A SERIES of environmental awareness programmes have been started in various wards of Georgetown. The first programme was done in group six, which consists of Agricola, Mc Doom, Houston and Meadow Bank.Facilitated by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the project, which commenced recently, has two components: providing information and training in waste reduction, and reaching the needs of those who are unable to acquire bins. Public Relations Officer (ag) Debra Lewis said the training is focused on helping residents to efficiently manage solid waste by employing the three Rs: reuse, reduce and recycle.

Residents of group six were provided with information on composting, and a practical demonstration was given on how to make a compost box at home.
Solid Waste Management Director Walter Narine explained that the method is simple, and can be used in urban areas where there is not much land space.
Narine, who spearheaded the session, said the group six areas generate approximately 42 tons of refuse weekly, and 21 tons consist of organic material, which is ideal for composting.

He encouraged the group to use the skill they have acquired to generate income. “Money can come out of waste,” Narine noted.

The Solid Waste Director said if residents practise composting and other waste management methods, the refuse collected would be reduced by 10 per cent, and money the Council expends on solid waste collection and disposal would be decreased significantly.

The Council had a community meeting with residents in the Agricola area during September 2015, and residents were enthused about solid waste management strategies.

The Solid Waste-Resource Management Strategy is premised on environmental education and protection, and maintenance of an efficient collection system that provides economic opportunities through waste collection.

In addition, the Council distributed 35 refuse bins to residents who did not have receptacles.