A team from the Parish travelled to the South of England last month to observe different kerbside recycling schemes, look at appropriate vehicles for refuse and recycling; and to compare the process, operation and output of a similar accelerated composter.
It was interesting to learn that most local authorities are moving away from box schemes to a more simple process using coloured bags which can be collected in a normal refuse vehicle rather than a specialist vehicle.
They explained the move from boxes to bags was threefold;
- for ease of use
- to avoid obstructions on pavements
- the collector does not have to return to the property.
An added incentive was the ability to use a normal refuse truck to collect the bags rather than a specific recycling vehicle.
We intend to pilot a similar scheme to compare with our current box scheme.
The group also viewed a 24 tonne, rear steer, refuse truck with additional "food waste pod" which is able to take larger quantities of waste. However after taking the vehicle for a test drive it was deemed too large for Jersey roads.
Two of the group went to visit a school in Rugby that runs a similar food composter to the one at the Parish Depot. This school provides school meals for 1200 pupils on a daily basis. All kitchen waste is diverted to the compost facility with the addition of a water extraction system. They produce high quality compost which is used on the school flower beds and vegetable patch.
We are working with the Rocket Composter supplier, Tidy Planet, to explore the cost and benefits of installing a water extraction system.
If you would like to read the full Refuse & Recycling Report please contact Debra D'Orleans, Municipal Services Director on 811703 or email: debra.d'orleans@posh.gov.je