impact'' on the Island's environment, Government claimed yesterday.

And Government also claimed the scheme is expected to reduce the final height of the Pembroke Dump significantly.

The Ministry of Works and Engineering revealed yesterday that approximately five and a half tonnes of aluminium cans have been recycled since the scheme began in November. That translates into about 350,000 cans.

In addition, 16 tonnes of steel cans, 40 tonnes of old newspapers and 50 tonnes of glass have been collected and recycled.

The statement said the Island is currently recycling 20 times more materials than before the residential pick-up scheme.

Residents must put their recyclables in clear blue bags and placed out with the household garbage by 7.30 a.m. on their designated collection day.

Government's solid waste manager Mr. Dan Hoornweg said yesterday most problems relating to the new once-per-week garbage collection schedule were caused by residents putting their bags out too late or on the wrong day.

He said the Department has been closely monitoring the situation, and garbage collection teams are doing an excellent job.

Mr. Hoornweg explained because of budget restrictions, Works and Engineering could not afford twice-weekly pick-ups following the start-up of the residential recycling scheme.

"In order to keep the twice a week collections, we would have had to hire more staff,'' he said.

Mr. Hoornweg said there have been more problems with garbage trucks and their condition than anything else.

Members of the public can contact the Waste Management Section at 297-7946 if they have any queries concerning the recycling programme or trash collection.

SLOWER GROWTH -- Government claims recycling will take several feet off the final height of Pembroke Dump.