Roseau Rubbish Dump
Roseau Rubbish Dump, located in Fond Cole, is integral to Dominica’s waste management system. Officially known as the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill, it is managed by the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC). This landfill serves the waste disposal needs of the capital city, Roseau, and its surrounding areas.
About the Roseau Rubbish Dump
The Roseau Rubbish Dump is located approximately one mile north of Roseau in Saint George Parish. It occupies an area of about 18 acres and has been designed to manage waste efficiently for an estimated 15 years since its operations began on September 1, 2005.
Waste Management and Operations
The landfill accepts various types of waste, including:
- Industrial Waste: Generated from light industry, manufacturing, construction, and demolition activities.
- Green Waste: Comprising wood and vegetation directed to the landfill’s composting site.
- Commercial Waste: Originating from shops, hotels, restaurants, and garages, including materials like metal parts, plastics, and packaging.
- Household and Institutional Waste: From offices, dwellings, schools, government offices, correctional facilities, and hospitals, excluding hazardous health care waste.
- Hazardous healthcare Waste, including infectious, pathological, and sharps, is treated at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital‘s biomedical waste management facility.
Environmental and Health Considerations
The landfill has odour and leachate control systems to minimize environmental impact. Regular operational procedures include covering waste with suitable materials to prevent odours and utilizing leachate and gas extraction mechanisms to manage emissions. Additionally, a wheel washing facility ensures that vehicles leaving the site do not carry debris onto public roads.
Community Impact and Development
The management of the Roseau Rubbish Dump is crucial for maintaining public health and environmental standards in the area. The DSWMC has implemented various community programs and infrastructure improvements, such as installing waste bins in Roseau and distributing residential bins and recycling crates across different communities.
Future Prospects
Dominica’s approach to waste management, as demonstrated by the operations at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill, highlights the island’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Continued efforts are being made to enhance recycling and waste management practices to address the growing demands and challenges of increased waste generation.
The Roseau Rubbish Dump remains a pivotal component of Dominica’s waste management infrastructure, vital to the island’s efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment.