Export of Guernsey's waste will be explored

Plans to invest in increasing recycling and pursuing the option of exporting Guernsey's waste have been approved unamended by the States.

The Public Services Department's proposals include kerbside recycling to attain staggered recycling targets rising to 70% in 2025.

It will also investigate exporting waste, including the possibility of buying into the Jersey incinerator.

Two separate motions to amend the proposals were defeated.

Deputy Tony Spruce's move to ensure the option of on-island treatment as well as export was investigated was defeated by a vote of 23-21.

The second part of his motion, to ensure costing of kerbside recycling was done before it was introduced, lost 28-16.

Deputy Peter Gillson's call for the finalised strategy to be brought back to the States for approval if costs proved 10% higher than expected was also defeated, by a vote of 32-11.

The original proposals were approved by a vote of 41-1.

Public Services Minister Bernard Flouquet thanked the members of the assembly for their support on what was the third time he, as minister, had brought a waste strategy to the States.

He said to deputies: "PSD will need your support to make sure that this strategy works and indeed most of all the support of the population of Guernsey."

The previous strategies, both for waste-to-energy incinerators, had been approved and then later rejected by the States at the cost of nearly £12m to the island.
(from BBC)