DURING the pre-industrial age, a relatively small quantity of artificial/synthetic materials was used and, with a much smaller global population, waste disposal did not pose the huge challenge it is posing today. Waste generation increases with population expansion and economic development. Improperly managed solid waste poses a risk to human health and the environment. Uncontrolled dumping and improper waste handling cause a variety of problems, including contaminating water, attracting insects and rodents, and increased flooding due to blocked drainage canals or gullies.
In addition, it may result in safety hazards from fires or explosions. Improper waste management also increases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which contribute to climate change.
Planning for and implementing a comprehensive programme for waste collection, transport, and disposal — along with activities to prevent or recycle waste — can eliminate these problems.
There is a variety of types of waste, including household waste and biomedical waste. Each type of waste requires proper disposal. With improper disposal of any form of waste comes increased chances of pollution to the environment and food sources and increased risk of exposure to disease.
While all waste that is improperly disposed of carries a risk of spreading disease, some waste has been identified as having a higher risk of spreading disease than others. At the top of the list is medical waste and bio-waste. This includes any waste that has been used in a medical procedure.
Guyana is in the modern lifestyle and like elsewhere waste management has become a huge challenge with a pressing need for both short and long-term solutions.
The recent difficulties as a result of the mismanagement of Le Repentir dumpsite in Georgetown should be an instructive and a great learning experience on waste management and the consequences of improper handling of waste.
It should be clear to all that waste management is a highly specialised scientific and technological matter in today’s world and ad hoc policies and procedures will not suffice to deal with it. It needs expert treatment and visionary policies and programmes to deal with it.
But implementation of policies and programmes alone will not be that successful in ensuring proper waste management. It has to be complemented simultaneously with a preventative approach which comprises essentially,  changing attitudes and taking steps that would minimise the quantum of waste generated.
In terms of attitude, Guyanese are probably among the worst in the world as they continue to dump styrofoam boxes and other waste materials out of vehicles onto the roads, in trenches, drains and other public places instead of properly disposing of their trash.
Recycling can also help reduce the quantum of garbage and the authorities should seriously consider discouraging the excessive use of plastics as some other countries are doing.
What happened at Le Repentir should not be allowed to occur again and a good way to start is by acting with decisiveness and purpose, now.
If this is not done, the consequences could be irreparable.