Residents are to be reminded of the importance and benefits of recycling through a two-week Island-wide awareness campaign.

The Recycle Bermuda initiative has been created by Claudie Richardson, a volunteer at the Sustainable Development Department and a graduate of Bermuda College.

She and college student Alicia Kirby dedicated their own time to organising the event to highlight the value of recycling.

Recycle Bermuda launched today and will run until Saturday, October 11.

“Recycling is a partnership between the Government, every organisation and each resident, all of whom have a stake in Bermuda’s future, and recycling is something each of us can do to make a difference,” said Minister of Public Works Patricia Gordon-Pamplin.

The 2010 census indicated that 48 percent of households take part in the TAG (tin, aluminium, glass) recycling programme but only 20 percent of these recyclables make it into Bermuda’s recycling stream.

The campaign aims to teach residents how to recycle and about waste’s impact on the Island’s economic, social and environmental development.

More recycling may help to offset the cost of waste management, while the community enjoys the health benefits of a reduction in air and water pollution.

Recycling also reduces Bermuda’s carbon footprint by keeping reusable material out of the waste-to-energy incinerator at Tynes Bay and diverts material from the Airport waste facility.

The organisers believe Bermuda could be a perfect example of how small islands can make a significant contribution to global sustainability.

Recycle Bermuda will include a Reverse TAG Day on Thursday, October 9, during which the public can dispose of a tin, aluminium or glass item rather than give a monetary donation. The Materials Recovery Facility at the old Government Quarry in Hamilton will also open its doors to visitors on Saturday, October 11, from 10.30am. To attend email recycle@gov.bm by October 8.

For more information about the various events, visit Recycle Bermuda’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/recyclebermuda or visit www.sdbermuda.bm