Contributed by Sustainability for Seychelles for SHTA newsletter

Anyone who has spent a little time overseas is probably dismayed at the apparent lack of waste sorting and recycling in Seychelles. It is true that we do not have the same recycling services but there are some good reasons for this. We produce a lot of waste per capita, but because our population is tiny, the total amounts have typically not been enough to make export economically viable, with a few exceptions. The costs to ship waste to recycling markets overseas is high, and there is also the carbon footprint of transport and the recycling process to consider.
 
Right now, metal is the only local waste material that is a real moneymaker; the others like PET, paper and glass all require subsidies to make them work. We always have to ask ourselves – is recycling this junk really the most ecologically responsible option? In the 3R’s of waste management REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLING, the first option: REDUCE is always the best option, and we can do this by buying only what we need, avoiding overpackaging and plastic bags, having a compost to remove organics out of the waste stream, etc.

Many hotels and guesthouses are also interested in managing their waste sustainably. What you can do depends a lot on your size and the kinds of waste you tend to produce. Here are some up-to-date ideas of what you can do to practice the 3R’s in your establishment.


FOOD WASTE: the best way to deal with left over food is to give it to a farmer for pigs. The next best is to start a compost heap, but you will have to take care to design it to be rat proof by keeping it contained within chicken wire or buried deeply. You can use the compost in your landscaping or kitchen garden.

GARDEN WASTE: Some hotels have chippers to make mulch from bulky garden waste. The mulch can be used in landscaping to enrich the soil, control weeds and maintain soil moisture.

WASTE KITCHEN OIL: if you fry a lot of food, you can save the used oil so that it can be converted to biodiesel which can replace diesel fuel in your car or truck. For more information, please contact 254-5515 or 251-6464. sstlnews.jpg

SCRAP PAPER/CARD BOARD: Navin’s Paper Recycling Centre (271-7170) produces egg trays, seed pots and trays... You need to bring your waste paper to Providence, but if you have large quantities they may collect it. Phone them before you go – their storage capacity is limited. Otherwise you can shred the paper and add it to your compost. You could also donate old publications and boxes to your local school or crèche.

EGG TRAYS: Paper egg trays can be returned to the supplier for re-use (make sure they are in good condition). Avoid using plastic egg trays, as they are not returnable or biodegradable.

POLYSTYRENE BOXES: Many establishments use the large polystyrene boxes to transport fish or other cold goods from the shop. These can be re-used several times, or given away to staff or community for planting. Better yet, avoid polystyrene and invest in a few big cooler boxes.

USED SHEETS, TOWELS AND OTHER TEXTILES: Used textiles can be dropped off at the Prison (tel. 438-1600) at Montagne Posee for a recycling crafts project being undertaken by the women inmates. Red Cross Society (437-4543) also accepts donations of clean used clothing and other items to help families who have lost their home to fire, etc.

OLD BATTERIES: These are extremely toxic to the environment and need to be discarded correctly. Save all your batteries, from your watch, calculator and even your car. You can drop them off at Samlo & Sons (251-6918), Leevac Trading (251-2587) or Surya Enterprise (251-1329) for export.

PET BOTTLES: These can be sold for 50 cents each at designated redeem centres at Providence, Anse Royale, St. Louis, Praslin and La Digue. If this is too much trouble, you can contract a local recycling company to come and collect them, but they will buy them from you at a lower price to cover their costs (try DE Recycling on Mahe tel. 251-4892). The funds raised from bottle sales can be added to your tip fund. Another option is to let your staff take them for refund to supplement their income. Larger hotels are moving toward having their own bottling plants using attractive glass bottles to reduce the use of PET bottles on site.

ALUMINIUM CANS: Like the PET bottles, these can be sold for 50 cents each at the same redeem centres, or taken away by a contractor.

SCRAP METAL: there are a number of scrap metal collectors who export waste for recycling. If you have large quantities they may collect it. You might even get paid for your waste! For more information, you can contact Samlo & Sons (251-6918), Leevac Trading (251-2587) or Surya Enterprise (251-1329)

ELECTRONIC WASTE: Old computers or phones can be donated to a community group when you are upgrading. Another option is to donate your electronic waste to Samlo & Sons (251-6918) or Leevac Trading (251-2587) for export and recycling.

GLASS WASTE: You can redeem your Seybrew bottles for SR2 and DE Recycling (251-4892) takes back tomato sauce bottles for 40 cents. If you have coloured glass, donate them to APANA (276-7181) for their artisanal glass recycling project. Please consider buying recycled glass items from APANA and donating to them through your CSR tax contribution to support their non-profit program.


Contributed by Sustainability for Seychelles (S4S), a local NGO whose mission is to promote sustainable living in Seychelles. For more info about our work or to donate under your CSR tax contribultion, contact us: Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel. 422-4072 / 251-9135. Address: Suite A9 Arpent Vert, Mont Fleuri. Website: www.s4seychelles.com or find us on Facebook. This article was supported by the GEF Small Grants Programme.

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The SSTL is a sustainable tourism management and certification programme designed specifically for use in Seychelles. It is voluntary, user-friendly, and designed to inspire more efficient and sustainable ways of doing business. 

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Address: Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine
Botanical House, PO Box 1049
Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles 

Phone: (+248) 4 28 65 00

Email: jbristol@tourism.gov.sc