Background
The Ministry of Works and Engineering (W&E) opened the Devon Springs Recycling Centre in 1991.
Since that time, Bermudians have been able to recycle cans, tins and glass bottles or jars. Aluminum cans and tins are packaged into bales and shipped to a smelting plant in New Jersey.
New Recycling Plant- How will it be different?
The completion date for the new plant is set for January 2007. Located in the Government Quarry, Bailey's Bay, the new recycling plant will be able to handle a larger capacity of cans, tins and bottles. The processing will be much more automated than it is now with less manual sorting necessary.
Read more from the Bermuda Royal Gazette
• At last! New recycling plant to become reality
Items not being considered for recycling at this time include plastics, cardboard and paper. This is due to the cost of overseas processing. Instead, these items are incinerated and contribute to the production of about 5% of Bermuda's energy.
The main priorities for W&E currently include:
- getting the new recycling plant up and running
- dealing with the 'white goods' such as refrigerators, stoves, etc.
- finding a new composting site apart from Marsh Folly
- a legislative review of glass bottle deposits- a "Bottle Bill"
W&E has ordered recycling bins for many of the covered bus stops and some of the touristy areas. This move is in preparation for the increased capacity of the new recycling plant operation.
What happens to our blue bags?
The government hires a trucking contractor to pick up recyclables on Thursdays or Fridays depending on your location. They are then taken to the Devon Springs Centre for processing.
Sustainable Development
Recycling is an enormous part of the principle of "ZERO WASTE". The other aspects of Zero Waste are reducing consumption in general, reusing materials and composting.
The goal, and how it relates to sustainable development, is to drastically reduce the amount of materials going into incinerators or landfills.
How to recycle!
Rinse out cans, tins and glass bottles so there is no food residue. Place in a blue bag (Miles Market bags may be used if you have a small quantity) and put out with your trash on either Thursday (West end) or Friday (East end). See the Community pages in the phone book for more details.
Bermuda does not recycle plastic or paper, what can I do? Limit your consumption of these goods or reuse plastic bottles, for example.
Why should we persevere with recycling efforts?
- It's just good environmental practice!
- It conserves our valuable natural resources.
- It saves energy.
- It preserves our clean air and water.
- It saves landfill space.
- It can save money and create jobs.
Useful links
Earth 911 Fun Facts
What Stands in Our Way?
It's one very small extra step (rinse out can, put in separate bag).
Hey, my blue bag was not picked up! Why?
If there is visible food waste or plastics in them, they will be rejected.
The glass is not actually recycled because of the cost of shipping it off the island, but it has been used for asphalt, drainage systems and currently is used as inert landfill. There is approximately an 18% participation rate for recycling in Bermuda as compared to Canada at 50%.
Educate your children
A fun quiz!
A colouring book
Associated Greenrock Projects - Ag Show, Eco Gift-wrapping--- Get involved!
Upcoming Greenrock Events - Leslie Helpert --- Get involved!
Controversy!
Over the past few years, the question "Is it worth recycling?" has been looming. There have been instances where residents near the recycling plant complained of an increase in rats. There have also been aerial photographs of a mountain of unprocessed blue bags. The employees at the recycling plant have had many challenges, particularly outdated machinery.
From the Bermuda Royal Gazette
• Recycling plant workers mull proposal
• Labour dispute at recycling plant ends
Regardless of a few hiccups along the way, things are under control now and with the new processing center opening next year, please, keep recycling!
