The Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority (SLSWMA) has sounded the alarm on illegal disposal practices.
The solid waste entity is urging individuals to ensure the appropriate steps are taken when disposing of waste.
According to officials, the illegal dumping of waste, littering, and an unsatisfactory level of compliance as it relates to the management of green waste, bulk waste, and derelict vehicles continue to hamper the day to day operations of the Authority.
SLSWMA Information and Communications Manager, Emlyn Jean, said the indiscriminate disposal of waste is evident by the poor state of the environment including clogged drains following periods of heavy rainfall. Noncompliance is prevalent in urban and semi-urban communities, and even more so in unplanned communities.
“While population densities and challenges associated with road access may pose challenges for residents, there are no excuses why any resident should dispose of solid waste indiscriminately,” Ms. Jean said. “An appeal is being made to all residents to please place solid waste out only on scheduled collection days. No solid waste should be placed out after the collection vehicle has passed, or the day before collection as these practices result in littered communities and ideal conditions for the breeding of disease-carrying vectors.”
She added that illegal dumping continues to be a nightmare for the organization as green waste, construction waste, and commercial waste are consistently being dumped on vacant lots at remote locations, not only defacing the landscape but also polluting the environment and water sources.
“Haulers of solid waste are encouraged to transport waste to the Deglos Sanitary Landfill or the Vieux Fort Solid Waste Management Facilities, as the sites are open for public use every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day,” Ms. Jean advised. “To individuals contracting truckers to undertake waste disposal, please be informed that the authority provides information with respect to waste received at the site. Feel free to call the head office of the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority at 453-2208 or the hotline at 450-7070 in order to verify that waste is disposed of at the authorized locations by those contracted to do so.”
The Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority, in an effort to curtail the negative impact of poor solid waste disposal and sensitize the public on better disposal practices, engages in initiatives such as cleanup activities, changes to collection methodology, and house to house visits.
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