SSA-Barbados

Sanitation removes just under 8,000 lbs of litter over long weekend to ensure City drains are ready for Rainy Season

2009-05-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

The Sanitation Service Authority and the Drainage Department of the Environment Ministry have removed 7,200 lbs of food containers, silt, waste, as well as both plastic and glass bottles from City drains from the weekend ‘til May 5th, so as to be ready for the rainy season.

This ongoing project is a joint effort between Sanitation, as well as the Ministries of the Environment and Public Transport along with other Governmental departments to not just clean Bridgetown, but ensure it stays clean.

Maintenance began since 15th April on Roebuck Street, other areas included; - outside of the City Centre car park, along St Mary’s Church, by the Old Town Hall which now houses Barbados Tourism Investment Incorporated, Cheapside, Fontabelle, Baxters Road and Fairchild Street. Early on the morning of Tuesday 5th May, SSA teams tackled drains along Tudor Street.

The Authority – whose mandate includes the drains in and around the City – will also restore drains and continuously maintain among other areas including; Spencer Gap, Harbour Road, King William Street, Spring Garden, Eckstein Village, Chapman Lane, Barbarees Hill, Westbury Road, Kensington New Road and Chelsea Road in the near future.

Food donation from the SSA arrives at crucial moment for HIV/AIDS Food Bank

2009-04-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

The Management and Staff of the Sanitation Service Authority have been collecting non-perishable goods for the HIV/AIDS Food Bank during the month of April, and its delivery on the last day of April assisted that organisation when they needed it most.

All departments of the Authority were invited to contribute various items like toothpaste, canned goods, pasta, boxed-juices and other similar foodstuffs and toiletries. The donations were coordinated by Executive Secretary Jan Husbands, who noted that the major contributor to this initiative was the City Depot & Public Bath on Reed Street.

When the goods arrived on the morning of April 30th, one of the Food Bank’s volunteers was elated – Ms Kelly Morgan stated the food bank was exhausted and had nothing else left to give to its clients.

Food Bank Manager, Ms Donna Barker, told SSA Manager Stanton Alleyne of her wish to see corporate Barbados to follow the SSA’s example of organizing similar donations, even going so far as to “Adopt-A-Shelf” where companies can select an item and amount and look to donate that target each month.

Mr Alleyne stated how pleased he was to be a part of giving back to the community, and he reminded everyone to do their part to help the HIV/AIDS Food Bank and call them at 467-9399.

SSA Collection Details for April & May 2009

2009-04-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

The Sanitation Service Authority would like Barbadians to please note the collections concerning National Heroes Day and May Day 2009.

Tuesday 28th April 2009, refuse collections run their normal routes and both Mangrove and Bagatelle disposal sites will be open from 6:00 am until 2:00 pm.

On Friday 1st May 2008 all SSA departments will be closed,
including all disposal sites and the five national cemeteries.

The Authority is reminding the public that the SSA cleans up before and after any special events – call us at either 430-5019 or 430-5052. Let’s keep Barbados clean at all times!

Remember; do not set out any refuse until 6:00 pm on the night before your next collection. SSA Management and Staff thank the public in advance for their support during these holidays.

CO Williams Alert - St John, St Philip & Christ Church

2009-04-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

The C.O. Williams Construction Team has started excavation work from the Consett Bay entrance (near St. Mark's) through to the turning point of the Transport Board bus at College Savannah and no traffic will permitted through this section during the day.

Work continues on shoulders of the ABC Highway between Lowlands and the Chickmont Roundabout where you must exercise additional caution; Grading and concrete curb work continues between Eastbourne No1 and No 2 on the Wellhouse, St. Philip project and traffic will be detoured through River Land; while at Cox Hill the road is closed where trenching work is being done.

You are reminded that the C.O. Williams Construction team also continues work in Belleplaine from the junction at East Coast Road to Soil Conservation at Haggatts, St. Andrew which is closed to all traffic while excavation work is done during the day and alternate routes must be used.

That roadway will be reopened at night, BUT particular caution MUST be exercised. The C. O. Williams Construction teams thank you for your understanding, cooperation and kind consideration as they move the earth to please.

GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO 4R’s PHILOSOPHY

2009-04-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Barbados Government has reiterated its commitment to the three R’s philosophy – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – and has added a fourth – Recovery!

This commitment was recently enunciated by Minister of the Environment, Dr. Denis Lowe, while addressing the launch of the University of the West Indies’ Recycling Initiative at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination.

“Government…is absolutely committed to the 3R’S philosophy of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, and at the launch of the 3R’s fair on September 13, 2008; we introduced a 4th – Recovery – as part of Government’s commitment to adding waste-to-energy to the equation for addressing solid waste management in Barbados,” the Minister told the gathering of recyclers, university officials and other guests.

Making it clear that returning items for reuse or recycling was “not a new practice for Barbadians”, Dr. Lowe cited the Returnable Containers Act of 1986 which, according to him, had “worked well” to reduce the amounts of glass and plastic containers entering the landfill. He noted, however, that it did not adequately address other containers.

“For this reason, the Act is being revised to ensure that it is more relevant to today’s situation, as the number and types of items that can be recycled have increased,” the Minister explained.

Minister Lowe, however, stressed that several types of waste were still being recycled on the island, including paper, plastics, glass, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, cooking and automotive oils, newsprint, cardboard, batteries and other electronic wastes.

Dr. Lowe said Government was also embarking on a number of initiatives including the establishment of the Solid Waste Management Centre at Vaucluse, St. Thomas. The facility will include a transfer station for the processing and sorting of waste; a chemical waste storage facility; as well as a materials recovery and composting facility.

He added that Government was also examining the feasibility of pursuing a number of waste-to-energy options, including incineration and the conversion of landfill gas-to-energy. (CG)

Sanitation’s Collection Details for the 2009 Easter Weekend

2009-04-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

The Sanitation Service Authority would like the public to please note all details for refuse disposal over the long Easter weekend…

On Good Friday, 10th April 2009, all departments of the Authority will be closed.

On Saturday 11th April 2009, both Mangrove and Bagatelle will be open for regular business and all burials scheduled for the five national cemeteries – Westbury, Christ Church, St. James, Bushy Park & St. Peter – will run as per normal.

On Easter Monday, 13th April 2009 normal collections will resume. Both Mangrove and Bagatelle will open from 6:00 am until 2:00 pm.

Sanitation also provides cleaning services both before and after any special events – call us at either 430-5019 or 430-5052. Let’s keep Barbados clean at all times!

