PUBLIC SERVICES will not commit to reaching 50% recycling by the end of the year.

The States set the target in 2007 and the island has so far made it to 36.5%.

That would have been 39%, but 700 tonnes of garden waste was burned in a fire at Chouet.

PSD plans to introduce a number of new ideas this year aimed at increasing the figure, including improving bring-banks, providing sites at more convenient locations and offering help to those unable to use existing services.

But when asked whether the target would be reached, minister Bernard Flouquet (pictured) would not give that assurance.

‘I have always maintained, ever since I was minister of Environment, that the 50% recycling target is a very challenging target,’ he said.

‘If you look at other jurisdictions, such as Jersey, they are seeking a target of 36% by 2018, while Europe and the UK are looking for 50% by 2020.

‘While I appreciate there are areas in the UK exceeding that, even today, they also include food waste and the States has supported the advice received that composting food waste is not appropriate for Guernsey.’

Deputy Flouquet highlighted a report produced by waste consultant ISL which said Guernsey could hit a maximum of 61% recycling if it had kerbside collection and included food waste.

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