Douglas Councillor Deems Manx Government’s Paper Recycling Phase-Out ‘Short-Sighted’

The Manx government’s decision to discontinue paper recycling has been characterized as “short-sighted” by a Douglas Councillor. This follows the government’s proposals to remove paper recycling banks, citing cost savings and the assertion that transporting paper off the island no longer offers environmental benefits. However, Falk Horning, who chairs the council’s Environmental Services Committee, stated that this action was incorrect, having been based on a “short-term cost saving basis”. The local authority had previously confirmed its intention to retain its own paper recycling banks and continue collecting the material through its kerbside recycling program. The government’s initiative signifies that paper gathered on the island will no longer be transported to the UK for recycling. This previous practice had incurred expenses for collection and transportation, alongside associated emissions. The infrastructure department had previously indicated that burning paper at the Energy From Waste Plant was now considered more efficient than sending it to the UK for recycling. The department also noted that this alteration, which becomes effective this month, is due to a “dramatic” decrease in paper recovered for recycling, from 1,600 tonnes in 2007 to 200 tonnes in 2023. Nevertheless, Horning emphasized that consistency is “paramount” in recycling efforts, as it fosters habitual changes. He added that the local authority was “disappointed” with the government’s “short-term” perspective. Douglas Council reported that it collects 160 tonnes of paper via its kerbside pickups and accumulates 180 tonnes of paper annually at its recycling processing centre located at Ballacottier. Horning commented that while this represents a cost-saving measure, it “neglects the haulage fares” paid by the council’s Courier to the government-owned ferry firm, although he conceded that the department’s overall savings would be greater. The department anticipates saving between £35,000 and £50,000 annually as a result of this change. Horning further remarked that while these changes would “make a big difference” for residents outside of Douglas, they should not significantly affect those living in the capital due to its existing kerbside scheme.