Don’t set out any refuse until 6:00 pm on the night before your next collection. The SSA’s Management and Staff thank the public and wish all a safe and blessed Easter weekend.

Barbados' Sanitation Manager presents Certificates after completing refresher on 4-Day Seminar for Mechanical Workshop

2009-01-31T06:23:00.000-08:00

The Sanitation Service Authority has presented certificates to eleven participants to a refresher in the RTA Fleet Management Software Systems for members of the Mechanical Department after a four-day workshop.

The seminar was prepared by Ron Turley Associates to conduct hands-on training to streamline and improve the department’s maintenance of the Authority’s vehicles; Technical Support Manager Bill Lawson hosted the course.

Ron Turley Associates developed this computer programme to assist the Authority in capturing and recording vital information on the vehicles as they perform their tasks daily.

The SSA’s Manager Stanton Alleyne says the objective of the seminar ensures participants in familiarity with the RTA Fleet Management Systems and its components. Once applied correctly then Management and users can make important decisions on how to maximise service on various routes.

In addition, by training members of the Mechanical Department in this workshop, they become multi-skilled and fulfill the Authority’s mandate of institutional strengthening.

Included among the features in this software;-

· Financial history from purchase to scrap

· The number of repairs done on any given vehicle

· What parts were used and their cost – also logging who did the repairs

· Service history, downtime, fuel and oil usage, etc.

The Authority’s Manager presented certificates to eleven members of the Mechanical Workshop who found the course very rewarding and valuable.

In addition, a presentation of mementoes of Barbados to Mr Lawson was done as a token of appreciation for his excellent service.

Town Hall Meeting at Ellerton Pavilion on Wed. 04/02/2009

2009-01-31T06:16:00.000-08:00

The St George South District Emergency Organisation with the Ministries of Environment & Health will be hosting a Town Hall meeting at the Ellerton Pavilion at 7:00 pm on Wednesday 4^th February 2009.

This meeting is for the following areas only – Lower Brighton; Waverley Cot; Mt Hill; Ellerton Development; Ellerton Housing Area; Ellerton, Good Intent; Eastlyn and the Bulkeley Terrace areas – persons from the community will be brought up to date on the best ways for combatting illegal dumping and the benefits of recycling.

Talks at the Ellerton Pavilion will be given by representatives from the Ministries of both Environment & Health.

This town hall meeting is for all residents only from – Lower Brighton; Waverley Cot; Mt Hill; Ellerton Development; Ellerton Housing Area; Ellerton, Good Intent; Eastlyn and the Bulkeley Terrace areas – they’re asked to make a special effort to attend the St Ellerton Pavilion at seven o’clock, Wednesday night on 4^th February 2009. Together, we can all keep Barbados clean!

BARBADOS' MINISTRY OF THE ENVIROMENT RELEASE – RE: OFFICIAL OPENING OF CITY DEPOT AND PUBLIC BATH, REED STREET

2009-01-29T17:01:00.000-08:00

This opening holds a special significance for the Authority, as it enters its 40^th year of service to this country. The Authority’s mission is to create and sustain a clean environment aimed at improving the health and welfare of all Barbadians.

Government thanks the City depot staff for their hard work over the years operating under limited circumstances. Now that better facilities are available we know that you will continue to give good service. It is a joy to see how clean Bridgetown is kept by SSA workers from as early as 3:00 am. and stays clean until 7:00 am - but it is sad to see how dirty the City gets by 8:00 am, Barbadians need to be more considerate and keep Bridgetown tidy.

The public must also do their part to assist staff of the Authority in keeping Barbados clean. Barbados is our home and we should all take care of it for ourselves and visitors alike.

As most of the world experiences downturns in their economies, it is even more important for us to preserve the beauty of our island and keep it clean so that it remains a popular destination for visitors who seek a respite from hard times.

This depot is a part of our Government’s effort to ensure the workers of Bridgetown have pleasant and modern surroundings from which to operate.

Looking back momentarily… The City Depot was once housed at Temple Yard, where the Old Town Hall Centre is now located. The depot was then temporarily located to the old St Mary’s School. We want to thank the Anglican Church for renting us that location.

After years of seeking a permanent location one was found right here at Reed Street.

In 1997 a decision was made to construct a new depot and Kero Construction was awarded the contract to build this complex.

Having a depot located in Bridgetown is key to keeping the City clean. It allows push-carters to have easier access both to the streets and their headquarters.

The workers operate from here, and they are responsible for washing the streets and cleaning the drains of the City. It should also be noted Bridgetown has 13 collections per week - Monday to Saturday twice a day as well as on Sunday mornings.

This site was previously a bath which was operated by the Authority. This complex has all the latest amenities. We want those who will use the public bath to take very good care of it bearing in mind that any repairs will cost the taxpayer, and this means all of us. The City Depot and Public Bath is also showing the way forward in proper environmental practices by reusing the rainwater from the roof. Rainwater is stored in a reservoir at the rear of the compound and pumped out to wash down the dumpers and other vehicles at Reed Street.

Collecting and disposing of refuse is not just the job of a Sanitation worker. It is everyone cooperating together!

All City businesses need to remember they must flatten their boxes and bind them into bundles before disposal; alleyways need to be kept clear for the Authority’s vehicles and emergency vehicles such as Fire and Police to have easy access when they need to reach trouble spots in a hurry.

Broken glass should be wrapped in newspaper then bagged and placed in the middle of a refuse bag before disposal.

The SSA is concerned with finding adequate locations for stationary compactors, skips and bins within the City. We would like to work together with all interested parties in finding locations.

Over the last year, This Democratic Labour Party administration has provided more affordable housing for many Barbadians. This has led to more houses and developments across the island. As a result the Authority is constantly refining its collection routes. The Authority is working with all relevant Government agencies to maximise on the old routes and streamline new areas to ensure everyone gets two collections per week, although the statutory requirements are one (1) collection per week.

In an effort to improve its service the Authority is undertaking a number of initiatives:-

The public bath at Speightstown is under renovation and is expected to be completed soon;
The baths at Green Park Lane and King William Street will be demolished and new ones will be constructed during the next financial year.
Re-training mechanics in fleet management systems;
Ensuring that the roof of the Mechanical Workshop is repaired in this financial year;
The refurbishment of cemeteries as part of heritage tourism in 2009-2010. This will also include repairs to the chapels at all five national cemeteries and horticulture training for staff.
Conducting a survey of the current collection routes in an effort to improve collections;
Acquisition of open-backed trucks to develop a regularised Bulky Waste collection.

