WASTE

In the whole of Northern Ireland there is a ratio of 1 waste facility per 75km² in comparison to 1 facility per 10.6km² for the greater Belfast area.  By contrast the Belfast Hills area has a higher density of waste facilities with a ratio of 1 site per 2.7km². 

BHP waste SEA 2006

Environmental Assessment of waste: The Belfast Hills Partnership hit the headlines with a new strategic Environmental Assessment of waste in the Belfast Hills. 

The study attempted to provide a picture of the overall impact of all waste management   policy and practice in the Belfast Hills.

This study highlights the urgent need for greatly improved waste management and policy for what is recognised as a precious environmental asset to the citizens of Northern Ireland.

Litter/graffiti/dog fouling/fly posting

The Belfast Hills Partnership is working to try and ensure that the problems of litter, graffiti, dog fouling and fly posting, which are found in many urban areas are not also imported into the Belfast Hills.

Illegal landfill:  It has been estimated that 150,000 tonnes of illegal waste is dumped in the Belfast Hills every year. 

The Environment and Heritage Service's Waste Unit are responsible for closing and prosecuting those involved in illegal landfills.  The Belfast Hills Partnership reports all illegal landfill activity to the EHS.