Pictured at the Mayside recycling depot in St Sampson’s with some of the many newspapers and other publications islanders recycle are, left to right, company owner Brian Perry, Andrew Perkins of Aylesford Newsprint, recycling officer Tina Norman-Ross, Mayside MD Tommy Duquemin and depot manager Liam Bourgaize. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0832042)

ENVIRONMENTALLY friendly islanders have won Guernsey an award to mark a milestone in paper recycling.

Since 1999, more than 33,000 tonnes have been sent from Guernsey to Aylesford Newsprint in Kent for reuse.

That is the equivalent of more than 200m. copies of the Guernsey Press, which otherwise would have gone into landfill, according to local recycling coordinator Tina Norman-Ross.

‘Guernsey people have won this and should be very proud,’ she said. ‘The fact is that over 10 years the paper recycling rates are still increasing, so it isn’t a fad, and we aim to keep that momentum going.’

Aylesford Newsprint recycling operations manager Andrew Perkins said the award recognised quality as well as quantity.

‘Fibres used in paper-making can often be recycled seven or eight times before they become unusable due to wear and tear,’ he said. ‘It is a truly sustainable product and the more we recycle, the more resources and energy we preserve.’

Mayside managing director Tommy Duquemin said providing quality was key to a successful recycling business.

‘That is the secret to it. You have to keep the quality up and the Guernsey people and the lads working here at Mayside are to thank for that.’