World Habitat Day calls for global cities to transition into “Waste-Wise Cities”

On the first Monday of October, the international community observes World Habitat Day, to reflect on the state of towns and cities and the basic right for adequate shelter. Each year, one unifying theme is chosen, with the focus this year being “Municipal Solid Waste Management.” This calls for cities to become “Waste-Wise Cities.” The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), along with the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda, address the key issue of solid waste management. The target of Sustainable Development Goal 12 is: Sustainable Production and Consumption with an emphasis on environmentally sound management of all waste through prevention, reduction, recycling, reuse, and the reduction of food waste.

Municipal Solid Waste Concerns in Guyana
Guyana, like many developing countries, has long struggled with creating systems to ensure proper disposal of its solid waste. This is linked to a variety of challenges, which include financial constraints, old and inefficient equipment, lack of reliable transportation to dispose of waste; and, of course, the attitude of citizens towards the environment. Waste management is a big concern in Guyana, and in response, the Government of Guyana has put emphasis on sensitising the local population through littering campaigns as well as the development and enforcement of policies such as Environmental Protection Litter (Enforcement) Regulations 2013, and the Environmental Protection (Expanded Polystyrene Ban) 2015.

On the path to a Green State…
As Guyana approaches its Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), it is important to remember that the SDGs’ guidelines call for the integration of actions to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Alongside the Ministry of Communities, a comprehensive, economically viable, bio-friendly initiative was rolled out to address solid waste management in Guyana. The strategy covers a broad spectrum of waste, including residential, commercial, industrial, scrap metal, those produced by healthcare facilities, discarded oils, and electrical and electronic refuse. The Ministry of Communities has noted that, by 2024, forty percent of all generated waste will be recycled, composted, or otherwise put to use.
The plan will also guide the Government’s agenda on collection, transportation and disposal; improving the waste management infrastructure; enforcing existing legislation; and promoting the waste-to-energy initiative. In addition, the draft Solid Waste Management Bill proposes the establishment of a Solid Waste Management Authority (SWMA), which would be expected to function as a corporate body under the Ministry of Communities. This authority would provide oversight functions as well as coordinate all policy, operational and licensing aspects of solid waste management in the country.
Additionally, there is a feasibility study being conducted to implement a ban on single-use plastic products by 2020. Furthermore, there is a push for the implementation of a container-recycling project and the introduction of a robust garden/community composting system.
As Guyana takes on this year’s World Habitat Day challenge, to become more “Waste-Wise,” there must be collaboration and transparency between all organisations, with a municipal solid waste management agenda throughout the country. Solid waste management is a growing global issue; the amount of waste produced increases daily, and therefore education and outreach to all citizens on the effects of improper waste management is critical. Guyana can begin to use the framework set out by UN-Habitat, which promotes an “Integrated Solid Waste Management Framework”, including good waste collection services, environment protection through proper treatment, and disposal and resource management. Integral to a waste-wise society is environmental stewardship; we need to be conscious of our habits and make deliberate efforts to dispose of our waste properly.

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