UNEP consultant highlights considerations for Zero Waste draft legislation

Legal consultant for the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Zero Waste Programme, Romel St Hill, outlined key considerations and findings during a question-and-answer session on the draft legislation of the National Consultation on Solid Waste Management aimed at advancing Guyana’s waste management framework.
His presentation highlighted areas for collaboration, regulatory clarity, and stakeholder engagement.
St Hill noted that certain fiscal and regulatory aspects of the draft bill could be seen as burdensome, stressing the need for communication between the private and public sectors to develop workable mechanisms for environmental protection.
He emphasised ongoing discussions with companies regarding fees and said incentives under the bill could be further clarified.

“I do make a note in terms of the fiscal and the regulatory aspects of the bill that could possibly be seen as a burden.  So that’s where the communication between the private sector and the public sector is going to come in, to see the best workable mechanism, of course, for the environmental protection and implementation of the bill… There is a provision allowing the Minister of Finance to provide various types of incentives. This could be fleshed out further to ensure it is practical and effective,” St Hill said.
The consultant also underscored the important role of legacy stakeholders in implementing the legislation, recognising their contributions to the country’s waste management initiatives.

Technology
On the use of technology, St Hill welcomed suggestions for an online reporting portal, including the option for anonymous submissions. He noted, however, that the specifics of such a system, as well as timelines for solid waste collection, would largely fall under policy decisions rather than legislative requirements.
“To my [colleague] that made the very good suggestion in terms of the use of the online portal… If a person wants to be anonymous to make a relevant report, that’s more of a policy decision for the Ministry, however, as well as the one in terms of the solid waste facilities, the relevant areas, and the timelines to, of course, have the waste collected.  I think that’s more going to be a policy decision than a legislative decision. We may have guidelines in terms of how to implement them, but it wouldn’t be in the Pirate Law itself.”
St Hill highlighted the ongoing role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in regulatory oversight. Reviewing related legislation, including the EPA Act and regulations on hazardous waste, air quality, and water contamination, he emphasised the need for cooperation between local councils and the EPA. In cases where councils lack resources, the EPA is expected to step in to maintain compliance and ensure effective waste management.
He also confirmed that licences and authorisations for hazardous waste management would remain under the EPA’s authority, with further clarification to be provided during the next stage of legislative review.
St Hill described the approach as a shared responsibility, with both local councils and the EPA contributing to enforcement and oversight.
“The commitment to sustainable waste management requires collaboration at every level. The EPA will continue to play a central role, but the engagement of local councils and private stakeholders is equally critical,” St Hill said.
The feedback provided by St Hill is expected to inform refinements to the draft legislation, ensuring it balances environmental protection, regulatory clarity, and incentives for private sector compliance.