Kerbside recycling scheme begins

Householders will be given two colour-coded plastic containers

A kerbside recycling scheme reaching thousands of homes on the Isle of Man has been launched.

Homes in Douglas, Onchan and Braddan will be given two plastic containers to separate out paper, steel, aluminium, glass and plastics from their rubbish.

Three recycling vehicles will then collect the boxes from residents every two weeks.

The scheme was launched at Douglas Ballacottier Headquarters at the Isle of Man Business Park in Cooil Road.

John Shimmin, DLGE Minister, said: "We're a long way behind on the Isle of Man when it comes to recycling so I'm delighted this has happened now."

The convenience of kerbside collections was seen as a way of increasing the number of people taking part and the amount of material recycled.

Those living in flats will not be able to take part in the current scheme as the kerbside boxes are not suitable.

These properties will be assessed on an individual basis during 2009 with the possible use of localised 'bring banks' - large wheelie bins or NODE recycling bins, like those currently to be found on Douglas Promenade.

How the rubbish will be recycled:

• Glass will go to Corlett's quarry at Ballaharra, Peel, where it will be sorted, cleaned, and then crushed to be used as sand replacement
• Cans will be sent to a recycling facility in the north west of England
• Plastic will be turned into plastic flakes to make a range of products including garden furniture and fleece jackets