Evolution & Implementation of a Solid Waste Strategy, St. Lucia

1. Evolution & Implementation of a Solid Waste Strategy, St. Lucia Caribbean Environmental Health Institute The Morne, PO Box 1111, Castries, St. Lucia Tel: 758 452-2501; Fax: 758 453-2721 Email: cehi@candw.lc; Web site: www.cehi.org.lc

2. Small island developing state in Eastern Caribbean Population of 150,000 Capital city population of 60,000 (Castries) Other major town in south (Vieux Fort) Introduction to St. Lucia Caribbean Environmental Health Institute

3. Solid Waste Situation, 1994 • Low public awareness of SW issues • Improvements constrained by institutional issues, especially financial and technical • Infrastructure poorly maintained and operated Caribbean Environmental Health Institute

4. Solid Waste Situation, 1994 • Much of population not served by collection system • Vehicles hauling waste not appropriate or up to standard and enforcement lacking • Litter clearance a low priority • Removal of animal carcasses inadequate Caribbean Environmental Health Institute

5. Solid Waste Situation, 1994 • Many dumps scattered around island • Poorly located and operated • “Scavengers”/salvagers on sites • Limited cover material used • Regular burning was a part of site “management”, as a rule Caribbean Environmental Health Institute

6. Actions taken Participated in Sub-regional (OECS) Solid & Ship-Generated Waste Management Project (the “Project”) • Funded by World Bank (1996-2003) and Caribbean Development Bank (1996-2004) • Government of St. Lucia also contributed $ Caribbean Environmental Health Institute

7. Actions taken – 4 Rs • Limited waste diversion • Tyres diverted at Deglos SLF, shredded and used as fill (256 tonnes in 7 months) • Environmental levy imposed on certain items, which is refunded upon export • Returnable Containers Act proposed by Prime Minister in 2003 budget Caribbean Environmental Health Institute

8. Actions taken – Public Awareness/Education • Sustained public awareness programmes introduced, using mascots, logos, brochures, newsletters, posters, videos, radio programmes, newspaper columns and Public Service Announcements • Alliances forged with multiples partners, including CBOs and private sector • National Clean-up Activities Caribbean Environmental Health Institute

9. Conclusions • Establishment of SLSWMA served as catalyst for development of waste management policies & strategies • SWM practices standardized across island • Collection and disposal services vastly improved • SWM now a relatively high profile issue • Low level of waste minimization Caribbean Environmental Health Institute

10. The Way Forward • Address additional hazardous waste streams • Support enforcement of Litter Act etc. • Utilize data generated to inform decisions • Introduce new COST RECOVERY measures • Clarify roles of agencies and build capacity • Focus on WASTE REDUCTION/Diversion • Increase public awareness & education Caribbean Environmental Health Institute