Jamaicans Urged to Adopt Responsible Disposal Practices

Executive Director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Audley Gordon, is urging Jamaicans to adopt responsible disposal practices for bulky waste as the agency intensifies efforts to manage large-scale refuse, and curb illegal dumping across communities.

Mr. Gordon was speaking to journalists during a coastal clean-up activity at the South Gully in Montego Bay, St. James, on Tuesday (March 31).

He noted that while the agency continues to expand its bulky waste collection programme, improper disposal practices remain a major challenge.

“We continue to do bulky waste every quarter… and we’re going to step that up now,” Mr. Gordon outlined.

He explained that additional resources are being deployed to strengthen the programme, including new equipment secured following Hurricane Melissa.

“The Government was kind enough to give us 10 new tipper trucks… and we will be going into a full plastic separation across the island and revving up the bulky waste collection,” he added.

Mr. Gordon cautioned residents against disposing of large items, such as appliances and furniture, along roadways, noting that such practices contribute to environmental degradation and create additional challenges for waste-management operations.

“You have a discarded fridge or mattress, don’t just go throw it on the roadside… call us, make the arrangement,” he urged.

He emphasised that coordinated disposal efforts are more efficient and cost-effective for the Authority.

“To send one truck to you would not be cost-effective… . We’d have to wait for a while when we accumulate more in the space,” Mr. Gordon explained, pointing to the benefits of community coordination in waste removal.

Mr. Gordon also raised concerns about the persistence of illegal dumping, even in areas that have been rehabilitated.

“You will erect a ‘no dumping’ sign and people will dump right at the foot of the sign,” he pointed out.

He noted that despite efforts to beautify former dump sites, some individuals continue to undermine these initiatives.

The Executive Director stressed that maintaining a clean environment requires collective responsibility and behavioural change among citizens.

“Management of solid waste is not an NSWMA thing; it’s a people thing,” he said, reiterating that public cooperation is essential to sustaining national clean-up efforts.

He encouraged Jamaicans to take pride in their surroundings and support initiatives aimed at preserving the country’s natural beauty.