Craig Cannonier appeared last night to backtrack on the decision to close Bermuda’s recycling plant for a year.

Twenty-four hours earlier, the Minister for Public Works had said the move to suspend the Material Recovery Facility service had been made to cut spending. “The MRF is not a money-making entity and has not been running fiscally efficient for a number of years,” he said at the time.

But last night a government statement said: “The ministry can advise the public that the facility will not close at this time and a more thorough review of our recycling operations will be undertaken to ensure that everyone concerned has had the opportunity to be involved in the discussion.”

Mr Cannonier added that “no firm date on suspending operations at the MRF has been determined but there is a sense of urgency to better utilise the facility”.

He said: “This is a great opportunity to study and determine the most efficient recycling methods for Bermuda and to focus on restructuring the MRF so that the process is sustainable and affordable, to better reflect this Government’s interest in an environmentally sustainable Bermuda.

“The Government will work in collaboration with private and public sector stakeholders to develop a comprehensive recycling infrastructure.”

The apparent about-turn came not long after the first of the public dissenters made their feelings known about the decision.

Anne Hyde, the executive director of Keep Bermuda Beautiful, expressed dismay when interviewed by The Royal Gazette on the understanding that the facility would close at the end of this month,

“We are shocked by the news,” she said. “But we don’t have all the information yet and are waiting for further details from the ministry. It is my understanding everything will continue as normal until March 31.

“That pertains to normal recycling collection and the Special E-Waste event at Tynes Bay this Saturday.

“We understand that Government needs to make some tough decisions and cut spending, but KBB would like to urge the Government to reconsider because we think that the recycling programme is essential.”

With hindsight, that is what appears to have happened, with consultation at the top of the agenda. Ms Hyde said any decision to close the facility would represent a “giant 23-year step backwards”. She said: “We would ask that they consult with environmental experts and financial brains, and find another way to cut costs without the loss of this essential service.

“KBB has always supported the Government’s recycling programme. This is part of our education programme in the community and at schools to teach why it’s important to remove items that will not burn from the normal trash that goes into the incinerator.

“If Government sticks with the plan to suspend recycling at the end of the month, KBB would be interested to know what their long-term plan would be for reintroducing recycling in Bermuda.”