In a bid to combat plastic pollution, Dominica and Grenada have unveiled the ‘RECYCLE OECS Demonstration Project.’ This groundbreaking initiative aims to significantly reduce plastic waste in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
The two-year project is generously funded by the European Union (EU). Its successful implementation is overseen by a partnership between the OECS Commission and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). This endeavour is a subset of the broader EU’s zero-waste initiative, bolstering EU-Caribbean collaboration in waste management.
Benoit Bardouille, Chairman of the Board at the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC), highlighted Dominica’s role during the project’s launch. “Dominica is at the forefront, demonstrating the model for plastic management—from collection to processing,” Bardouille proudly announced.
The significance of this project transcends immediate benefits. Bardouille emphasized its strategic importance, suggesting it will guide the establishment of potential EU-funded plastic waste treatment infrastructure across the region. An associated study will explore the viability of an OECS recycling plant and the potential for repurposing plastic, possibly in the construction sector.
For Bardouille, the project aligns perfectly with the island’s growing emphasis on tourism. Protecting Dominica’s renowned natural beauty is paramount, especially considering the nearing capacity of the Fond Cole sanitary landfill.
General Manager of DSWMC, Florian Mitchell, reflected on strides made in recycling since 2015. Through collaborations with partners, including the Government of Dominica, the OECS Commission, and Coca Cola, substantial progress has been realized.
Mitchell passionately advocated for a paradigm shift in waste perception. “We must see waste as a reusable resource,” he asserted, rallying stakeholders to back this transformative project.
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