NSWMA Urges Responsible Disposal of E-Waste
By: , October 17, 2024
Photo: Adrian Walker
Executive Director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Audley Gordon, speaks about the importance of responsible electronic waste disposal during an interview with JIS News at the agency’s Half-Way Tree Road offices in St. Andrew on October 14.The Full Story
The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is encouraging responsible disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) to reduce the harmful effects of these items on public health and the environment.
E-waste is anything with plugs, cords and electronic components and includes television sets, computers, mobile phones and any type of home appliance, from air conditioners to children’s toys.
These devices pose environmental and safety risks if not properly disposed of or appropriately recycled, due to hazardous chemicals like lead and mercury.
“Some of these chemicals are life-threatening and we are helping to spread the message to create awareness,” Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon, told JIS News.
“We must know that there is a clear and present danger associated with them if not handled properly,” he said.
“We treat e-waste very seriously and we want people to do the same,” Mr. Gordon stressed, noting that children should not be allowed to play with old electronics.
Mr. Gordon said persons may contact the NSWMA via WhatsApp at 876-448-3220 for further information or bring e-waste to the agency’s head office located at 61 Half-Way Tree Road, Kingston, or any of its regional offices across the island.
The offices are MPM Waste Management Limited at 232 Spanish Town Road, Kingston; WPM Waste Management Limited at Unit 1a LOJ Commercial Centre, Montego Bay, St. James; SPM Waste Management Limited at 4a Mandeville Plaza, Manchester; and NEPM Waste Management Limited at 2 Stormont Road, New Buckfield in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
The NSWMA observed International E-waste Day on October 14.