States of Jersey carries out a study into rubbish

Staff have found a lawn mower, a wedding dress and propane cylinders among the rubbish

It is hoped a study of what people throw away will influence new recycling initiatives in Jersey.

Staff at the new incinerator at La Collette are sifting through rubbish, finding items that should be recycled or disposed of in other ways.

Emma Richardson, recycling manager, said propane cylinders, a lawn mower and a wedding dress have been found.

She said islanders should think more carefully about what they do with their rubbish.

She said: "This is the first time we have conducted a detailed local waste composition analysis.

"The results will help us to better understand what people are throwing away and what is being separated for re-use and recycling.

"Our new Energy from Waste facility runs to very high environmental standards and it is vital that glass, metals, recyclables and hazardous waste do not end up in black bags.

"The analysis will help us target our efforts to get the message across," she said.

The Transport and Technical Services Recycling Team said the study looks at the mixed contents of each refuse lorry and not individual households rubbish.