But other waste disposal methods have been set up to complement the garbage burning process.

Assistant resident engineer at the Tynes Bay incinerator, Mr. Russell Wade said: "The incinerator must not be looked at as a separate entity but as one facet of several in the waste management programme.'' To protect the environment by minimising the impact on the Island's air quality, certain wastes are not accepted at the incineration plant.

And disposal programmes for these wastes require separation from general refuse.

Special wastes including bulky, non-burnable items such as cars, refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners and other large metals should be disposed of at the Airport dump.

Hunt's Sanitation Services are contracted to crush the waste and deposit it in the ocean, said solid waste manager, Mr. Bill Goodings.

An organic waste compost facility is also being set up especially for hotels and restaurants, he said.

Programmes for the collection and disposal of hazardous waste have also been introduced by Government.

"Soon, we're going to launch a household battery campaign,'' said Mr. Wade, "because it's very important that the public separate batteries from regular garbage.'' On keeping toxins out of the incinerator, Mr. Goodings said government's campaign will continue to educate people on separating their hazardous waste.

And although the incinerator is designed to handle an adequate amount of toxic matter "our licence only allows us to introduce traces of hazardous material to the air,'' he said.

As well, incinerator operators inspect and ask the drivers about the source of their garbage load before allowing the refuse to be dropped into the bunker, said Mr. Wade.

"For instance, last week a driver had a mixed load, which he dumped on the ground beside the bunker. The operators examined the garbage and found half a dozen vacuum cleaners which they separated from the pile.'' Added plant manager, Mr. Allan Hunt: "Our operators are very quick to ensure toxic material does not go through the system.'' Also, recyclables should not be incinerated and restrictions are imposed on waste loads including such materials.

"Recyclables, which include aluminium, glass and newspaper, go to the Devon Springs Recycling Centre,'' said Mr. Wade.

The Royal Gazette reported in August this year that bottles and cans were being dumped into a pit on Ocean View Golf Course.

And government officials later confirmed the materials, which had already been rejected from the recycling site, were in fact used to refill a hole.

But Environment Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons said the Island is short of natural resources like rubble and whenever we need to reclaim or refill land, such materials can be used effectively.

Aluminium, however, is still being baled and sent abroad to be recycled, stressed Mr. Wade.

He conceded that some blue bags are being sent to the incinerator. But they are mixed bags of aluminium, glass and newspaper which are rejected from the Recycling Centre.

"Newspaper in mixed bags becomes contaminated so it cannot be used for shredding,'' said Mr. Wade.

"The clean newspaper is shredded and farmers take it free of charge. And the leftover newspaper is taken to the incinerator.

"Other blue bags found at the incinerator contain regular garbage -- often from the cruise ships,'' he noted.

But Mr. Goodings said he is not happy with the recycling programme and government was contemplating a review of the system.

"The programme deserves an examination and perhaps some adjustments,'' he said.

"We're going to hold a public forum to gain input. And public groups like KBB, the National Trust and the Garden Club will be invited to attend. "It should get underway soon,'' he noted.

METAL BALES -- Aluminium is baled and sent abroad to be recycled as part of government's waste management plan.

UNLOADING TOXINS -- Works & Engineering technician, Mr. Wilbert Wellman pictured unloading toxic waste.