A school recycling collection scheme, solar panels and electric collection vehicles are all part of changes made at the Western Civic Amenity Site (WCAS). Reporter Jess Ward speaks to manager Mike Rose about the site’s green initiatives.

Waste has become a much-talked-about topic in recent years, with more people making conscious efforts to recycle or cut back on their plastic intake.

With the government issuing a new goal in its Waste Strategy 2018 of increasing recycling from 50% to 70% and decreasing other forms of waste disposal in the island by 2022, the WCAS has already begun steps to achieve this.

’We’ve been told that we need to increase recycling,’ Mike said. ’If commissioners don’t increase recycling then the government will charge them higher rates at the incinerator.’

As part of their new green initiatives, the site has recently started a school recycling collection scheme.

’We began the collection scheme after TT and it’s going well,’ said Mike, who has been manager for nearly 10 years.

’We collect from five primary schools: Marown, Foxdale, St John’s, Kirk Michael, Peel Clothworkers’ as well as Bunscoill, QEII high school and the Western Swimming Pool in Peel.

’We supply them with a big bin for cardboard and small bins for plastic and cans. We’re not involved with glass waste, as it’s banned from schools, or their paper waste.

’Up to the end of August we have collected around 850 kilograms of recycling from them all. We’ve also collected 211 kilograms since the beginning of September, so that’s pretty good for one to two weeks.’

The bins are collected by the site’s new electric vehicles, which have replaced diesel collection vehicles.

Mike said: ’Running costs of the electric vehicles are minimal, charging is done on site via 13amp plug and at full electricity price at 16p per kwh a full charge costs approximately £1.30p.

’We have cheaper options for electricity, either cheaper night electric at 7p per kwh, with a charge costing approximately 58p, or power from our solar system which would cost nothing.’

He adds that they received their first electricity bill this month since the installation of their solar panels, a solar thermal system and LED lighting.

’It was £114. Last year it was around £250. This is rate payer’s money and so the more we save, the better,’ he explained.

’We have batteries to store energy and the rest we send back to the grid.’

He shows me the site’s solar panel readings, which you can view via their website at www.wcas.im.

Another project that they’re hoping to start is a kerbside collection in the west of the island.

In its proposal it states that they’re looking to start a fortnightly collection service initially for glass, plastic bottle, cans and paper, with possible additions being clothing, cardboard and food waste in future.

’The kerbside collection scheme would include parishes Peel, German, Marown, Patrick and Michael, but nothing has been agreed yet,’ he said.

If approved, there will be a £12 per household per year charge. Mike says that there would also be a ’potential’ income of £6,000 from the sale of recycled paper.

A three stack box for recycling is also included in the proposals as an option for residents to purchase.

However, the decision rests with the five different local authorities.

The WCAS, which became a UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man partner in April, has about 6,500 domestic properties in its area.

Mike argues that the kerbside collection will help reduce the island’s carbon footprint, as less people would need to take a trip to the WCAS.

He adds that as the government is looking to increase the population, we need to be thinking about recycling more as the energy-from-waste plant in Braddan is working at around 80% of its capacity already.

He said: ’We have to recycle to get that balance because we’re not allowed to ship our waste over. We’re here to do something with it.’

Talking about the wider issue of the environment, the former ex-Air Force chef said: ’I’ve got five grandchildren and I think if we don’t do something now it will only get worse.

’We’ve got to look after our residences and future generations and the way to do it is to do it. We actually have to do something or try to do something.’

Following him out of the office, he showed me why the site is affectionately known as the ’Harrods of the West’.

Just behind the entrance door is a large stuffed bear along with a handbag and other items from the famous retail store.

He explains: ’People just bring in Harrods items. I’m not sure why.’