Introduction

Composting is one of the elements of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Programme (ISWMP) that was formulated for Barbados through the 1993-1995 feasibility study on Solid Waste Management (SWM). This study provided a long-term vision for SWM including physical components, (e.g. sanitary landfill, composting facility, transfer station, bulky waste facility, chemical waste storage facility and road infrastructure upgrades), and non-physical components, (e.g. institutional strengthening, legislation, policy development, public education and economic instruments, including cost recovery).

According to the feasibility study Barbados' solid waste stream comprises of yard waste (26 %) , coconuts (5%) and, recyclable paper (16%). These organic materials account for (47 %) of the waste stream indicating that if composted the waste stream, could be reduced considerably. The remaining waste should then be set out in a prescribed manner for recycling or final disposal. In the context of the ISWMP, final disposal refers to landfilling.

Next Section >>