Dear Editor,
I wish to comment on the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC) statement that enforcing littering law is a sustainable solution to Guyana’s solid waste management woes (Stabroek News August 5, 2024). This punitive solution is both dated and ineffective. The PSC is a major stakeholder in Guyana’s development and solid waste management. Addressing solid waste management in Guyana is an urgent matter that should be done collaboratively with the government, the private sector, and the community. Through various initiatives, the private sector can play a pivotal role in enhancing solid waste management systems.
Guyana is badly in need of a circular economy strategy. Despite the circular economy being a strategic focal area of the Low Carbon Development Strategy, little, if anything, is done in this area. However, the potential impact of a well-implemented circular economy strategy is immense. In some countries, the private sector leads the circular economy initiatives through its sustainability, environmental, and social governance plans. The PSC should be doing the same in Guyana.
Some of the actions that Guyana’s private sector can take to address solid waste management include:
Invest in Waste Management Infra-structure- Recycling Facilities: Establish and operate recycling centres to process and repurpose waste materials, reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills.
Waste-to-Energy Plants-Invest in technologies that convert waste into energy providing an alternative energy source while reducing waste.
Promote Waste Reduction and Recycling-Product Design: Develop products with minimal packaging and design them for easy recycling or reuse. Since we are producing little, import products with minimal packaging and waste. Using a cradle-to-grave analysis, the PSC members contribute as much to littering as the consumers. Much of the litter originates from members of the PSC, and they have a social and environmental responsibility to examine their roles and see how they can contribute to lessening the waste that is eventually improperly disposed of.
Recycling Programnes – Implement recycling programmes within companies and encourage employees and customers to participate. How much thought is given to what happens to the waste from imported products?
Implement Sustainable Business Practices-Green Supply Chains: Adopt environmentally friendly procurement, production, and distribution practices to minimize waste generation.
Engage in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)-Collaborate with Government: Work with government agencies to develop and implement waste management policies and circular economy projects.
Joint Ventures-Partner with other private sector entities to pool resources and expertise for large-scale waste management projects.
Support Research and Innovation-Funding Research: Invest in research and developing new technologies and methods for efficient waste management. Waste is a resource, and waste management is big business. Encourage entrepreneurship in this area.
Innovative Solutions- Encourage startups and innovators to develop waste reduction, recycling, and management solutions.
Educate and Raise Awareness-Consumer Education: Launch awareness campaigns to educate consumers about waste segregation, recycling, and sustainable consumption. Use the carrot, not the stick.
Employee Training: Train employees on waste management practices and encourage them to adopt sustainable habits. How is the waste from the businesses themselves handled and disposed of?
Adopt Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)-Product Stewardship: Develop take-back programmes and recycling initiatives to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of products, including end-of-life disposal. This is very important in our local context since many consumables are imported.
Create Economic Incentives-Recycling Incentives: Offer incentives, such as discounts or loyalty rewards, for consumers to participate in recycling programmes.
Waste Reduction Rewards: Implement consumer reward programmes to reduce waste generation and encourage more sustainable behaviour.
By taking these actions, the private sector in Guyana can significantly contribute to improving solid waste management, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life for communities across the country.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address supplied)
