Electronic waste is currently the world’s fastest-growing waste stream. Millions of unused smartphones, tangled charging cables, forgotten laptops, and dead batteries gather dust in “junk drawers” everywhere, quietly locking away valuable materials like copper, gold, and rare earth elements. On 14 October, International E-Waste Day offers a prime opportunity to rescue those discarded gadgets and put them back into circulation. Its easy to get involved read how here

As autumn arrives in Northern Ireland, preparing for Halloween does not have to mean generating tonnes of single-use plastic and textile waste. By embracing a circular mindset through local costume swaps, creative mending, and zero-waste pumpkin management, communities can celebrate happily and sustainably. Reusing, repairing, and properly composting allow households to save money while protecting the local environment during this traditional spooky season.

Council representatives from across Northern Ireland recently gathered at St Columb’s Park House in Derry for the latest Local Authority Forum, placing sustainable food, reuse, and repair firmly at the top of the regional agenda.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, 6 October 2026 the NIRN Annual Conference is heading to the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre in Limavady. Under this year’s theme, Circular Communities – Tackling Challenges, Driving Change, we are bringing together leaders and innovators for an energetic day focused on practical, high-impact local action.

Members of the NIRN team attended the 22nd Environment Ireland Conference at Croke Park, joining policymakers, researchers, and sector leaders to address urgent environmental challenges, water resilience, and circular economy strategies.

Registration for the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) 2026 officially opens this September, and we are calling on NIRN members across Northern Ireland to lead the charge. Taking place this November, EWWR brings communities, businesses, schools, and circular economy leaders together across Europe to raise awareness about sustainable resource and waste management.

This week some of the NIRN team joined network members for an insightful behind-the-scenes visit to FareShare’s N. Ireland Headquarters. The morning provided an eye-opening look at the vital logistics and dedication driving surplus food redistribution across N. Ireland.

The Circular Communities Pilot programme continued in July, with both the Greencastle Community Association and PRSPR holding meetings to advance local circular economy initiatives. This pilot programme is for community groups not yet active in reuse and repair. Through training and support, it aims to engage these groups and help them build the skills, connections and resources they need to develop their own reuse and repair opportunities. Along the way, it hopes to encourage more sustainable, everyday practices that benefit the whole community.

We would like to officially welcome the Ballymagroarty and Hazelbank Community Partnership (BHCP) to our growing network. Last week Katie O’Donnell, NIRN community Network Manager met with BHCP’s Education Officer, Kate, for an inspiring site visit to learn more about their remarkable work on the ground.

Getting ready for a new school term can be an expensive and stressful time for many families. But that is where our incredible members and community champions step up! From charity shops to community uniform exchanges and pre-loved sports gear sales, you are proving that going back to school doesn’t have to cost the earth or break the bank

A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) adds a small, refundable deposit to the price of single-use drinks containers. The UK scheme, managed by Exchange for Change, launches on 1 October 2027 to cut waste and boost recycling.

The votes are officially in. After an incredible turnout and an inspiring week of community action, we are thrilled to announce the winner of the RRWNI26 Favourite Activity Poll: Via Wings: “Threads of Change: most impactful yet. You are the reason reuse and repair are becoming the new normal in Northern Ireland. Let’s keep this momentum going!