There's a cash boost on the way for projects that will divert waste from landfill.

The NI Environment Minister Alex Attwood (pictured) has announced a £400,000 funding boost for successful applicants from community and voluntary groups, councils and the private sector for recycling and re-use projects. The money will help fund new posts and office accommodation for successful applicants.

The Minister wants to keep finding alternative and innovative ways to deal with waste.

The SDLP's Alex Attwood said: "Diverting waste from landfill is a real win-win. Not only does it benefit the environment but eases the burden on ratepayers, businesses and councils who ultimately pay for increasing landfill taxes.

"I have seen at first hand and am genuinely impressed with the often pioneering and highly effective work of the community and voluntary sector, businesses and councils in seeking to find ways to minimise waste and boost recycling and re-use across Northern Ireland.

"I am convinced however that more can be done and I am keen to assist. To reflect this I have increased the fund by £160,000 this year to a total of £400,000 and I would encourage all those that are eligible to put forward innovative projects to help improve resource efficiency, divert waste from landfill and help meet EU targets."

One of the recipients of last year's funding, Patrick Frew, Chair of Cloughmills Community Action Team said: "This funding was a tremendous boost for us last year.

"Jointly working with Ballymoney Borough Council we were able to use this funding for our Incredible Edibles project that seeks to change the way the people of Cloughmills think about food and ultimately how we can reduce and reuse food.

"I am pleased to see that there is a round II of this funding which will provide vital support in helping eligible organizations reduce waste to landfill."

(BMcC)