Prison recycling rocket launched

Sunday 24 July 2016

A rocket launched from prison might usually be a case for concern, but on this occasion it’s actually a machine that turns food into compost.

This ‘rocket’ has everything to do with recycling, and nothing to do with raiding out of prison.

Jersey’s La Moye Prison has introduced a comprehensive recycling programme whereby waste food scraps from all the prison’s accommodation wings are fed into a drying machine and used in the ‘rocket’ composter, which converts it into compost, for use in the prison horticultural area. 

All other recyclable materials used in the prison such as paper, plastics and tins are also now recycled.

Prisoners and staff dispose of waste into coloured bins. A team of prisoners separate the waste products, which are then passed through a compactor to produce bales of waste materials (tins, plastics and cardboard). The bales are transported to recycling firm Reclamait each week.

Prison Governor Bill Millar said: “This initiative has been some time in the planning and it hasn’t been without its frustrations but I am delighted to see it in full operation. In regard to managing waste products, we have the equivalent of 200 homes and industrial complex on the prison site and consequently, it was incumbent upon us to adopt an eco active approach and comply with the States of Jersey Corporate Management Board’s Eco Active declaration.”

“I hope what we’ve achieved here will provide inspiration to other public and private sector organisations to review their commitment to adopting eco-friendly practices.”

Recycling manager for the Department for Infrastructure, Emma Richardson-Calladine said: “Congratulations to the prison for launching such a fantastic recycling scheme! They have demonstrated that improving the way you manage your waste is possible, even in an untypical environment. We hope that this inspires others to reduce, reuse and recycle.”