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The fully-functioning greenhouse has been built entirely from empty plastic drinks bottles, donated by local soft drinks manufacturer, Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland, and has been built from scratch by artist Colin McKnight. Fitted out with fruit, vegetables and plants, visitors to City Hall will be able to pop in and have a chat with council staff about composting at home and managing your household waste.

They’ll also be able to see first-hand a second greenhouse being built with passers-by even being invited to join in the process. Both finished structures will then be given to community gardens in the city, with one going to the Suffolk area. A number of recycled sculptures are also on display in the grounds as Belfast City Council plays its part in National Recycle Week (June 20-24).

Councillor Pat McCarthy, chairman of the council’s Health and Environmental Services Committee, said: “I think this is a really novel way of getting the recycling message out there. It shows what can be achieved with a little bit of imagination and I think it would be great for schools or community groups to consider doing something like this in their area. It would be a great opportunity for fostering community spirit. The recycling message is a very important one and to have activities as part of National Recycle Week gives us a great platform to raise awareness about the issue.”

“Recycling rates in Belfast have just recently topped the 30% mark which is a great achievement, and compares very well to cities of a similar size in other parts of the UK. But Belfast must recycle 50% of its waste by 2020 or else face fines under tough EU legislation, so we still have a bit to go.”

Gillian Shields, PR Executive for Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland explained that the company is delighted to support the council in this innovative environmental initiative.

“At Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland only bottles blown to the highest quality standard are acceptable for our manufacturing processes. Bottles which do not meet this standard are usually sent to our recycling facility, however it is great to be able to work with Belfast City Council on a initiative which uses these bottles in such a creative, worthwhile and educational way. I hope this project inspires people to look at recycling in a new light and think more about how they re-use their everyday household waste.”

It’s hoped the buzz around City Hall this week will also get communities and businesses thinking about ways they can be greener and Belfast City Council is encouraging them to take part in this year’s European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) in November (19-27).

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For more information, please contact:
Public Affairs and Communications Manager
Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland
Phone number: + 44 28 92 64 2000