across government make informed decisions that make a difference.”

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