Bermuda’s recycling plant could handle at least four times the amount of waste it processes at present, it was revealed yesterday.

And Clarkson Trott, the solid waste manager at the public works ministry, said the public should recycle more trash to use up the spare capacity.

Mr Trott added: “This plant has the capacity to sort eight tonnes of tin, aluminium and glass per hour which means that if we quadrupled our recycling efforts from the public this machinery will handle the increase without a problem.

“Recycling is a necessity globally because it helps to protect the environment through reducing the need for extracting, refining and processing raw materials from the earth which creates substantial air and water pollution.

“Locally, recycling reduces the considerable cost of wear and tear on the Tyne’s Bay incinerator machinery and the resulting of product ash taken to the airport facility. We encourage members of the public who do not recycle to start.”

Mr Trott was speaking during a tour of the recycling plant at the Government Quarry in Bailey’s Bay organised to mark World Environment Day.

Allan Douglas, the waste recovery officer and acting materials officer, led the tour of the Material Recovery Facility and explained how the plant supports protection of the environment.

Guests viewed the materials collected and the methods used to sort, bail and shift recyclable waste to overseas plants for reuse. Bermuda recycles tin, aluminium and glass, but not materials such as plastic and paper, which are burnt at the Tynes Bay Incinerator in Devonshire to produce electricity.

Mr Trott added: “As well as tin, aluminium and glass, the ministry has also established drop-off locations for bulky items that are also recycled, namely air conditioners, electronic waste, batteries, lubricating oils and others.”

He said the public works ministry was about to start the sale of blue-lidded recycling wheelie bins to the public at cost price in a bid to boost waste recovery.

Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier and home affairs minister, said: “The reality is that Bermuda has become a more materialistic society.

“If we desire to have a clean, safe and environmentally friendly island, we all must do our part.

“Everybody in Bermuda can play their role in reducing, reusing and recycling.”