Overview

More than two billion tons of waste are produced each year in the world, and if relevant measures are not taken, more than three billion will be reached by 2050. In the Isle of Man, waste management accounted for 3% of net emissions in 2019.

To get to net zero by 2050, we need to use products and services in a way that respects the limits of our planet’s natural resources, see unnecessary waste as unacceptable, and reuse and recycle as much as possible. By taking action in these areas, we are all contributing to help tackle the global climate emergency.

Current initiatives

Single-Use Plastic Reduction Plan

Single-use plastics represent an unsustainable use of oil, which is a finite resource. A lot of single-use plastic is unnecessary as alternatives are available. Reducing our use of these items can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Plastics also have a direct impact on wildlife, such as tangling and choking, and tiny plastic particles (known as microplastics) and associated toxins are infiltrating all levels of the marine food chain, creating a problem that may impact generations well into the future.

The Isle of Man Government is committed to reducing single-use plastic used within the government and on the Island. The Single-Use Plastics Reduction Plan for the Isle of Man Government provided a lead, and the Single-Use Plastic Reduction Plan for the Isle of Man Community extends this across the community.

Tips for you

Here are some ideas on how you can reduce your waste:

• cut back on food waste. Buy only what you need and avoid the temptation to buy in excess it conserves resources and saves energy
• repurposing an old piece of furniture saves money as well as reduces carbon emissions, as every new product creates a certain amount of emissions before it reaches the shop floor
• buy second hand. Why not visit a local charity shop? You will be pleasantly surprised by the wide range of items you can get, all at a bargain price and for a good cause
• remember: reduce, reuse, recycle - the order that matters!

recycling

Civic Amenity sites

• There are four Civic Amenity sites on the Isle of Man, which provide recycling service for a number of materials.  See here to find out your closest Civic Amenity site is and items they accept.

Public recycling sites

• There are also over 60 'bring banks' where you can deposit used jars/bottles, cans, paper and batteries.

Kerbside collection

• Fortnightly kerbside recycling collections take place in Braddan & Douglas.
• Recyclecollect.im is a company that offers kerbside recycling collection.