Over $700M awarded in contracts for recycling centre, hazardous waste cell at Haags Bosch

In a major step toward advancing environmental sustainability, contracts valued at over $700 million have been awarded for the development of a state-of-the-art recycling centre and a hazardous waste cell at Haags Bosch at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The projects, which are part of the Government’s broader strategy to enhance waste management and promote eco-friendly practices, will transform Haags Bosch into a hub for sustainable waste processing.
The recycling centre will focus on reducing landfill waste by sorting and repurposing recyclable materials like plastic, while the hazardous waste cell will provide safe disposal and treatment of toxic substances, mitigating risks to public health and the environment.

Speaking at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLGRD) end-of-year press conference, Minister Anand Persaud stressed the importance of the Haags Bosch landfill project.
“The hazardous waste cell has to do with Exxon Mobil with the treated waste that will come offshore and then treated by GAICO, we will then take it over to the landfill site and make sure it is disposed of properly,” Minister Persaud explained.
The projects have been awarded to two contractors following a competitive bidding process. The recycling centre is pegged at $210 million while the hazardous waste cell amounts to $556 million and both companies are expected to adhere to strict timelines and quality standards.

Outside of this particular landfill site, the Ministry has reportedly expended over $4 billion from 2020 to 2024 to improve solid waste management as well as maintain and open new landfills.
According to Minister Sonia Parag, the sum of $809 million was expended in 2024 to maintain 13 landfill operations, while $22 million was spent on procuring over 100 brush cutters and 130 tractors and trailers.
“We also facilitated the following works in relation to solid waste management. Preparation of a temporary area for accepting waste in Region Seven, closure and restoration of the Lima dumpsite, closure of D Edward Cotton Tree dumpsite, upgrade of Kara-Kara in Linden. Combine the total expenditure for solid waste management in 2022 is $1.2 billion,” she briefly said.

The Haags Bosch landfill, established in 2011, has long been a focal point of waste management in Guyana. With this new development, it is poised to become a model for sustainable waste practices in the region.
The Government has assured continuous monitoring and support for the projects, signalling its dedication to environmental protection and sustainable development.
The sum of $400 million was set aside for the construction of the cells at the Haags Bosch. It was noted that the cells are part of a strategic plan devised by the MLGRD to eliminate the stench emanating from the dumpsite, which affects residents in surrounding areas and commuters utilising the Eccles to Mandela and Heroes highways.