A key figure has called for a major overhaul of recycling processes in Jersey.
Jennifer Bridge, director of the Channel Islands Co-operative Society and a former local politician, called for “unified” kerbside collections.
In a report published by think tank Policy Centre Jersey, she said the territory currently relied “heavily” on its La Collette energy-recovery facility (ERF) to manage waste.
While Jersey recycled just over a third of its refuse at the last count, neighbouring Guernsey was above two-thirds in 2023, Bridge said. She called for lessons to be learned.
“A unified, island-wide kerbside recycling methodology would assist everyone, particularly those without vehicles, while reducing emissions from recycling centre trips.
“Guernsey has demonstrated that small islands can achieve remarkable transformation through political will, comprehensive legislative frameworks and economic incentives aligning environmental responsibility with behaviour change.
“An ambitious scheme to reduce or even eliminate the burning of waste would contribute towards meeting Jersey’s carbon reduction commitments. This would require a firm commitment to introduce the necessary measures to increase recycling.”
Minister for Infrastructure constable Andy Jehan said: “We’ll carefully consider all available options prior to the ERF nearing the end of its operational life, all potential options for its future will be carefully reviewed. Any decisions about its future will be made by States members, guided by a thorough evaluation of the options and how they support Jersey’s long-term strategic goals.”
