Guernsey States asked to relax waste laws

Seven politicians have put forward the waste proposal

Parish authorities in Guernsey could be able to dispose of waste at any site they choose if deputies approve a proposal from seven politicians.

It follows a push from a group of deputies to allow douzaines to give the food waste they collect to any company they want for processing.

A proposal has been lodged for debate later this year.

If approved it would direct the States' Trading Supervisory Board (STSB) to look at processing waste locally.

STSB has been contacted for a response.

It is due to complete a process to award a new contract to a company to deal with the island's food waste soon.

The requête has been lodged by Deputy John Dyke and signed by Deputies Carl Meerveld, Chris Blin, Simon Vermeulen and Chris Le Tissier.

Policy and Resources President Lyndon Trott and member John Gollop are also signatories.

'Better outcomes'

A requête is a political petition, similar to a private members bill in the UK and requires seven signatories to force a debate on an issue by the States assembly.

Mr Dyke said "more flexibility" in the waste disposal system "could lead to better outcomes".

He said some parishes had expressed an interest in having a food waste option which could be more economical and environmentally friendly.

The proposal has been lodged by seven politicians

"The proposal is to give the parishes more discretion to choose how to dispose of their waste by removing the power of the Waste Disposal Authority to direct them... freeing up decision-making for the parishes," he said.

Those behind it have also said they want to ensure "the States of Guernsey do not create de facto monopolies for waste disposal, preventing entrepreneurs from providing competitive offerings".

They have said they "are aware of several proven approaches for disposing of waste cost-effectively and environmentally sensitively and more than one local company that wishes to provide commercial solutions for the disposal of local food and other waste".

The requête will likely be debated at the March States meeting, but could be discussed in February if the States assembly rules are suspended.

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