Odour-control measures underway as Eccles landfill nears complete sealing

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand have announced that only a small section of the Eccles Haags Bosch Landfill remains uncovered and is expected to be fully sealed within the next two days, as the Government moves to permanently address odour concerns affecting nearby communities. The Minister said that in addition to covering the remaining area, rehabilitation and beautification works have already begun on sections of the landfill that are closed. “Additionally, the cell that is closed, we’re planting grass, and we hope to have it beautified in such a way that you can come and have picnics, play golf, or do something else on it,” Manickchand stated. She explained that the measures form part of efforts to manage solid waste in a way that does not pollute the atmosphere, create unpleasant living conditions or leave surrounding areas unsightly. Manickchand noted that the odour issue arose because a large portion of the landfill had been left uncovered, allowing gases from decomposing waste to escape freely into the air. She stressed that this situation was unacceptable and ran counter to the Government’s vision for modern, livable communities. “We want communities that are safe, clean and family-friendly – places where people can enjoy their yards, barbecue, plant vegetables and relax after a hard day’s work,” the she said, referencing President Dr Irfaan Ali’s clear policy direction. To resolve the issue quickly, Manickchand said the Ministry stepped in directly, despite the landfill being managed by contractors under a formal agreement. She explained that the State had a responsibility to act immediately while ensuring contractors comply with their contractual obligations going forward. Works carried out included creating access roads to allow cover material – much of it sourced from daily drain-cleaning operations – to be deposited closer to uncovered areas, enabling heavy equipment to spread and seal the waste efficiently. She noted that while rainy conditions can slow the process, favourable weather and improved access allowed the team to significantly reduce the odour in a short period. She further disclosed that similar landfill development and management standards are being implemented across Regions One (Barima-Waini); Two, Three, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, and Ten, with contractors required to meet strict environmental and operational requirements.

Must be managed responsibly
Manickchand emphasised that landfills must be managed responsibly, noting that they cannot be located too far from residential or industrial areas due to logistical realities. “We have to manage our solid waste in a way that protects the environment, keeps communities comfortable, and ensures these spaces are visually acceptable for everyone who passes through,” she said. Civil engineer Lloyd Stanton, who was on site with the Minister, explained that foul odours emanating from the landfill were largely the result of a significantly uncovered section of waste, which allowed gases from decomposing garbage to escape freely and spread over long distances. According to Stanton, garbage produces odours in two main phases. When waste is first dumped, it emits a “fresh waste” smell, which typically does not travel beyond 400 to 500 feet from the dumping area. However, stronger and more persistent odours occur later, as the waste begins to decompose and release gases during and after the fermentation process. The problem worsened because a large area of the landfill was left uncovered. The larger the exposed surface, the more gases are emitted. Under proper conditions, these gases should be released through a small, controlled vent, allowing them to be quickly diluted once they enter the atmosphere. When the landfill remains uncovered, gases escape through cracks and crevices across the entire area, making dilution more difficult and allowing the smell to travel farther. Weather conditions also played a major role in how far the odour spread. During evenings, at night, and throughout the rainy season—when humidity is high—the gases tend to stay closer to the ground, causing the smell to travel longer distances. In contrast, during hot and dry conditions, rising warm air carries the gases upward, where they mix with atmospheric air and become diluted, reducing the intensity and reach of the odour.
As a result, residents experienced the worst landfill smells primarily during rainy periods and at night, when cooler air prevented gases from dispersing upward – an issue directly linked to the uncovered sections of the landfill.