On the topic of bulk waste, the Sanitation Service Authority in conjunction with other government agencies and the private sector will continue its bulk collections in every parish.

Government remains committed to the proper management of Solid Waste practices with modern technology for the collection and disposal of waste. The Government of David Thompson is also examining waste to energy and waste diversion options.

The Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources and Drainage also intends to create legislation to prosecute anyone caught littering. Illegal dumping must be stamped out once and for all.

Government also intends to procure new equipment for the Authority and to improve its human resources.

BARBADOS' 42nd ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE COLLECTION DETAILS

2008-11-28T06:18:00.000-08:00

The Sanitation Service Authority is reminding the public there won’t be a refuse collection on Monday 1^st December 2008 – the Independence Bank Holiday.

Mangrove Pond Landfill will open from 6:00 am to 12:00 noon on that day, but all other disposal sites and the five national cemeteries will be closed this date.

All residents are reminded to freeze any offal from Saturday 29^th November until 6:00 pm before their next scheduled collection.
The SSA thanks Barbados for their co-operation, and we wish everyone a safe and happy Independence weekend.

Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority commissions new tirebaler

2008-11-27T08:44:00.000-08:00

Discarded tires on Nevis will soon be put to use thanks to a new Encore Systems Tirebaler at the Long Point Landfill. The US $60, 000 piece of new equipment sponsored by the Canada Fund and the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) was just commissioned by Nevisian Minister of Health Hon. Hensley Daniel.

The tirebaler was accessed through a collaborative partnership conceived by the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority with the assistance of the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society who contacted the Canada Fund. The Four Seasons Resorts Estates provided transportation and paid the freight from Miami to Nevis.

Minister Daniel referred to the partnership as a move embraced by the NIA, who had endeavoured to marry its resources with that of the community, the corporate community and civic organizations to develop the island.

He said ultimately, all who lived on Nevis should have a solid interest to ensure that the island was esthetically appealing particularly as tourism was a mainstay of the island's economy.

"When we market the country we don't just sell a villa, we sell environment. In selling the environment we need to know that we are selling a safe and secure environment which is healthy.

"So if we are going to continue to make the island attractive to visitors and high end visitors in particular we have to promote this kind of partnership," he said.

The Minister said it was important to bear in mind that the tirebaler came at a time when there was an increase in the number of vehicles on Nevis and the incidence of abandoned tires was up.

He explained that the new equipment which also had the ability to compress plastic and cardboard material would help to eradicate breeding grounds for mosquitoes and also provide the opportunity for the Authority to engage others who were involved in recycling and as such extend the life of the landfill.

Manager of the Authority Ms. Carlyn Lawrence indicated that the need for a tire baler was realized in 2007 but there had been many setbacks. However, the Authority had planned to use the baled tires on local soil erosion projects and also to divert the waste for recycling.

Not withstanding, she described as another excellent benefit, the elimination of a mosquito habitat for breeding because baled tires could not catch water.

Ms. Lawrence thanked all those who made it possible for making the tire baler available to the Authority.

Other remarks came from Executive Director of the NHCS Mr. John Guilbert, General Manager of the Four Seasons Resorts Estates Ms. Martha Isbister and Mr. Dick Charlebois of Encore Systems in Minnesota.

Three tons of trash collected by group "Keep Bermuda Beautiful"in just two days

2008-11-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

More than 100 people congregated at 18 points across Bermuda recently, collecting more than three tons of trash dumped on the island.

It was part of a global marine clean up mission coordinated by Ocean Conservancy, which saw close to half a million people take to the oceans and the shores to collect the mess tossed away by members of disposable societies the world over.

The volunteers from environmental organization Keep Bermuda Beautiful were out in force at sites including Jew's Bay, Mangrove Bay and Shelly Bay. As they collected trash they filled out data cards which will continue to be collected after future clean ups until the middle of October to get an idea of what Bermudians are throwing away into the environment and how the island compares to other countries.

Feedback will be given to manufacturers and waste disposal organisations about how their waste is taken care of and how we can find solutions for Bermuda; one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

According to KBB Executive Director Richard Lathan one of the main causes of pollution in Bermuda is the casual throwing away of rubbish by people in the streets and on the beaches. Fly tipping is also a major problem on the island despite a forward-thinking government scheme to collect larger household goods for free.

The fly tipping hotspots in Bermuda include Lodge Point Lane in Somerset, Vesey Street in Devonshire, the railway trail at Southampton and a new site called Aoelia Drive opposite the entrance to Tynes Bay.

Mr. Lathan said that up to 80 per cent of the household goods found by KBB could have been collected through the government scheme but that bizarrely Bermudian people are not taking advantage of it tending to pay private companies to do the work. Mr. Lathan suspects that these very companies might have a hand in the fly tipping itself.

"If you pay to have something removed from your house it might wind up elsewhere or just being dumped back into the environment," he explained. "We have reason to believe that some of these private companies may be involved and we'd like to expose some of them. There are a couple of plans in the works and one suggestion is to video certain sites.

"Another suggestion is changing the way the truckers get paid to take things and deposit things so when they pick it up in order to get paid they have to have a ticket showing that they deposited the stuff at the appropriate places."

Among the initiatives Mr. Lathan would like to see introduced in Bermuda is the enforcement of mandatory recycling across all businesses which are not included in the government's collections.

"Currently they have to pay for their own recycling and businesses are trying to figure out how is it worth it for them which is a legitimate question. If the government says it is mandatory that means government would have to take an active role in assisting."

Mr. Lathan highlighted a lack of dumpsters near the docks to cater for the boating community. Over a six-week period around Cup Match KBB took half a ton of rubbish brought to the shore by boaters who had nowhere else to put it.

KBB plans to help increase awareness about Bermuda's environment through a series of town hall meetings which will take place regularly over coming months.

Mr. Lathan said: "We believe that dialogue is the beginning of awareness and hopefully we can move forward."

The Ministry of Works and Engineering was unavailable for comment as the Bermuda Sun went to press.

Bermudian dive site a shocking mess - journalist helps with marine clean-up

2008-10-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

Bermuda Sun journalist and keen diver Sarah Lagan took part in a Marine Clean-up recently, helping that online daily create a new series.

It's an example of how we as a newspaper can provide practical, hands-on help. We plan to highlight 'green' innovations and explain the connection between careful stewardship of our environment and the quality of our lives.

