Solid Waste Management In Jamaica

RESEARCH BACKGROUND
Globally, waste generation is on the rise with significant increases being recorded in developing countries, such as Jamaica. In Jamaica the average per capita waste generation increased from 0.74 kg/day in 2007 to 0.86 kg/day in 2009, ESSJ (2010), and is expected to continue in light of the government’s plans to achieve developed country status by 2030. The higher the per capita GDP of a country, the higher the quantity of waste produced, Stanners and Bordeau, (1995); European Environment Agency, (2000). The type of development path chosen will also influence the type and volumes of waste produced. Socioeconomic and demographic factors influence the type and quantity of waste being produced. These factors include population

Jamaica; initially, had solid-waste collection and management under five separate entities, which over time proved to be inefficient and fragmented and in the year 2001, the National Solid Waste Management Act was passed. It replaced the Anti-Litter Act of 1985 and the new act established the NSWMA as the primary body responsible for solid-waste management in Jamaica. Over large expanses of Jamaica; rural and urban, household and yard garbage does not even get to what we call dumps. Most ends up burnt in backyards and street sides, usually in contravention of the Country Fires Act and the Public Health Act. The management of municipal solid wastes includes several different processes such as collection, transport, processing, recycling, disposing, and monitoring. Without proper management, there may be negative effects on the environment and human health. Jamaica’s consumption patterns are becoming very similar to those in developing countries and therefore the quantities and types of wastes generated are similar. Statistical evidence shows, there has also been a change in the composition of waste with more non-biodegradable and hazardous waste being generated, both of which can have negative impact on human

Energy from waste, expansion of renewables, and increased use of biofuels become important considerations for the achievement of these targets and goals as set out in the National Energy Policy. Energy from waste policies are being developed by countries worldwide as a means of balancing their energy policies, increasing renewables while at the same time managing the growing volumes of waste that are being generated as a result of current consumption and production patterns. Energy from waste presents an affordable way of managing municipal solid waste that cannot be recycled. It can be used to generate energy, contributing to energy security and a reduction in the country’s energy bill. The sharp increase in the volume and diversity of waste materials generated by human activity and their potentially harmful effects on public health and the environment, presents the need to adopt scientific methods for safe disposal of wastes and for the conversion of wastes to productive uses such as energy generation. This does not advocate for the generation of more wastes but places emphasis on the utilization of waste that cannot be absorbed through the institution of waste minimization, recycling or composting programmes, NEPA (2010). The aim is to focus on disposal of residual waste in a safe and environmentally‐friendly manner through its conversion into