HOTELIERS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT TO RECYCLING AND ABWREC Wednesday 27th July 2011
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Sustainability and preserving our environment are two keys to the future of tourism in Antigua and Barbuda. On Tuesday afternoon hoteliers showed their support for ABWREC, the recycling plant run by the Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown at Powell’s Estate. During a guided tour of the facility the hoteliers learnt of the different types of material currently processed and were given demonstrations of the grinding of plastic bottles and crushing of aluminum cans.
The recycling plant was established 6 years ago by the Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown with the financial assistance of the British High Commission and the UNDP. Originally destined to process plastic bottles and aluminum cans, the range of material now accepted has expanded to car batteries, printer cartridges and all scrap metals. Most recently a cardboard baler was added donated by Seacology.
Many of those present today have already established recycling programmes in their various properties with the majority of hotels supplying the plant with their bottles and cans on a regular basis. However at least three large properties, Halcyon Cove by Rex resorts, Hawksbill and Grand Royal Antiguan are to implement recycling following the visit.
Neil Forrester, General Manager of the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association and President Elect of the Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown who organized the visit stated “ the AHTA is urging all hotels to support ABWREC and recycling, our ultimate goal is to have 100% of our members using the plant. Less than 10% of plastic bottles and cans consumed in Antigua are presently recycled and the plant is capable of handling a much larger volume. As an industry we need to be leading the way and to encourage the wider public to follow our example. If all hotels and hotel workers are recycling then we are on the right road to preserving our environment.”
Represented at today’s open house were the Ministry of Tourism, Sandals Grande Antigua, Rex Halcyon Cove, Blue Waters. St James’ Club, Tranquility Bay, Grand Royal Antiguan. Hawksbill, Jolly Harbour- CDAL and Buccaneer Beach Resort. Other hotels recycling and supporting ABWREC include Jumby Bay, Carlisle Bay, Sugar Ridge and Tradewinds
With carnival activities underway the plant is hoping to receive an influx of material to process over the coming days. Members of the public are encouraged to bring all the recyclable material to the facility at Powell’s estate which is open Monday to Friday.
You can follow ABWREC - Antigua Barbuda Waste Recycling Corporation on facebook here.
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