This publication looks into the solid waste sector situation in nine Caribbean countries that are facing similar challenges with increasing solid waste generation, changes in waste characterization, lack of adequate disposal sites, and low collection rates. The countries are: the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, Guyana, Haiti, Suriname, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The publication was developed as an outcome of the Caribbean Solid Waste Conference in 2014, which provided a unique opportunity to exchange experiences among Caribbean countries and to discuss recommendations on how to improve sector management. It provides a detailed overview of the institutional arrangements in these countries and describes the main challenges and recommendations related to:
- Strengthening policy, legislative and institutional frameworks for solid waste management.
- Establishing a sustainable financing mechanism.
- Considering waste also as a resource.
- Improving technologies and capacities for solid waste management.
- Ensuring all relevant stakeholders get involved.