Longue Hougue recycling facility goes undercover

Thursday 06 September 2012

A large covered area has been installed at the Longue Hougue Recycling Facility to protect items that need not go to waste.

Every year thousands of unwanted household items are dropped off at the facility, only to be taken away by other islanders and given a new lease of life. Until now most of the goods have had to be left outside, due to a lack of cover at the temporary site.

However a new covered area has now been installed, where staff will be able to put items dropped off at the site that could potentially be reused by someone else.

The latest enhancement follows recent improvements to the layout of the facility, when it moved from its original location to enable construction of the island's new slaughterhouse.

Public Services Deputy Minister, Deputy Scott Ogier, said although it was a temporary site the Department wanted to maximise its potential:

"We hope the covered area will make a big difference by ensuring reusable items are kept in good condition. That is important because anything we reuse or recycle through the site potentially reduces the amount of waste going to landfill and extends the life of Mont Cuet."

Public Services recycling officer, Tina Norman-Ross, said good quality items tend to be taken from the site fairly quickly. However in the past there was little to protect these from the elements, which in some cases could limit their potential reuse. She said:

"We want good quality items to find a new home, but having them left out in all weathers was not ideal. That is something we have wanted to address, and as part of the new waste strategy we will be looking to develop a more permanent reuse and repair centre. However the recent move gave us an opportunity to revamp the site to improve the layout and facilities.
The covered area now provides storage for items such as wooden furniture and doors, and electrical items. Hopefully it will mean more goods being reused."

Last year more than 62,000 vehicles visited the facility, which opened as a temporary site in 2008. More than 10,000 disclaimers were also signed for items that were taken away for reuse, which included anything from bicycles to old flower pots.

Another 1,000 tonnes of unwanted material was recycled via the site last year.

For a full list of items that can be accepted at Longue Hougue Recycling Facility please visit www.gov.gg/recycling