Southampton when it closes in 1993, it has been revealed.

The disclosure came during the first of three public meetings on Government's $76 million waste management strategy.

It was also revealed a major schools programme was on the cards to hammer home the anti-litter message to youngsters.

Just 15 people were present to hear Works Minister the Hon. Dr. Clarence Terceira reveal the naval Annex idea.

He later told The Royal Gazette : "There are many ifs and buts -- however it is very much a serious proposition.'' The composting plant would be used for recycling horticultural and food waste.

Around 30 percent of Bermuda's garbage is material which can be readily composted.

Composting involves the natural decomposition of organic matter in the presence of oxygen, which produces a rich soil-like substance.

Dr. Terceira said the Annex could be an ideal site for a huge composting centre -- probably the size of half a football field.

The proposal would hinge on the American Government agreeing to hand over the Annex.

"If the Annex comes under our control it may be a suitable site,'' said Dr.

Terceira.

He was speaking after a poorly attended Monday night meeting at Sandys Secondary School on the proposed comprehensive waste management plan for Bermuda.

A top-level panel of experts were on hand to field questions.

They included Mr. Stanley Oliver, permanent secretary to the Works and Engineering Ministry; Mr. Dan Hoornweg, solid waste manager; Mr. Bill Bree, waste control officer, and Mr. Delwyn Trott, head of waste collection.

Also present were Ms Jane Brett, waste education and enforcement officer; Mr.

Russell Wade, assistant resident engineer for the Tynes Bay incinerator; and Mr. Alan Hunt, the incinerator's plant commissioning officer.

Dr. Terceira said he was not too disappointed by the low turn-out.

"The inclement conditions were probably too blame. I did not expect many to come out in this weather,'' he said.

He added: "I would also like to believe it demonstrates how people are satisfied with our proposals.'' Bermuda's battle to control its garbage was outlined by Mr. Hoornweg, with the help of a slide show.

Government's strategy -- based around the Tynes Bay incinerator -- would mean taxpayers digging deeper.

"Unfortunately we just don't have any alternative,'' Mr. Hoornweg explained.

He told how the dumps at Pembroke, Sallyport, and the Airport could not provide for the Island's future needs.

Bermuda had per capita one of the world's largest garbage generation rates.

Some 80,000 tons of solid waste were produced in the Island each year -- roughly half generated from home, the rest through work-related activities.

Mr. Hoornweg said the proposed Tynes Bay incinerator -- under construction -- was the way forward.

"It is the least of all evils,'' he said.

The incinerator -- burning at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and producing 12,000 tons of ash a year given current figures -- would deal with 53 percent of the Island's waste.

Assurances were given there would be no sooty emissions from the plant.

Mr. Hoornweg said recycling -- the reprocessing of discarded materials -- would be a second major plank in the strategy.

The public would be asked to keep recyclables separate from other waste, and initially deposit them at drop-off centres.

Thereafter a house-to-house collection service would be set up.

A programme for dealing with household batteries would also soon be established, Mr. Hoornweg said.

Another part of the overall plan was composting -- with a centralised facility.

"Backyard composting at people's homes could also be expanded,'' said Mr.

Hoornweg.

Mr. Hoornweg, however, emphasised the key to tackling the dilemma was by waste reduction.

A fundamental change in social attitudes was needed to stem the tide.

"This is most important. We all have to start taking more responsibility for what we throw out,'' Mr. Hoornweg stressed.

"The best way to do that is to take more responsibility in what we buy. That is probably the most powerful tool we have for waste reduction.'' Government planned a waste reduction offensive, including anti-litter education.

It was proposed for Government officials to visit schools in a bid to change social attitudes at root, said Mr. Hoornweg.

One idea was for children to bring "trash-free'' lunches to school.

Dr. Terceira also said a ban could be slapped on certain packaging, and bottled beer could be prohibited in favour of canned.

Among the audience unhappy with Government's strategy was outspoken fisherman Mr. Danny Farias, head of Bermuda Industrial Union's fisheries division.

He said the Island was being used as a "guinea pig'' for the incinerator, and feared for the environmental consequences.