Campaign to better understand what can be recycled

Tuesday 15 October 2024

Guernsey Waste are focussing on common household items that end up being thrown away which could be recycled instead.

It’s all a part of Recycle Week 2024, which runs until 21 October, and hopes to engage and educate the island's population on some of the more deceptive recyclables. This includes empty aerosols, aluminium cans, and food trays.

Pictured: Aerosols and pressurised cans often get mistaken for waste, when they can go in blue bags. 

There’ll be a visual reminder for islanders too, as St James will be glowing green, joining other iconic buildings across the British Isles in raising awareness during the UK's largest annual celebration of recycling.

Guernsey Waste minimisation and sustainability officer, Douglas Button, said: “The island has a great track record as far as recycling goes, we have one of the highest household recycling rates in the whole of Europe, at 68%. However, we have a target of 70% by 2030, so by continuing to raise awareness around what can and cannot be recycled, that will hopefully help us to achieve that.

“This year’s campaign gives us the opportunity to remind islanders about recyclable items around the home that find their way in the wrong bag. We can all make a difference through recycling in terms of saving energy, reducing carbon emissions, and preserving resources.”

The utility company are offering five tips to islanders. 

They are: 

Pictured: Guernsey Waste's Top Tips for common household recyclables. 

Guernsey Waste has also released its annual stats for 2023, which shows Islanders are wasting less.