The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) continues its efforts to combat illegal dumping across Jamaica, having undertaken a cleanup operation at a site along Baptist Road in St. Elizabeth, on Tuesday (May 7).

SPM Waste Management Limited is implementing an initiative to combat illegal dumping and promote environmental stewardship as part of a comprehensive strategy.

NSWMA executive director Audley Gordon criticized the dumpsite for highlighting Jamaicans’ disregard for proper waste-disposal practices, citing items like tiles, roofing material, and old appliances.

Gordon decried responsible waste management, and called for cooperation to prevent illegal dumping, as he lamented the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation’s low tipping fee of $1,000 at disposal sites.

“We are asking the St. Elizabeth [Municipal Corporation], through their municipal police, to help us as we do the same with our enforcement officers to put more vigilance on the spot,” he said.

“We must also get the residents in the area to play their part and be vigilant as well. Whenever they see a truck going up [and illegally dumping garbage], take a picture and send it to us. We have [social media] that they can use to give us information. We will use the plate number or whatever we can get from the truck that can help us to track it down, find the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he added.

Gordon said that the NSWMA remains committed to its cleanup campaign throughout Jamaica, continues public education and urges people to reject illegal dumping.

“Jamaica’s beauty is our collective duty. Everybody has to play their part in the Clean Jamaica Campaign. So, we are appealing to a good conscience, we’re appealing to that better self, and we are saying, let’s partner to keep our country clean,” he said.

Sheldon Smith, regional operations manager for SPM Waste Management Limited, highlighted the company’s commitment to addressing illegal dumpsites across the parish. He outlined the importance of community involvement in maintaining cleanliness and announced plans to install no-dumping signs and increase enforcement in the Baptist Road area.

Resident Shellian Brian stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the community due to health risks associated with illegal dumpsites and called for unity among community members.