This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mann

INCREASES in household waste are unsustainable. The States is set to discuss the Sustainable Guernsey report at this week’s meeting.

Overall, the report presents a positive picture for the island, with the majority of indicators reflecting a stable to better position.

But there is mixed news on waste.

‘The not-so-good news is that the amount of household waste produced on the island had been rising,’ said a Policy Council spokesman.

‘Over the last seven years it has increased by 17.6%, with the majority deposited in the landfill at Mont Cuet. This rising trend, although somewhat mitigated by an increase in recycling, would be unsustainable over time.’

The spokesman added that the appointment of a recycling officer and the drive to identify an appropriate waste-management solution were two examples of government addressing the problem.

‘The good news is that the quantity of commercial waste produced has declined by 53% from a peak of 311,573 tonnes

in 2003 to 164,052 tonnes in

2005.’

In the main this is due to a 53.6% fall in the amount of inert waste deposited at Longue Hougue.

‘This is a direct reflection of the reduction since 2003 in the amount of major site preparation and building work being undertaken in the island.’

The quantity of waste recycled through Environment Department schemes between 2001 and 2005 rose by 30%.

Article posted on 25th September, 2006 - 12.00am