In these worrying economic times, questions about natural resources, the use of fuel and how it affects the price of everything from our breakfast cereal to our daily bus ride, have never been more relevant to ordinary people.

Back in July we launched Going Green, a monthly advertising supplement, to provide a focal point for local firms. We want to bolster that innovation with regular news, business and lifestyle stories that have a strong environmental flavour.

Before I moved to Bermuda in July as a newly qualified scuba diver keen to test new waters I never envisaged going on a dive like the one I did with Keep Bermuda Beautiful on Saturday. Just off the launch ramp at Ship's Wharf in St. David's we met with John Trimingham, owner of Peppercorn Moorings. He generously donates his modest barge, aptly named the Maid of Plywood, for clean up missions on a regular basis.

Climbing aboard I got kitted out in my dive gear, also donated for free by Blue Water Diving, along with KBB executive director Richard Lathan and a second volunteer Ken Robinson. Richard and Ken took the first dive down to get an idea of what was lying on the seabed and what could be brought up.

The sad thing that emerged was that the majority of items down there were too big for us to bring up on the day. But in this ten-minute mapping exercise Richard brought up a large, rusting battery and dumped it on the barge. Keen to get a look at the site myself I jumped into the water and descended around 15 feet to the bottom following behind Ken. Because of the water movement so close to the shore, sand was everywhere and I could barely see my hand in front of my face.

Keeping hold of a line we made our way across the seabed for around 30 feet into the open water before coming across another large battery which we attached to a rope and pulled to the surface. I was quite surprised because apart from the battery and sand it was relatively clear of debris.

It wasn't until we started diving closer to the dock that the true extent of the pollution became clear. We descended back down and within just a small area there were a couple of large powerboat engines and other mechanical equipment, a couple of tyres that were probably used as fenders on a boat and two large barrels one full of concrete previously used as a mooring.

Most of the stuff had either sunken into the sand or was just too heavy to bring up but we did manage to hook up one of the tyres and another battery. I decided to go and explore by myself as close to the dock as I could get and was amazed to see the amount of household trash that had been dumped there.

There was a porcelain toilet, a patio umbrella, cups, plates, bottles all merging into the seabed. I could have spent hours bringing the smaller items up but Richard said he'd take large baskets next time as well as some heavy duty hooks for the larger stuff.

Although we didn't come out of the dive with tons of rubbish I certainly came out with a heavy heart knowing how little regard some people have for their marine environment. I'd like to go along to the next clean up at the site to see the real action.

Wrong Items at Edgecumbe Quarry - CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION WASTE ONLY

2008-09-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

The Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) is reminding all construction firms there are only two sites for disposing Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste; these materials are only to be sent to either –

Edgecumbe Quarry, Bentley Tenantry, St Philip

OR Parsons Quarry, Foster Hall, St George

The opening hours for the sites are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Mondays through Fridays; after hours or on Sundays please notify the SSA.

The permitted materials for these facilities are as follows –

SOFT STONE

DEMOLISHED BRICKWORK

TREE TRIMMINGS

BRUSH

TOPSOIL

UNBAGGED GRASS (NO PLASTIC ALLOWED)

LOGS

LARGE BOULDERS
Not so long ago, the Authority found old appliances at Edgecumbe which were more appropriate for the Bagatelle Metal Facility, and the Authority alerted the Police to prevent any further instances.

There are signs at both sites indicating trucks must pause and liaise with officers before depositing any material(s).

BERMUDA: Throw your trash out properly, Minister warns

2008-08-13T05:04:00.000-07:00

Employees at Bermuda's Ministry of Works and Engineering have expressed concern about the dangers their colleagues are facing due to irresponsible disposal of waste.

Those working in the Solid Waste Section highlighted specific problems such as waste items that damage disposal equipment and residential waste - including animal and even human feces.

The public, haulers and contractors who deliver horticultural waste to the Marsh Folly waste facility have been including hard, sometimes metal objects, which are damaging grinding equipment and even causing injuries to staff, a press release from the Ministry stated.

Residential waste collectors have complained of sharp metal objects, liquids, shards of glass and feces being disposed of improperly.

Works and Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess urged people to dispose of their trash properly.

He said: "We call upon the public to do its part to assist these workers in the discharge of their responsibilities.

"Members of the public will be aware that all of these materials pose threats of injury and infection to our staff."

Information about how and when to dispose of waste is available in the blue "Waste Calendar" and the "What Goes Where" pages of the telephone directory, while the Ministry mails the waste calendar out to homes annually.

Home owners are encouraged to contact our Waste Management Office at 297-7953 if they are unsure about proper disposal procedures.

Meanwhile, Mr. Burgess also announced that the asbestos had been fully removed from the former Club Med building in St. George's.

The waste is now in storage at the Government Quarry.

Kadooment Aftermath – Hard work by SSA Employees & Sensitisation make for cleaner Crop Over

2008-08-08T18:07:00.000-07:00

From Friday 1^st August to Sunday 3^rd August, teams of Sanitation workers were busy between 10:00 pm to 5:00 am cleaning litter, while on Grand Kadooment these crews operated from 2:00 pm along the National Stadium to the routes leading towards Spring Garden, ensuring all Crop Over waste was removed.

Party Monarch, Pic O’de Crop Semi-Finals & Finals as well as Cohobblopot & Grand Kadooment generated 92 tonnes of waste – compared with 90 tonnes in 2006 and 112 tonnes last year. This after an awareness campaign with vendors at the Blackrock Polyclinic in late July and an ongoing TV campaign on Channel 8.

More private entities came forward to use the Authority’s commercial services this year, such as the Wet Fete and Ten-To-Ten. Unfortunately, not all concert organisers were as conscientious – nevertheless, alert crews squared off any remains from these events.

Inspections of the routes along Spring Garden Highway and the Blackrock Main Road verified SSA teams did the main body of cleaning by early Tuesday morning, and back-up work was completed when stall owners and operators removed their stalls.

The Authority urges vendors to remember pallets are part of their stall and must be cleared in order to get back their deposit, so let’s all cooperate to keep

Barbados

clean. {NB - Before & After shots were approx. 5:00 pm & 7:00 am respectively}

Nevis receives new garbage truck from their Social Security Board

2008-08-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

Nevis' Ministry of Health was the recipient of a brand new garbage truck, which was funded by the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board.

The keys to the US$142,000 (EC$384,000) Mack truck, were handed over to Minister of Health in the Nevis Island Administration Hon. Hensley Daniel by Director of the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board Mrs. Sephlin Lawrence. The important ceremony was held at their Low Ground Landfill late July.

