Public Services steps up Christmas recycling campaign

PUBLIC Services is launching a drive to increase recycling this Christmas, and has enlisted an army of little helpers to boost its efforts.

Additional recycling facilities are being provided at the main bring bank super sites over the holiday period and extra collections will help cope with the traditional festive increase.

A Christmas poster campaign in local supermarkets will remind islanders of the importance of recycling the extra waste that the festive season inevitably brings. These will be on display in all branches of the Co-op, Marks and Spencer, Checkers, Alliance and Forest Stores, and adverts will also run in the Guernsey Press and on Island FM.

And with hundreds of local primary schoolchildren recently being treated to a special pantomime production highlighting the recycling message, Public Services is hoping lots of youngsters will be giving their parents a little extra encouragement.

The poster and radio ad feature a special adaptation of the Twelve Days of Christmas, highlighting items that can go into the tin and cans recycling bring banks:-

‘On the fifth day of Christmas Mont Cuet said to me, five foil things, four sweetie tins, three drinks cans, two aerosols and turkey in a foil tray.’

In recent years, the bring banks have struggled to cope with the seasonal peak.

However this year there will be a total of 40 extra bins at the eight super sites for glass, tins and cans, and additional cardboard bins at Vazon and Manor Stores.

Islanders will also be able to recycle polystyrene packaging from Christmas gifts for the first time at Chouet, Safeway and the Longue Hougue Waste Recycling Facility.

Bring bank collections will be made every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Public Services Deputy Minister, Deputy Scott Ogier, said that by providing additional facilities the Department hopes to make the experience easier for islanders.

‘Christmas can mean a lot more waste so we are keen that islanders continue their good work and recycle as much as they possibly can. We need to keep up the progress that we have made in recent years, and we hope the additional facilities and promotion will help with that,’ he said.

Public Services has reported an increase in the recycling rate in 2009 and the Department is hoping a bumper Christmas will boost this year’s total.

Recycling officer Tina Norman-Ross said that some sites could still fill up quickly, particularly on Boxing Day which is traditionally the peak. If items are left near the bins, it can slow down the collection process.

‘We are doing what we can by increasing capacity and collection frequency, but if islanders do find any of the bring banks are full we would ask them to either try another site or hold on to their recycling for a day. All the bins will be emptied regularly, so we should be able to keep things moving.’ (from ICfeed)