No plans for kerbside recycling

Kerbside recycling is not deemed economically viable in Guernsey

Possible plans to introduce a kerbside recycling scheme in Guernsey have been dropped because of the high costs involved compared with the return.

The Public Services Department claims the amount of items recycled would not justify the expense of collecting them.

Inquiries revealed it would cost between £600,000 and £1m a year to introduce an island-wide scheme.

Instead the department will focus efforts on encouraging people to drop items off at recycling points.

Since 2006 approximately 1,750 homes located in St Peter Port and St Pierre du Bois have been involved in a kerbside recycling trial which ends on New Year's eve.

Minimal gain

Based on the results of the trials and after completing an extensive island-wide modelling exercise, the department said the "minimal gain in recycling waste collection does not offer sufficient value for money".

Environmental issues associated with the recycling of food waste also mean that the potential increase in recycling through kerbside collection is limited, it added.

Deputy Tony Spruce, PSD board member, said: "Comparisons with the UK show that Guernsey is already achieving a good recycling rate through its bring back system.

"The introduction of kerbside recycling would only increase household recycling figures significantly if food waste were collected.

"The Public Services Board has decided, after taking advice from all interested parties, not to pursue a strategy of food waste collection, as the subsequent processed waste stream material presents too many potential risks to health and the environment."