Polystyrene Recycling

Following extensive investigation and evaluation by the Department, it is now possible to recycle polystyrene.

Recycling bins for household polystyrene are located at the Chouet Bring Bank site and at the Longue Hougue Waste Recycling Facility.  These bins should not be used by commercial bodies, for which separate arrangements are in place (see below*).

Once collected, the polystyrene is compressed and shipped to the UK to be recycled into a wood substitute that can be used for a range of purposes.

The recycling bins may also be used to dispose of expanded polypropylene (EPP), which is another common packaging material similar in appearance to polystyrene.  There is currently not a recycling process for this, but the Department will be able to compact it before sending it to landfill, which will reduce the volume going to Mont Cuet.  Please note, however, that fast food containers and cups cannot be accepted because they may contaminate the waste stream. 

* Commercial bodies can deliver polystyrene to States Works at La Hure Mare for processing, having first obtained a ticket from one of the States waste facility weighbridges.  A charge of £10 per load will apply.

Please contact the Department on tel. 717000 if you require further advice.

NEW! - Recycle your Fluorescent Tubes / Low Energy Light-Bulbs

You can now recycle your fluorescent tubes and low-energy light bulbs through a joint initiative between local electrical goods supplier Newey & Eyre (CI) Ltd and the States.

Low energy light bulbs and fluorescent tubes contain trace elements of hazardous chemicals and there are restrictions on land-filling them.  Due to these contents, the bulbs should be kept intact.  Under the new scheme, the bulbs are collected in specially-designed boxes which, when full, will be exported to the UK by Alderney Shipping for recycling through the Newey and Eyre network.  On reaching the recycling plant, the components of the bulbs are separated, the hazardous chemicals removed and the materials recycled in a safe and proper environment.  For example, the glass can be used for glass wool insulation and the mercury for scientific instruments.

How/where do I recycle my tubes/bulbs?

1. Electrical contractors and other businesses having large numbers of spent tubes/bulbs to recycle should contact Newey & Eyre on tel. 727145.
2. Householders can take their domestic tubes/bulbs to collection points at Mont Cuet landfill site and the Longue Hougue Waste Recycling Facility.

NOTE: The new recycling scheme does not cover traditional light-bulbs, which can continue to be placed in your household waste.

Other Plastics

Plastic is notoriously difficult to recycle due to the bulky nature of the material and the practicalities involved in separating the various different types of plastic.

In Guernsey, we currently collect two types of household plastic for recycling:

• PET (also shown as PETE) (1), and
• HDPE (2).

The two types of household plastic that we recycle in Guernsey are largely used in plastic bottle manufacture.  However, use in bottle manufacture is not exclusive and some food trays etc are also made of PET (1) and HDPE (2). If you are positive that your food tray is made from one of these acceptable plastic types, please feel free to also place it in the collections banks. All trays must be washed out and bear no remnant of food residue. The Department would, however, ask you to take care in this matter – some packaging does not clearly indicate the precise plastic type. Presence of a generic recycling symbol is not enough – the specific symbol must be present to be sure. If a food tray does not display the relevant symbols, please err on the side of caution and do not place it in a bring bank – a relatively small amount of “other” plastic can “contaminate” a load and render it useless.

Please also note that some two-part trays (e.g. base/lid) may be made of two separate types of plastic – check both elements carefully for symbols.

Commercial quantities of polythene/plastic film can also be recycled through Mayside Recycling Ltd and Island Waste Ltd who both provide this service by arrangement. Please contact Mayside on 247599, or Island Waste on 235300 for further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I recycle ‘x’?

Many household and other items can be recycled at Longue Hougue Waste Recycling Facility (see downloads) and the 'Recycling and Waste Disposal Route' sheet has most recyclables on it (see downloads). If waste cannot be disposed of this way or via our recycling banks then it is likely the material has to be sent to landfill.

What is going to happen to goods at Longue Hougue if they cannot be re-used?
Generally to landfill or land reclamation where appropriate.

Where can I recycle birthday cards / tin foil?
These can be deposited in the bring banks around the island (see downloads). Birthday cards should be put in the Cardboard bin.

What do I do with my shredded personal documents?
These can be put in the paper bring banks – it is recommended they are put in a large old paper envelope or paper bag. Large volumes can be delivered direct to Mayside Recycling by arrangement.

Where can I get more information on the re-usable nappy scheme?
Telephone the Department on 717000.  For more information on real nappies in general, take a look at www.goreal.org.

Does it matter if I put window envelopes in the paper recycling? No, there is no need to remove the windows first either.

Can I recycle other plastic containers as well as plastic bottles?
As long as they are marked with a "1" or a "2" they can be recycled with plastic bottles.

Why can we not recycle more of our plastics?
Cost is the main factor. Low returns on mixed plastics combined with high collection and export costs.

How long do we have until the landfill site is full?
Based on the average rate of fill for the previous five years, it is estimated that Mont Cuet will be full by 2019.

Where can I find Mayside Recycling Ltd?
Mayside Recycling Ltd is located in La Hure Mare, Vale (tel. 247599).