Guam’s recycling rate measured for the first time

Island recycles more than 17% of discarded materials

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) today released the first-ever calculated island-wide recycling rate.

Guam’s recycling rate is 17.85%, meaning that more than 17% of all disposed materials including paper, metals, batteries, electronics, plastics and compostable materials are recycled. In total more than 29,000 tons of material are recycled during calendar year 2011, according to the data.

“Recycling is becoming a way of life as we increasingly recognize the importance of saving space in the landfill and protecting our natural resources,” said Guam EPA Administrator Eric M. Palacios. “Now that the recycling rate has been measured we can set recycling goals for the island. We hope to steadily increase the amount recycled every year.”

The recycling data was collected by Guam EPA using information from permitted island recyclers, hardfills and facilities on federal property. The only material excluded was construction and demolition debris, which is not measured by U.S. EPA in national recycling rates.

The data about Guam’s recycling rate is included in Guam EPA’s Recycling in Focus Fact Sheet. The Fact Sheet is also available at Guam EPA’s main office in Tiyan. Residents of Guam can use Guam EPA’s Recycling Guide online to learn what permitted facilities accept certain types of recyclable materials.

For more information about this report, Guam Recycling Guide or to schedule a presentation about recycling contact Tammy Jo Anderson Taft at 475-1646, 988-7582 or email TammyJoAnderson.Taft@epa.guam.gov.

• Guam EPA’s Fact Sheet about the recycling rate: Fact Sheet
• Guam EPA Recycling Guide: Guide
• America Recycles Day: Take the Pledge