Some 4,000 tonnes of extra card waste alone are generated from the packaging along with an Nestle-estimated 726 tonnes of plastic waste, all of which is going to landfill in Britain and Northern Ireland.

Eighty million Easter Eggs are sold each year in Britain and Northern Ireland it is estimated by the industry. Ireland will also see over 12 million Easter eggs being eaten. There are harmful consequences for the environment.

Northern Ireland’s Environment minister, Alex Attwood said:

I wish everyone a happy Easter but ask them to think of the unwanted packaging. I am asking everyone to ‘think green’ this Easter and ensure that they recycle as much of the packaging as possible.

In addition to council blue bin and council kerbside box services, these materials can also be taken to local council recycling centres and other convenient recycling facilitates located at supermarkets and other public places.

Many manufacturers are supporting initiatives to cut down on waste and to ensure packaging is recyclable which has drastically reduced the amount of plastic that was being sent to landfill. I welcome that on call on them to do more. I would urge everyone to be mindful over the Easter period and recycle!