$7.9B allocated for Solid Waste Management in 2026 Budget

A substantial allocation has been made to address solid waste management, with a total of $7.9 billion budgeted in 2026 to pursue a comprehensive approach, with particular emphasis on strengthening local-level management. Several factors were considered in arriving at this significant allocation. Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said that over the last five years, the Government has strengthened sanitation and solid waste management through the upgrading of landfill sites, the delivery of critical waste management equipment to Local Democratic Organs (LDOs) and the implementation of continuous clean-up programmes. He noted that in 2025, additional works were executed to upgrade regional landfill sites, including the completion of Cell No. 3 and a recycling centre at the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill.
To further strengthen capacity, the Government has also launched the procurement of garbage trucks and bins for daily collection in public spaces, which is expected to significantly improve the timeliness and efficiency of waste management services.
Singh said these measures were introduced in recognition of the severity of the issue. “We recognise how important this issue is to the Guyanese people. Across all public spaces and throughout every community, people want to see their surroundings clean and free of garbage,” he said. He added that effective waste management is essential for favourable public health outcomes and is a major contributor to overall quality of life. Looking ahead, the Government will continue investing to ensure rapid improvements in solid waste management and community sanitation. According to Dr Singh, this will be achieved through more comprehensive nationwide garbage collection and disposal systems, alongside the launch of a national waste recycling programme. Works will also continue on the development of upgraded landfill sites across all regions, while technical support will be provided to LDOs to enhance their operational effectiveness. In addition, the Government will deploy critical waste management equipment and evaluate proposals from private investors for waste-to-energy pilot projects. Outlining key objectives for 2026, Dr Singh said major initiatives will include the construction of access roads and landfill facilities at Zorg-en-Vlygt, La Grange Catherina, Lusignan, Zorg-en-Hoop, Manarabisi, 10 Miles, Bon Success and Mabura/Rockstone. Additionally, compactor trucks and bins will be deployed, procurement of further waste management equipment will advance, and the national solid waste clean-up programme will continue, including the waste recycling and separation initiative aimed at promoting sustainable waste processing practices. The Government of Guyana had allocated $13.2 billion in the 2025 National Budget to strengthen solid waste management systems nationwide. At the time of this announcement Dr Singh said the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development would move to implement a comprehensive sanitation programme aimed at improving waste collection, disposal and overall sanitation standards across the country. As part of the initiative, the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill was slated for major upgrades, including the construction of a third cell, a hazardous waste cell and a recycling centre. Additionally, new sanitary landfill sites are to be established in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten. With a draft Integrated Solid Waste Management Bill currently laid and undergoing national consultations, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand has recently cautioned that improper waste disposal remains a major obstacle to Guyana’s national development. As the bill is currently being refined, Manickchand has stressed that the country’s development trajectory cannot advance without addressing improper waste disposal practices. She explained that the proposed legislation adopts a holistic approach to waste management, including the establishment of modern landfill sites, supported by standard operating procedures, strict monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. In fact, it has been announced that under the proposed framework of the bill, fines exceeding $2 million, tighter controls on e-waste along with oil and gas waste, and mandatory financial security for operators are among the key features of Guyana’s proposed Integrated Solid Waste Management Bill and Regulations.