AN ISLAND-WIDE kerbside collection scheme for household recyclables is to be put on the back burner for now.

However, a vote later today will decide whether the door to the initiative is closed for ever.

Two attempts were made yesterday to get the Public Services Department to undertake some sort of action in its introduction, but both failed.

Deputy David De Lisle’s amendment, which wanted the department to implement arrangements for a scheme as soon as possible for dry recyclables, was defeated by 26 votes to 21.

On the back of that defeat, deputy Public Services minister Scott Ogier, who had seconded Deputy De Lisle’s amendment, placed a last-minute amendment backed by Deputy Barry Brehaut.

However, his amendment, which would have directed the department to consult the douzaines about implementing a scheme before reporting back to the Assembly with its proposals, was also voted down.

Now all that is left is to see whether Public Services is successful with its own recommendation, which is to stop pursuing household kerbside recycling collections in any form in favour of spending money on updating its present bring bank system and other measures such as additional promotion and education.