Antigua Barbuda – The country is moving to improve waste management through a regional Waste-to-Energy initiative and new landfill technology.
Antigua Barbuda Advances Waste
Officials said the initiative forms part of wider regional efforts to promote circular economy practices and improve climate resilience across Caribbean countries.
A workshop was held on May 19 under the Zero Waste in the Caribbean Project, as the country advances the regional initiative. The event brought together representatives from government agencies along with other stakeholders to examine ways of converting waste into energy while reducing landfill pressures.
“The workshop brought together key stakeholders, technical experts, policymakers and environmental partners to explore innovative pathways for transforming waste into valuable energy resources,” a release from the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) said.
The initiative, it added, currently supports 16 CARIFORUM countries through technical assistance, institutional strengthening and capacity building for Waste-to-Energy decision making.
The workshop also came shortly after the acquisition of a new Eurodeck weighbridge system for landfill operations in the country.
Officials said the equipment will provide more accurate data on waste volumes, disposal trends and hauling patterns.
“This data driven approach will significantly improve operational efficiency at the landfill by enabling better traffic management, more accurate reporting, improved planning for landfill cell utilization, and enhanced monitoring of commercial and residential waste streams,” the release said.
It added that the weighbridge will also strengthen transparency, accountability and long-term environmental planning.
The Zero Waste in the Caribbean Project is funded by the European Union in collaboration with CARIFORUM and is co-financed by German Cooperation.
The programme is jointly implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme, the German Agency for International Cooperation and the French Development Agency in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
