The cost to the Manx Government of recycling is expected to be just under ?700,000 in the coming year.

In the House of Keys today, Environment Minister John Shimmin said it had never been a cheap option, but should not be judged on financial viability alone.

In reply to a question from Michael MHK David Cannan, he said it was a vital service for the Isle of Man:

"Income of approximately ?208,000 is expected to be received in the coming year, for recycling paper, plastic bottles, aluminium and steel cans, but this does not cover the combined costs of collection and recycling the materials.

"The total costs for recycling, which also includes the cost of sending electrical equipment for reprocessing, (and) covers collection, processing and transportation based on estimated tonnage for the coming year, are likely to be in the region of ?902,000.

"So the annual net cost to the Isle of Man Government, for recycling, is estimated at ?694,000."

Mr Shimmin also said other benefits of recycling must be considered:

"On pure accounting terms it might be argued that recycling is not a viable service, but there are additional benefits to government which need to be taken into account, before such a decision is made.

"The main two of which are managing the throughput from the energy from waste plant, and the wider environmental benefits, and the public demand."