Illegal dumping

Illegal dumping in gullies and at the side of the road is not only unsightly but is also dangerous! Illegal dumping leads to diseases such as dengue fever and leptospirosis and it also contaminates our water supply. In short, illegal dumping can kill. The Barbados Environmental Association has estimated that over 60% of the island's gullies are affected by illegal dumping. Further more, photographs taken over a period of time, as well as photographic records kept by members of communities confirm that at lease some of the gullies are, at times, overflowing due to systematic dumping of residential, agricultural and commercial refuse.

The majority of current efforts to curb litter and illegal dumping are founded in education, rather than enforcement. Though there are statutes available, the costly process of identifying and prioritizing problem areas, sorting refuse to obtain "evidence" and enduring long courts proceedings can be daunting for enforcement agencies faced with limited budgets and a myriad of other community problems.

The implementation of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Program with its broad based public education components, improved waste collection, transportation and disposal, together with a reduction in littering and illicit dumping, will, in turn, lead to a cleaner environment, less water and soil pollution and will impact positively on the quality of life of Barbadians and visitors alike.

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