Joint working sees cans returned to UK for recycling

21 May 2025

Press Release

A joint project involving the Ascension Island Government (AIG), Ascension Island Base (AIB), British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) and Mitie, has seen the island’s recycling strategy take a significant step forward.

Over the past few years, AIG team members have been separating out cans from waste and crushing them down into cubes ready for recycling off island. Up until now however, the cost of sending the cans off island has proven to be too costly - meaning the cubed cans have remained on island.

However, thanks to joint working with AIB, BFSAI and Mitie, AIG was recently able to send a 4.8 tonne consignment of crushed cans to the UK for recycling, via the Falkland Islands Resupply Ship (FIRS).

It is hoped that this could pave the way for further recyclable materials to be processed off island.

This project is another example of the many ways the organisations on island and BFSAI, supported by FCDO and MOD, work together to maximise efficiency and solve problems as part of the ‘One Island’ approach.

Operations and Facilities Directorate
21 May 2025