Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill
Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill, popularly known as the Roseau Rubbish Dump, is a critical waste management facility located in Fond Cole, approximately one mile north of Roseau, Dominica. Managed by the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC), this landfill plays a vital role in the island’s waste disposal and environmental management strategy.
About the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill
Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill covers an area of about 18 acres. It was designed to handle Dominica’s waste disposal needs for 15 years, starting from its operational commencement on September 1, 2005.
The landfill is equipped to accept various types of waste, ensuring comprehensive waste management. These include:
- Industrial Waste: This includes waste from light industries, manufacturing, construction, and demolition activities.
- Green Waste: Wood and vegetation are directed to the landfill’s composting site.
- Commercial Waste: Waste from shops, hotels, restaurants, and garages, including metal parts, plastics, and packaging materials.
- Household and Institutional Waste: Waste generated from homes, offices, schools, government facilities, and hospitals, excluding hazardous healthcare waste.
- Hazardous Healthcare Waste: This includes infectious waste, pathological waste, and sharps, which are treated at the biomedical waste management facility at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital.
Environmental and Health Considerations
The landfill employs several measures to mitigate environmental and health impacts:
- Odour and Leachate Control: Systems are in place to minimize odours from decomposing waste. Leachate and gas extraction mechanisms manage emissions and prevent contamination of surrounding areas.
- Wheel Washing Facility: This facility ensures that vehicles leaving the landfill do not carry debris onto public roads, maintaining cleanliness and safety.
Community Impact and Development
The Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill is pivotal in maintaining Dominica’s public health and environmental standards. The DSWMC has initiated various community programs to enhance waste management practices, including the distribution of residential bins and recycling crates and the installation of waste bins in public areas like Roseau.
Future Prospects
Dominica’s commitment to sustainable waste management is reflected in the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill operations. The DSWMC continues to explore and implement advanced waste management and recycling practices to address the increasing waste generation and environmental challenges.
The Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill remains a cornerstone of Dominica’s environmental management efforts, ensuring the island’s waste is managed effectively and sustainably.