WHAT IS SOLID WASTE?
Solid waste may be defined as non-hazardous, unwanted or discarded solid or semi-solid material from domestic, commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural practices. Solid waste includes food waste, paper, glass, cardboard, plastics, appliances, and demolition, and construction waste.
WHAT IS SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT?
Solid waste management refers to the supervised handling of waste material from generation at the source to the collection, transportation, processing, recycling to disposal.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE?
Improper disposal of waste has the potential to:
- Contaminate the soil, groundwater, beaches, sea, and air;
- Create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and vermin; and
- Pose a safety and health risk to humans.
Indiscriminate disposal of solid waste in any area that is not an approved landfill or disposal site is considered illegal dumping. Illegal dumping usually occurs in areas that appear to be abandoned, alongside the roadways, in quarries and on vacant lots. Some of the items that are dumped illegally include construction and demolition materials, large appliances, furniture, yard trimmings, medical waste, household garbage, and coconut shells.
Another way of improperly disposing of solid waste includes the open burning of waste. This can lead to the release of pollutants to the air which can impact persons living nearby.
Illegal dumping of waste is a crime punishable by law – Health Services (Nuisances) Regulations, 1969.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT?
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is the agency responsible for regulating solid waste management in Barbados. The Department's functions include:
- Monitoring and regulating the waste disposal sites operated by the Sanitation Service Authority. These sites are:
- Mangrove Pond Landfill – municipal solid waste which consists of paper, food scraps and clothing among other everyday items.
- Bagatelle Bulky Waste Disposal Site – bulky waste and metals. This site is currently closed but is still monitored.
- Lonesome Hill Disposal Site – animal blood and grease.
- Rock Hall Asbestos Disposal Site – asbestos-containing materials and fiberglass. It should be noted that permission is required from the EPD for disposal at this disposal site.
- Construction and Demolition Waste Disposal Sites – approved satellite sites designated for construction and demolition waste and tree trimmings
- Regulating the disposal of commercial and industrial waste which is not routinely accepted at local disposal sites. Permission is required from the EPD for the disposal of these wastes.
- Developing and providing advice on solid waste management policies for Barbados in conjunction with other government agencies involved in solid waste management.
WHAT CAN I DO TO ENSURE THAT I MANAGE MY WASTE PROPERLY?
There is only one municipal disposal site in Barbados and as a result, measures should be taken to reduce the amount of waste disposed of. This can be accomplished by:
- Reducing the volume of waste generated that is sent to the landfill.
- Reusing plastic and glass containers whenever possible. Vehicle tyres can be used outside the home for the growing of crops.
- Recycling materials that would normally go to the landfill. Here in Barbados, the following items are prepared for recycling:
– Automotive batteries
– Ferrous and ferrous metals
– Automotive and cooking oil
– Electronics – TVs, VCRs, computers
– Paper and cardboard
Composting organic matter (yard waste) for use as a natural fertilizer. This both reduces the amount of waste to be disposed of and lessens the use of chemical fertilizers which have the potential to pollute our water system.
Disposing of waste appropriately – waste should be sent to the designated disposal site which is designed to accept waste of that type. The Mangrove Pond Landfill is a sanitary landfill which utilizes a liner to prevent buried waste and leachate from coming in contact with underlying soil and groundwater. This reduces the risk of environmental contamination due to improper disposal of waste.
Solid waste should only be disposed of at a government-approved disposal site. Contact the Sanitation Service Authority or the EPD for advice on solid waste disposal methods and procedures.