Mr. Daniel said it was no surprise that Social Security engaged the Ministry of Health since its contributions came from workers

“The Ministry of Health has an interest and a responsibility to ensure that workers are healthy so that when workers are healthy they will work and by working they will contribute to Social Security so this is in a way an investment in the workers of the country to ensure that they remain healthy because we want to make sure that garbage is properly disposed off and in addition to that they have an interest in the aesthetic beauty of the country.

“If the country is beautiful the visitors [will] come. The people who work in tourism they will get more work and they will contribute to Social Security. So I want to thank them for being in that philosophical mindset. This is not something that is Social Security over here and health over there but Social Security and Health are intertwined,” he said.

The Minister also made the point that in Third World countries contributions of that nature were often referred to as gifts but they were not because they were derived from workers contributions therefore they should be maintained and should be treated as though they were personal.

Mr. Daniel explained that the Nevis Island Administration through the Ministry of Health did not approach an overseas friendly country for funds to purchase the truck but instead sought to forge a long and fruitful partnership with the Social Security Board.

“What we have done is to seek to build a partnership with Social Security to see if we can do things locally and I am particularly happy that in 1978 when Social Security started I was just about beginning to work with the public service and there was so much opposition to Social Security because nobody wanted their contribution to come out.

“I think more than anything, the institution [Social Security] has demonstrated its commitment to the public. We can look around and see investments in housing, we see investment in education through scholarships and now of course as the Minister of Health, I have to make sure they tip the balance to health as well and so we look forward to a long and productive relationship with Social Security,” he said.

Chairman of the Social Security Board Mr. Halva Hendrickson said the funding came from part of the institution’s annual contribution which was made to both Nevis and St. Kitts in the health services and it was their way of giving back to the people.

Mr. Hendrickson also noted that St. Kitts had faced a similar problem where the garbage trucks had gone bad and private persons had been hired to collect garbage. Nonetheless, he said Nevis was ahead in their request for a new garbage truck.

“In fact in St. Kitts we have a similar problem where our garbage trucks have gone bad and they had to hire some private people but they have not come to us yet but it looks as though Nevis is more on the ball because Nevis is now here [ahead] and they have their garbage truck.

“I suppose what will happen in the end, is that somebody might have to come and say just as Nevis has cleared the way St. Kitts will have to clear the way and follow. So we are very happy to be here and we expect that this truck will be used for the benefit of the people of Nevis,” he said.

Meantime, while she thanked Mr. Daniel and the Social Security board for the new garbage truck, Ms. Carlyn Lawrence Director of the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority explained that unlike the previous garbage trucks, the new one had had a greater capacity to meet the needs of a growing island.

“Waste management is a new thing for us on these small islands. It’s a progression into keeping up with the latest technology and the latest equipment available and so we are very happy to have the truck and we want to say thank you and give you our assurance that we will do everything that we can to take good care of it and keep it going for as many years as we can keep it going for.

“We got this truck because we needed the size, the island is growing and there is expansion everyday. [The truck] has the capacity of containing 25 yards of waste [because of its] compaction. So it can clean an entire parish without having to make a second trip. We are going to ensure that responsible people drive it and that we take good care of what has been offered to us,” she said.

The ceremony was chaired by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Chairman of the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority Mrs. Joslyn Liburd, Deputy Chairman of the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board His Excellency Mr. Steve Rensford, Assistant directors (Nevis) Mr. Elvin Bailey and Mr. Vernel Powell and Members of the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority Board Ms. Hope Merchant and Mr. Ron Daniel.

700 SSA workers attend Crop Over picnic at Three Houses Park

2008-07-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Manager of the Sanitation Service Authority acknowledged the hard work so far this Crop Over put in by SSA employees with a picnic held at Three Houses Park in St Philip – workers enjoyed themselves and believe the event should become an annual occasion.

A deejay with a powerful Hi-Fi had the crowd bobbing with all the latest tunes of the season as well as those from back in the day.

Workers with their families made for 700 people enjoying the festivities.

The SSA’s Manager, Stanton Alleyne, personally spoke with staff to let them know how much they’re appreciated.

It took a mighty rain in the late afternoon to finally thin the crowd, which eventually started drifting home around six in the evening.

The partygoers then made sure all remnants of the day were carefully disposed of as they continue to keep Barbados clean.

FOOD SAFETY A PRIORITY THIS CROP OVER - SSA JOINS WITH BLACKROCK POLYCLINIC TO EDUCATE VENDORS

2008-07-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

In preparation for this year’s Crop Over Festival, the Ministry of Health will be continuing its efforts to improve food handling techniques so as to minimise food borne diseases. This will be done through a five day Health Exposition.

It will come off on the grounds of the Black Rock Polyclinic, from Monday, July 21, to Friday July 25, under the theme ‘Eating at your Festival is Safe’.

It is expected that on each day of the Exposition some 60 food handlers will attend the session and they will be issued with permits at the end.

On Monday, July 21; Wednesday, July 23; and Friday, July 25; the sessions start at 6:00 p.m.; while on Tuesday, July 22, and Thursday, July 24, they will start at 5:00 p.m.

Facilitators for the event include representatives from the Fire Service, who will give tips on fire prevention and safety; the Sanitation Service Authority and the Solid Waste Management Unit, who will speak on methods of managing refuse in outdoor catering; and Health Sisters from the polyclinic, who will discuss health issues including first aid and safety.

Environmental Health Officers will focus on food safety and sanitation, through practical displays showcasing equipment used in the food service industry. They will also provide tips on disaster preparedness.

In addition, chefs and stall holders will assist with demonstrations on accurate food preparation, storage and transportation methods.

Persons interested in obtaining further information on the Health Exposition, may contact the Black Rock Polyclinic, at 421-7209, 438-9624 or 425-6950 Ext. 5026, 5034,5035, or 5036.

PROPER HYGIENE PRACTICES FOR HANDLING FOOD AT ALL TIMES INCL. CROP OVER & KADOOMENT

2008-07-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

A valid medical certificate is a must for stall owners and food handlers dealing with the preparation and sale of food at Crop Over events.

This reminder comes from the Chief Environmental Health Officer (Ag), Desmond King, who is also advising individuals that the certificate should be presented on the request of the Environmental Health Officer.

The advice is part of guidelines, developed by the Environmental Health Division to ensure that operators and their assistants maintain proper hygiene practices when serving the public, whether at Bridgetown Market, Cohobblopot, or Kadooment.

