NEWS: Guam EPA reports 32.34% recycling rate – up 3.34 points

November 15, 2017 (Tiyan, Guam) — The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) reports a 32.34% recycling rate for all eligible discarded materials in calendar year 2016. This represents an increase of 3.34 percentage points to last year’s reported recycling rate of 29%. Data collection for the recycling rate has been analyzed and calculated based on reported figures from our island’s permitted waste disposal and recycling facilities since 2011. Guam EPA first reported a recycling rate of 17.85% in 2012, representing over 29,000 tons. Discarded materials that are ineligible for data collection towards the recycling rate include: construction and demolition debris, bio-solids and vehicles.

Guam EPA has historically released the island’s recycling rate on “America Recycles Day.” This year, Guam EPA celebrated America Recycles Days with a proclamation signing ceremony with Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio at the Governor’s Complex in Adelup. America Recycles Day is a national campaign that aims to raise awareness about the benefits of recycling and buying products made with recycled materials. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the national recycling rate in the United States is 34%.

Guam EPA Administrator Walter S. Leon Guerrero stated, “In recognition of America Recycles Day, our agency is pleased to report that over 47,000 tons of waste has either been recycled or mulched and composted and will never find a way into our landfill.” Discarded materials that are eligible for data collection include: cardboard, mixed paper, e-waste, ferrous and nonferrous metals, tires, automotive batteries, plastics, mulched and composted material. Leon Guerrero also adds, “With this rising trend in materials that are recycled or reused, Guam is on a great path towards our goal of the zero waste.”

Guam EPA has observed that some factors can affect our island’s recycling rate. Global market value on certain recyclables can adversely impact the export on certain recyclable commodities. Positive contributions towards the recycling rate include promoting awareness in promoting reduction in the waste stream in the community through public and private sector involvement, active participation with our youth groups in the collection of discarded materials around the island and curbside recycling programs.

This year’s statistics revealed significant increases in the following categories:

Plastics and cardboard saw minor decreases in recycling between calendar year 2015 and 2016 data collection.

For more information about recycling on Guam or about the data reported in this release, please contact Guam EPA Recycling Officer, Sabrina Cruz-Sablan by telephone at 671-300-4751 or via email: sabrina.cruzsablan@epa.guam.gov