More can be done to improve recycling - minister

A minister believes Jersey could learn from Guernsey where people recycle more of their household waste.

The Minister for Infrastructure Constable Andy Jehan said the authorities in the neighbouring island were doing "good work".

In response a question from Deputy Catherine Curtis, he said in 2022 and 2023 Jersey had a municipal recycling rate of 35% compared to 59% in Guernsey.

Jehan said the island could invest in processing facilities and promoting its existing recycling services to boost its current percentage.

He said: "I very much wish to increase the rate of recycling in Jersey. Last month, I visited Guernsey to see the good work that they have done in this area.

"One means of increasing recycling would be to require a framework for collection services and investment in processing facilities.

"To ensure the robustness of any such framework, additional legal and/or regulatory requirements would also likely be needed."

Jehan said another way of increasing the recycling rate in Jersey would be for all 12 parishes to offer a "kerbside collection facility".

He added: "We should also make every effort and take every opportunity, at parish and island level, to promote our existing services to ensure they are used to their optimum, and we should adapt as necessary to meet the changing needs of the community."

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