When serving food stall owners and assistants must wear head covering or hair restraints; no nail polish should be worn and nails should be trimmed and kept clean and no jewellery should be worn on the hands or around the neck.

Food handlers are also reminded that no sleeveless tops or vests should be worn when preparing or serving food; that light and single coloured shirts, tops or aprons should be worn and smoking is prohibited in food stalls.

The Environmental Health Division is also advising that food handlers be free of infected burns, boils, cuts or respiratory illnesses. They should wash their hands frequently and thoroughly (particularly before beginning work, after handling raw foods & after using the toilet) in order to prevent the contamination of food. Food handlers should use disposable paper towels and never wipe hands on aprons or clothing.

The chewing of gum or eating while preparing or serving food is also prohibited and the Division is suggesting that food handlers refrain from picking the nose, touching pimples and scratching the head or face.

Guidelines for the handling and storage of food should be adhered to at all times during this year’s Crop Over events.

Mr King is warning stall owners and food handlers that they must cooperate fully with the Environmental Health Officer and comply with the Health Services Food Hygiene Regulations (1969 CAP. 44).

The penalty for violating the Regulations is a fine of $5,000 and, or imprisonment for 12 months.

There are several food handling and storage guidelines, which have been developed by the Environmental Health Division.

Individuals are reminded that they should store all foodstuff and water at least 18 inches from the ground; food and potable water must be stored in clean, covered containers and water storage containers should be fitted with taps.

Raw and prepared foods should be stored properly, for instance in covered containers, and they should be stored separately. Raw meat and meat products must be stored in small parcels.

According to the Division, all potentially hazardous foods including meat, chicken, fish and sausages, must be stored between layers of ice so as to keep the food at or below 40ºF.

There should be a constant supply of ice, and ice used for the storage of meat, fish or drinks, must not be used in the drinks when serving.

In addition, food handlers and assistants should never store or drag ice on the ground. When serving ice, scoops should be used, and the handle must never come in to contact with the ice.

Only wholesome canned foods should be used. Contents should be removed from the can immediately after opening or piercing, particularly in the case of high acid foods, such as fruit juices and sauces. Egg should not be used in batters and fish cake batters should not be stored in large containers (e.g. five gallon pails) but rather in containers small enough to be kept at a temperature of less than 40ºF.

Food handlers should not prepare large amounts of food unless there is provision to keep the food at or above 140º F or below 40ºF. They should use tongs when serving food (hands should not be used to serve food). All equipment and implements should be kept clean and sanitised.

Clean glasses or cups must be picked up by their bases but stall owners should consider the use of disposable cups and plates. Operators are further reminded that they should not touch the food contact surfaces of plates, and forks with their hands and should clean and sanitise knives and other utensils when switching from one product to another (for instance raw chicken to bread) to prevent cross contamination.

WASTE MANAGEMENT HIGH ON AGENDA OF DAVID THOMPSON REGIME - PLEDGE FROM ENVIRONMENT MINISTER DURING TOUR

2008-07-04T06:37:00.000-07:00

Government is currently exploring several options regarding how it can properly manage its solid waste programme. Minister of the Environment, Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo, revealed this today after touring B’s Bottle Depot, Cane Garden, St. Thomas, and Ocean Park, Balls Complex, Christ Church.

According to her, this exercise had become necessary since landfill space was becoming limited because of the huge amount of waste generated by householders.

She commended the management of B’s Bottle Deport for “shifting a lot of stuff that is not bio-degradable from our landfill”.

“… those are the kinds of initiative that we want to encourage. Government is also putting some emphasis on innovation that benefits all Barbadians,” the Minister said.

B’s Bottle Depot’s mission is to maximise the diversion of waste from the landfill towards recycling and it collects plastic and glass bottles, cans, metals, vehicle bumpers and discarded batteries.

Meanwhile, Dr. Byer-Suckoo is looking forward to the introduction of the Environmental Management Act, which she said would be very important for Barbados. “We started to review the Act because other environmental issues have come up which would not have been addressed in that original draft. Things like the management of discarded cell phones, batteries, printers and computers.

“We have a lot of new issues to deal with, so we have to make sure that the legislation we bring not only addresses today’s issues, but looks ahead. Any legislation that is passed now must be able to take us into 2025 and beyond,” she stressed.

Turning her attention to Ocean Park, the Minister said there were a lot of children who had no idea of what happened under water and she said that the park offered children an opportunity to develop their awareness so they could have an appreciation for the delicate balance of the ocean.

She described a tour of the Park as educational and a must for school children.

Sanitation & ICBL host refresher on defensive driving for staff members

2008-06-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

The Sanitation Service Authority recently held two seminars for drivers and lorryloaders on how best to take care of the Authority’s new vehicles – this session serving as a follow-up to a similar workshop 18 months ago.

St Sgt Rodney Inniss, Forensic Collision Investigator with the Royal Barbados Police Force, conducted a fascinating presentation on defensive driving with a contingent of SSA staff at the ICBL’s Country Road headquarters. This officer has held similar courses for Rayside Construction, CO Williams Companies, as well as BS & T and other businesses with vehicular fleets.

The Station Sergeant had a detailed presentation touching on many subjects and the audience was very receptive to the officer’s innovative approach. The investigator urged them to plan their routes carefully and to heed all traffic signs, rules and regulations.

The SSA’s Manager, Stanton Alleyne praised staff for their support during the challenging period of June 23 to June 27, he also reminded them of a TV campaign designed to encourage Barbadians to respect SSA workers more and employ best waste practices at all times.

Michael Nicholls, Deputy Manager of Operations, in his segment urged crews to be aware that noises carry in early hours and while on such a shift it may be better to use a type of code or signal rather than shout instructions to each other. He also praised staff members for remembering to replace lids on bins which were emptied.

SSA Transport Superintendent, Mr. Elvin Chase, also spoke with workers on the proper procedures and techniques of preventative maintenance with all vehicles before and after starting a shift on the road.

Sanitation Service Authority joins forces with Nat’l Cultural Foundation for a cleaner Kadooment

2008-06-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

This Kadooment, the SSA will have a heavy media presence on both TV and radio from this weekend on; this is the result of partnering with the NCF for Crop Over 2008 as a Platinum sponsor.

This project was the brainchild of Manager Stanton Alleyne, who foresaw that a savvy marketing campaign is a key element in ensuring all Barbadians do their part not to litter – not just for Kadooment, but at all times.

