KINGSTON, Jamaica- The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) says it has introduced recycling programmes in 60 communities across the island to-date, all of which have seen significant progress in plastic separation and community participation.

In a release on the weekend, the NSWMA expressed that as a result of the programme’s success, organisers are looking to expand the initiative in other communities.

In making reference to the recent arrival of 50 new waste disposal trucks on the island, Audley Gordon, executive director of NSWMA, 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.

Gordon was addressing members of the Rotary Club of St Andrew North at its weekly meeting, on Monday, June 10.

While reporting the numbers and lauding the various entities involved in the programme’s success, Gordon 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 he outlined, is the limitations in disposal sites. Gordon expressed that the clearing of 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 fertilizer, garbage truck resources could be more effectively used for collection of other waste,” Gordon noted.

He lamented however, that “some individuals believe littering creates employment opportunities for others.”

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.

He maintained that all Jamaicans need to play their part in waste management by composting, facilitating plastic bottle separation for recycling and disposing of remaining garbage in a prescribed manner.