Solid Waste Management
The Solid Waste and Hazardous Substances Section which was established in 2005, is the newest section in the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). The EPD traditionally has conducting monitoring and regulation of the solid waste management and government operated solid waste disposal sites and the Solid Waste And Hazardous Substances Section was developed with the aim of improving the regulation of solid waste management.
What Are Functions Of The Solid Waste And Hazardous Substances Section Related To Solid Waste?
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is mandated with:
- Regulating and monitoring the government solid waste disposal sites
- Relating to solid waste management on the island.
- Developing policies for the regulation of solid waste management
Legislation
At present there is no comprehensive solid waste management legislation, however the waste disposal is governed by the following legislation.
Health Services Act (Cap. 44) - 1969 – “An Act relating to the promotion and preservation of the health of the inhabitants of Barbados”.
Health Services (Nuisances) Regulations, 1969 – These Regulations prohibit nuisances which may include solid waste that is left or placed in a manner that may be injurious or dangerous to health.
Health Services (Disposal Of Offensive Matter) Regulations, 1969 – These Regulations restrict the disposal of offensive matter to approved disposal sites only.
The Roles Of Government Agencies Involved In Solid Waste Management
Environmental Protection Department
The Environmental Protection Department is the regulating agency and oversees the operational and where necessary the enforcement of all environmental issues pertaining to solid waste including illegal dumping. The Public Health Inspectorate of the Ministry of Health also assists with enforcement with respect to solid waste management.
Solid Waste Project Unit
The Solid Waste Project Unit was established to implement the Integrated Solid Waste Management Programme and currently manages solid waste management policy issues.
The Integrated Solid Waste Management Programme (ISWMP) was developed to improve the overall management of solid waste in Barbados and addresses all aspects of solid waste management. The ISWMP includes physical components such as a Solid Waste Management Centre and non-physical components such as institutional strengthening and policy and legislation development.
Sanitation Service Authority
The Sanitation Service Authority is responsible for the collection of municipal solid waste and operates the Government of Barbados solid waste disposal sites. The four solid waste disposal sites currently operated by SSA are:
- Mangrove Pond Landfill
- Bagatelle Bulky Waste Disposal Site
- Rock Hall Asbestos Disposal Site
- Lonesome Hill Blood & Grease Disposal Site