Radio tips were recorded at Underground Studios in Clapham and voiced by the SSA’s Public Relations Officer who has former media experience.

For the television announcements – yet another partnership was developed, through the Manager, Mr Alleyne, who sought out award-winning agency SOJE-Lonsdale to make the spots which are aired via sponsorship from the Tourism Development Corporation and the Barbados Tourism Authority. Due to air on TV-8 at Prime Time, they will have an initial run of three months.

The television ads are designed in such a way that they have relevance even after Crop Over, as the SSA continues its mandate to keep Barbados clean.

Environmental Responsibility during Crop Over

2008-05-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

As the SSA prepares for Kadooment, the Authority is appealing to owners and operators as well as partygoers to help keep Barbados clean.

Here are a few tips that operators and customers need to remember at all times...

Any broken glass or bottles must be wrapped and tied to prevent injury to SSA staff or the public – plastic bottles or tin cans should be stored in separate boxes and placed outside of your own stall.
Patrons should have easy access to waste bins and they should be encouraged to use them
Stalls must be kept clean and tidy at all times; owners & operators are reminded that bins with fresh bags should be placed at each stall – while all bagged waste is safely stored for proper collection
All garbage belongs in a bin or a skip - and should be bagged before being placed in the skip or bin
No oil is to be dumped in a garbage container at any time!
48 hours after the closure of any particular event, owners/operators must dismantle and completely remove their stall
Please note - any pallets used are part of your stall, and should also be removed
The Environmental Health Department is reminding all food vendors to get all your medical certificates and apply for a temporary restaurant license – go to your relevant Polyclinic and get approved! Once certified, prominently display the certification at your stall.

The SSA is making sure everybody helps keep Barbados clean and be environmentally responsible not just for Crop Over, but at all times.

Kadooment is not rubbish - Include the SSA in planning your fetes!

2008-05-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

As Crop Over 2008 gets into high gear – the SSA is reminding promoters it provides cleaning services both before and after any special events – like fetes, school fairs, band launches and calypso tents among other functions.

Bins and skips can be provided for these events as well.

Call 430-5019 or 430-5052 to get a free quote and make your arrangements early and help us to help you keep Barbados clean!

Proper methods to dispose of fish and chicken offal

2008-03-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

The Sanitation Service Authority is concerned with how fish and chicken processors are disposing of their waste.
All offal from chicken and fish processors must not be sent to the Mangrove Pond Landfill – the right way is to send it fresh (same day) to the Rendering Plant in Balls Plantation, Christ Church. They operate between 7:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday.

Barbadians are reminded that chicken feathers and chicken intestines must be sent together to the Plant once it is fresh from the same day, this also applies to fresh fish offal – but with the fish offal, it must be chopped into fine pieces.

Please note, the heads of billfish, albacore and turpits are not allowed at the Rendering Plant (they can only be sent to the Mangrove Pond Landfill if they are fresh from the same day). Only fish or chicken, no other meat carrion should be sent to the Christ Church complex for rendering.

The waste that is not accepted by the Rendering Plant will only be accepted by Mangrove if it is fresh from the same day, please call 419-7501 or -7502 to make arrangements.

If there are any queries concerning the Rendering Plant, please call 418-8053 or send a fax to 420-5797 ahead of time.
Sanitation and the Rendering Plant appreciate all immediate cooperation with this important matter.

Consideration when parking needed in Bourne’s Village & Grassfield

2008-03-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

The Sanitation Service Authority is reminding all motorists to please park your vehicles so as to allow for the easy passage of all SSA trucks in your neighbourhood – day or night.

In particular, concerns have been recently expressed in both Bourne’s Village, St George and Grassfield, St Philip – people who have large vehicles are especially urged to park bearing their neighbours in mind. Make it easier for SSA compactors to remove waste from all households.

The SSA thanks the public for their active support and co-operation, and let’s all work together to keep Barbados clean!

Town Hall Meeting at St Luke’s Skills Training Centre on Wed. 05/03/2008

2008-02-28T08:50:00.000-08:00

The St George South District Emergency Organisation with the Ministries of Environment & Health will be hosting a Town Hall meeting at the St Luke’s Skills Training Centre at 7:00 pm on Wednesday 5^th March 2008.

This meeting is for the following areas only – French’s, Upper Brighton, Melverton, The Mount, The Mount Tenantry and The Mount Development – persons from the community will be brought up to date on the best ways for combatting illegal dumping and the benefits of recycling.

Talks at the St Luke’s Skills Training Centre will be given by – the Sanitation Service Authority, the Environmental Protection Department, the Solid Waste Project Unit and the Vector Control Unit.
A question and answer session will be run after the presentations – all residents from – French’s, Upper Brighton, Melverton, The Mount, The Mount Tenantry and The Mount Development – are asked to make a special effort to attend the St Luke’s Skills Training Centre at seven o’clock, Wednesday night on 5^th March 2008. Together, we can all keep Barbados clean!

Refuse arrangements in the City during Throne Speech of Parliament

2008-02-12T04:50:00.000-08:00

The Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) is asking all businesses in and around Parliament to not put out their refuse between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

The SSA appreciates all cooperation given and urges everyone to keep Barbados clean.

US Supermarket chain's trucking fleet shifts to biodiesel

2008-02-12T04:41:00.000-08:00

Safeway grocery trucks no longer just deliver vegetables. In a sense, they now run on vegetables, too. Safeway, the nation's third-largest grocery chain, said Friday that its entire nationwide trucking fleet now uses biodiesel, a renewable fuel that can be made from plant oils, used cooking grease or animal fat.

In Safeway's case, the biodiesel comes from soy oil or canola oil. It is blended with regular petroleum diesel before being pumped into the company's more than 1,000 trucks. The move is part of Safeway's broader effort to green its operations.

The Pleasanton company buys much of its electricity from wind farms, has switched to energy-efficient refrigeration and lighting, and is installing solar panels on 24 of its California stores.

Biodiesel generally produces less air pollution than diesel made from petroleum. And it helps rein in greenhouse gas emissions because the plants used to make it absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Safeway won't reveal how much fuel it's buying or the price it's paying. Biodiesel typically costs more than regular diesel.

The price increased last year as some farmers switched from growing soybeans to growing corn, hoping to tap into the growing market for another alternative fuel - corn-based ethanol. Safeway estimates that using the biodiesel blend will cut the company's carbon dioxide emissions by 75 million pounds each year, the equivalent of taking 7,500 cars off the road.

