THE Solid Waste Management Authority is now developing regulations that will address a wide range of issues aimed at curbing littering.

According to Alston Stewart, the executive chairman of NSWMA, these regulations will cover:

* the licensing of companies to transport waste;

* establishing standards for storage containers, collection vehicles, and the operation of disposal sites;

* illegal dumping and littering, as well as

* recycling.

Stewart was speaking at a recent workshop in which the NSWMA shared its vision with local government authorities and other stakeholders.

He also noted that the authority would be establishing performance criteria for solid waste collectors and operators of landfills and waste transfer stations.

In the meantime, under the terms of the recently enacted National Solid Waste Management Act, persons caught littering may find themselves facing a fine which they will have to pay within a fixed period. Fines are payable at any tax collectorate.

A municipal police force — a combination of environmental wardens and the Island Special Constabulary Force — will be the principal enforcement body for the solid waste legislation.

Increases in population and importation, a reduction in suitable land space and increased public awareness have placed the solid waste sector at the forefront of environmental concerns, Stewart said.

In order to improve its service delivery, he added, the authority has recently acquired 20 new compactor trucks in an effort to reduce the incidence of irregular garbage collection due to vehicle breakdowns.

Bids, he said, had been invited, to acquire additional compactor units to replace existing non-functioning units and to supplement the aging fleet.