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Guernsey Islanders Recycle EPS Packaging
The Government of Guernsey has set up a ground breaking EPS recycling scheme that collects from householders and from businesses.
 Three collection points have been set up on the island for householders to take their used EPS (expanded polystyrene) packaging to. Commercial organisations can deliver direct to the depot and pay £10 a load (regardless of the size of the load).
General Manager of State Works, Nigel Dorey, explains why the scheme was set up: “Guernsey is a small island with limited landfill space and we aim to recycle as much of our waste as we can.
“We first contacted the BPF EPS Group and asked for their advice just over a year ago. Since then we have been through an exhaustive selection process to find the right equipment and to set up links with an EPS recycler.
“All the used EPS is taken to one point, where it is compacted and then stored until a sufficient quantity is available for delivery,” adds Nigel Dorey.
The success of the Guernsey recycling scheme ─ on average around two tonnes of EPS is collected a month − requires the compacting machine, supplied by “Pakawaste” to be operated all day for five days a week.
As well as material collected from the householders’ collection points, two or three deliveries arrive each day from local companies that are keen to support the scheme. Businesses like retailers who supply white goods, electrical companies and suppliers of outboard motors are all regularly bringing their used packaging to be recycled.
“Best of all,” says Nigel Dorey. “We have just ordered the replacement hardwood profile that is made from recycled EPS packaging. We will construct some park benches, picnic tables and flower troughs from the hardwood, and show them to the island’s educational and environmental departments.
“I hope they will be very interested in purchasing more items made from this material. The fact that it requires zero maintenance and lasts for ever – makes it useful, both economically and environmentally.
“And, of course, it’s a great way to demonstrate to islanders that their recycling efforts are worthwhile, says Nigel Dorey. “A packaging material that would have been thrown away, after protecting purchased items in transit and ensuring that they arrive at the consumer’s home in one piece − can serve a useful and productive life in its second role!”
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