Dear Editor,
At a recent meeting, Prime Minister Andrew Holness made mention of plans to separate waste at the source. It’s a good idea; however, I do hope the Government has realised that the true source of the waste are the homes, schools and business places, half of which are not properly educated on the different types of waste, the importance of separation, and how to separate them.
Proper education is key, as well as making the resources available and understandable to all classes. You cannot expect people to sort waste when recyclable bags are not readily available and there are no different waste bins in major towns and other communities areas across the island.
Riverton dump is a disgrace to our country in this modern age. Jamaica cannot move forward with this type of activity ongoing in the society.
I, too, like the divestment idea of Riverton dump to facilitate a modern waste management centre (sorting stations, co-incineration facilities for municipal, hazardous waste, sludge etc equipped with flue gas cleaning systems). Plus, there is no doubt in the high-calorific content of Jamaica’s waste supports the use of thermal waste treatment technologies. However, it is best to ensure that the country has, first, effective source sorting and collection systems for a continuous supply of waste suitable for use as fuel. Improper sorting and collection of waste will lead to problems downstream in the waste incineration process.
Sustainable waste management is not a Jamaica Labour Party or People’s National Party issue; it’s everyone’s concern. This will require discipline from Government, Opposition, and rest of the Jamaican Diaspora.
“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” — the main Rs of effective waste management — need to be a core practice in this country. The introduction of fair and effective waste quotas and a polluter pay system for private and public companies should also be considered. It must be made clear that environmental pollution will not be tolerated by no one or entity, whether it be private or government.
We want investors to come in and begin to create the environment in which they can safely and comfortably do business. Let’s show that this is not just talk; show that Jamaica is serious about adhering to the international environmental laws.
Let’s get serious, let’s stop wasting waste.
Don-Hugh Gooden
Process Engineer (Waste Treatment)
dmr87000@hotmail.com
At a recent meeting, Prime Minister Andrew Holness made mention of plans to separate waste at the source. It’s a good idea; however, I do hope the Government has realised that the true source of the waste are the homes, schools and business places, half of which are not properly educated on the different types of waste, the importance of separation, and how to separate them.
Proper education is key, as well as making the resources available and understandable to all classes. You cannot expect people to sort waste when recyclable bags are not readily available and there are no different waste bins in major towns and other communities areas across the island.
Riverton dump is a disgrace to our country in this modern age. Jamaica cannot move forward with this type of activity ongoing in the society.
I, too, like the divestment idea of Riverton dump to facilitate a modern waste management centre (sorting stations, co-incineration facilities for municipal, hazardous waste, sludge etc equipped with flue gas cleaning systems). Plus, there is no doubt in the high-calorific content of Jamaica’s waste supports the use of thermal waste treatment technologies. However, it is best to ensure that the country has, first, effective source sorting and collection systems for a continuous supply of waste suitable for use as fuel. Improper sorting and collection of waste will lead to problems downstream in the waste incineration process.
Sustainable waste management is not a Jamaica Labour Party or People’s National Party issue; it’s everyone’s concern. This will require discipline from Government, Opposition, and rest of the Jamaican Diaspora.
“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” — the main Rs of effective waste management — need to be a core practice in this country. The introduction of fair and effective waste quotas and a polluter pay system for private and public companies should also be considered. It must be made clear that environmental pollution will not be tolerated by no one or entity, whether it be private or government.
We want investors to come in and begin to create the environment in which they can safely and comfortably do business. Let’s show that this is not just talk; show that Jamaica is serious about adhering to the international environmental laws.
Let’s get serious, let’s stop wasting waste.
Don-Hugh Gooden
Process Engineer (Waste Treatment)
dmr87000@hotmail.com