NSWMA to expand recycling programme

With significant progress reported in plastic separation and community participation through recycling programmes introduced in 60 communities across the island to date, the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is now due to further expand the programme into other communities.

Audley Gordon, executive director of the NSWMA, made the commitment while addressing members of the Rotary Club of St Andrew North at its weekly meeting, held last Monday at RounSuh, off Ruthven Road in St Andrew.

In making reference to the recent arrival of 50 new waste disposal trucks on the island, he said 10 of those would be dedicated to plastic separation as part of the national movement.

“In Kingston alone, we have collected around 400,000 pounds of plastic bottles since 2020,” Gordon said.

However, he said a number of issues continue to plague the authority and its ability to effectively collect and dispose of waste on a daily basis. Among them is the limitations in disposal sites, many of which are near their useful lifespan; unauthorised waste pickers and informal settlers who compromise the integrity and security of disposal sites; and waste disposal practices.

He said clearing illegal dumpsites costs millions of dollars each year, thereby diverting funds from essential services.

In fact, 67 per cent of waste collected by garbage trucks is compostable.

“So, if this organic waste was kept by households and processed in their backyards for use as fertiliser, garbage truck resources could be more effectively used for the collection of other waste,” Gordon noted.

However, he lamented that “some individuals believe littering creates employment opportunities for others”.

He noted that a Drum A Di Gate programme has been introduced to address containerisation of waste and minimise litter, but with questionable results.

Addressing additional debris caused by the high level of construction taking place on the island, Gordon said heavy-duty equipment is required at high costs to clear the construction debris being disposed of illegally.

“Our current waste management practices must evolve to protect our environment for future generations. Effective waste management requires personal responsibility from all of us - individuals, businesses, communities and government alike,” said Gordon.