Jersey urged to consider changing recycling system

Jersey's waste levels are more than double those of Guernsey

A think tank is asking the government to decide whether to rebuild Jersey's energy-from-waste plant or change the island's recycling system.

The Policy Centre, an independent think tank which aims to increase "knowledge about civic engagement in Jersey", said the La Collette plant, which burns waste to generate electricity, was due to reach the end of its life in 2036.

The think tank claims replacing the plant could cost up to £250m which is not in the government's long-term spending plan and asks whether Jersey could shift to a Guernsey-style recycling system.

It said: "Decisions need to be made now about what we do next."

Jersey's waste levels are more than double those of Guernsey, according to the think tank.

In 2024, Jersey generated 348kg of general waste per person compared with 118kg per person in Guernsey and Jersey's household recycling rate is 35%, almost half that of Guernsey at 68%, it said.

Jennifer Bridge, from the think tank, said: "Recycling isn't just about bins, it's about making it easy, trustworthy and worthwhile.

"When people see that what they recycle is genuinely reused and when it's simpler to recycle than to throw away behaviour changes fast."

In Jersey, nine of 12 parishes offer kerbside recycling with different waste collection systems in place.

The government has been approached for comment.