Garbage Backlog Significantly Reduced In St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland and Trelawny

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), through the WPM Waste Management Limited, has significantly reduced its waste collection backlog in the region over the past three months.

The entity attributed this progress to the recent acquisition of 11 new trucks, alongside a series of operational improvements in the parishes of St. James, Westmoreland, Hanover and Trelawny.

During a press briefing at WPM Limited’s office at Freeport in Montego Bay, St. James, on October 2, WPM’s Regional Operations Manager, Edward Muir, indicated that the addition of 11 new trucks to their fleet in June has played a crucial role in reducing backlogs.

He noted that parishes are now experiencing single-digit or even zero backlogs.

“So, the 11 units that we received from the Government, we are thankful for them. They have put a significant dent in the backlog. Also, all 11 units have been shared equally among the four parishes, and we are seeing less and less pile up,” Mr. Muir outlined.

The new units received by WPM included six compactors, two mini compactors (scouts), one crane unit, and two tipper units, bringing the entity’s total to 30 operational units.

In addition to expanding its fleet, WPM has ramped up its recruitment efforts, hiring more drivers and sanitation workers.

Moreover, the entity has also stepped up its vigilance against illegal dumping, with Mr. Muir reporting that there is a significant decrease in such activities across the communities.

In the meantime, WPM’s bulky waste collection programme, which targets large household items, such as refrigerators and televisions, is ongoing and has been well received by the public.

To streamline the initiative, WPM has implemented a system that focuses on Trelawny and St. James on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Westmoreland and Hanover on the latter part of the week.

“I want to also use the opportunity to discuss some of the plans that we have over the next three months leading up to December. Now, during this time of the year, a lot of persons put out their bulky wastes, such as fridge and TVs,” Mr. Muir noted.

“Now, with the additional new trucks, and also the system we put in place and the re-engagement of some of our supplementary contractors, we are currently putting together a schedule, so that we try our best to maintain those bulky waste collections as best as possible,” he added.

Mr. Muir said the entity is committed to keeping the streets clean and is urging residents to “continue to work with us and help us keep the WPM region clean”.