Cost for tree stump recycling to increase by 430%

The cost for companies to take tree stumps to recycling is set to increase by almost 430%, it has emerged.

A number of trees fell to Storm Goretti, with damage caused to others, leaving some needing to be removed in months after.

Tree surgeon James Hawkins said he was shocked when he went to dispose of a stump and was charged before being told about the change.

Guernsey Waste said oversized root sections required disposal, incurring higher charges and it would soon be issuing new guidance about the costs.

Hawkins said: "We had no prior communication from the States of Guernsey, no emails or anything like that - there was just a sign at the weigh bridge that said no stumps accepted over 50 kilos.

"To suddenly be told that the price is going up is a little bit of a shock, it is going to be a lot for either the businesses who have done fixed price quoting or a lot for the customers to absorb.

"It feels a little bit like profiting off Storm Goretti and people are already at a little bit of a loss from the storm and this is another kick in the teeth."

He added: "It would be interesting to see who signed that off and came up with the idea to bump the prices up significantly.

"The easiest way to get rid of these stumps is to take it to their big machines to process them.

"It would've been so easy to circulate an email, everybody with a waste transport license, they have got our details on email.

"Communication is key, that's the biggest issue here.

"One thing that prices have gone up, it's another thing not telling anybody and then expecting everyone just to absorb it."

In response, Guernsey Waste Operations Manager, Rachel Lowe, said: "We will shortly be providing new guidance for gardening companies, to try and ensure any tree root sections they deliver to Mont Cuet are suitable for composting.

"If they are too large and still have a lot of soil and stones attached to them, we are unable to process them so they require disposal, which will incur a higher charge.

"The problem with oversized root sections is two-fold. Firstly, the initial stage of green waste processing is to shred the material.

"Any stones or other hard objects attached to the roots will cause additional wear and tear or damage to the shredding machine, which reduces the life of that equipment.

"Secondly, to produce a high quality compost requires a good mix of materials.

"Putting through a large tree section, which can easily weigh more than two tonnes, will result in too high a proportion of woody material, and reduce the quality of the end product.

"If processed in smaller sections, they can be more easily mixed in with other green waste."

She added: "In the aftermath of Storm Goretti, we are having to deal with a lot more trees than normal this year.

"The new advice should help ensure they are processed to produce quality soil improving compost, which can then be put to good use in the island instead of taking up valuable landfill space in Mont Cuet.

"Once we have provided the new guidance, tree stumps that cannot be composted will incur the same charge as other waste that requires landfilling, which is £371.87 per tonne.

"There has been one recent instance where a firm was charged the higher rate for very large root sections.

"This was in error as the new guidance has not yet been issued, so we have contacted the company involved and amended the charge to the normal rate for commercial green waste, which is £69.73 per tonne."

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