SSA clean up of Drax Hall concludes – 50 tonnes removed!

2008-02-12T04:38:00.000-08:00

The Sanitation Service Authority successfully removed 14 truckloads of bulky waste from Bydes Mill, Drax Hall Woods, Drax Hall Jump and Drax Hall.

Sanitation sent 50 tonnes of bulky waste for processing; both ten-wheeler trucks and small open-backed lorries were used to complete the work.

SSA Superintendent of the South Terence Mitchell, SSA Plant Superintendent Derek Brereton coordinated with Basil Pilgrim, Senior Environmental Health Officer to direct teams removing bundles of wood, sheets of galvanise, old refrigerators in addition to stoves as well as other bulky items.

The bulky waste removal is part of the SSA’s ongoing programme to encourage everyone to keep Barbados clean all the time.

Sanitation conducts seminar with Eden Lodge Day Nursery students

2008-02-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

The Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) was recently invited to the Eden Lodge Day Nursery to teach their infants how to be cleaner at all times.

Lorryloader Hyacinth Rodgers told the class you have to be very careful with broken glass and told the little ones that glass must be wrapped in newspaper before bagging it for collection.

The pupils also learned that all refuse must go in a bin and placed in that bin on the night before collection, they also discovered how containers should be rinsed before placing in a bag and any cartons should be flattened when disposed.

Driver Darnley Callender showed the children a hands-on experience of sitting at the steering wheel and letting them pull the loud air-horn.

The youngsters especially loved the chance to sit inside the vehicle in addition to actually seeing how a compactor works.

The SSA is also inviting all primary schools and nurseries to call us for similar talks each Wednesday on what is best for the environment, and the SSA will organise accordingly.

New Hours for Collection Route - Southern Depot

2008-02-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

The SSA is alerting all residents in certain southern districts to new measures Sanitation is employing to not just help keep Barbados clean but avoid traffic congestion – as the Authority reminds everyone to be environmentally responsible and to keep all of their surroundings clean.

Should there be any questions; call the Southern Depot at 430-5018 or 430-5024. Please note the following details.

SSA trucks will be collecting refuse from the following households from 2:30 am; Mondays & Thursdays will cover – Lynches, Bottom Bay, Bottom Bay Development, Bayleys Primary School, Bayleys Development, Apple Hall Terrace, Peat Bay, Marley Vale, on to Merricks Road then Merricks Main Rd, Coles Rd, Coles Close, Coles Crescent, Coles Terrace, over to Marshall Trading, Marley Vale Development, then over to Content Cot, Sealy Hill, Lyders Hill, Industry Hall, St Catherine’s Primary School, St Catherine’s New Rd, and over to Ragged Point Lighthouse.

On Tuesdays and Fridays the following areas will be covered – Youth With A Mission, Thickett’s Tenantry, Thickett’s Garden, Three Houses Yard, Bayfield Main Rd, Bayfield Tenantry, Fortescue Development, Wiltshire Rd, Hillview Rd, East Point Rd, Skeete’s Bay Fish Mkt, Culpepper Development, Three Houses Hill, College Savannah 1 & 2, Baptist Cottage, over to St Mark’s Primary, Fortescue Hill, St Marks, St Marks Development and Blades Hill 1, 2 & 3.

On Wednesdays, the route runs from Pot House, Martin’s Bay, Foster Hall, Church View, Coach Hill, Bath Beach, Sergeant Street, then over to Palmer’s Main, Brawley’s Main, St Margaret’s School, Newcastle Park, Clifton Hall Terrace, Welch Village, College Land, Sealy Hall, over by Zones Tenantry, Newcastle, Haynes Hill, Bath Land, Codrington College and Palmer’s Land.

Therefore we’re asking people to put out their refuse from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on the night before their collection

Please park appropriately to allow SSA trucks to easily collect waste – especially along narrow pathways, try meeting with fellow residents and agree to park on one side of the road, and tell both the SSA and Police!

If there are any queries, please call the Southern Depot at 430-5018 or 430-5024. The SSA is doing its part to ease traffic concerns and ensuring Barbados is kept clean and urge Barbadians to be environmentally responsible at all times.

Removal of Bulky Waste Items in Drax Hall & Bydes Mill

2008-02-01T06:27:00.000-08:00

The St George South division of the District Emergency Organisation with the Ministries of Environment and Health will be removing bulky waste items from Drax Hall and Bydes Mill areas from 4^th to 8^th February 2008.

Bulky waste items consist of old appliances like fridges and ovens as well as similar metallic items like galvanise as well as old furniture or other wooden or plastic items, etc.

These items are to be set near your regular refuse by no later than 2:00 pm of Sunday 3^rd February 2008, please separate your bulky waste items into wood and other items in one pile and another for only metal objects.

These districts only will undergo the bulky waste clean up – Drax Hall, Drax Hall Jump, Drax Hall Woods and Bydes Mill; other districts will follow in the near future.
Again, all bulky waste items such as old appliances or wooden and metallic objects must be separated and done by no later than 2:00 pm on Sunday 3^rd February 2008. Actual removal of these items from Drax Hall and Bydes Mill runs from 4^th to 8^th February 2008.

URGENT/CORRECTION: No Collection This Friday, but Errol Barrow Day will be regular refuse removal

2008-01-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

The Sanitation Service Authority is informing the public this Friday 18^th January 2008 there will be no waste collection for the extra public holiday, and all disposal sites plus the five national cemeteries will be closed that same day.

There will be a regular collection of refuse from all scheduled routes on the Errol Barrow public holiday Monday 21^st January 2008, but all five national cemeteries remain closed.

Mangrove Pond Sanitary Landfill will open from 6:00 am until 2:00 pm and Bagatelle from 6:00 am to 12:noon on Errol Barrow Day.

The SSA is reminding everyone to freeze all offal until their next due day of collection; also – do not put out any refuse until 6:00 pm the night before the next collection day.
Sanitation thanks Barbadians for their co-operation and wishes everybody safe and clean public holidays.

Reminder about Campaign Posters for General Elections 2008

2008-01-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

The Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) is reminding everyone that all campaign notices placed all over the country for the current elections must be removed in an environmentally responsible manner.
These notices must be neatly removed and properly disposed of, and the SSA appreciates all cooperation for keeping Barbados clean.

RECYCLING LAWS TO BE IMPROVED - MORE MONEY FROM REFUSE SOON

2007-11-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

Waste, once considered in a negative light, is now being regarded as a resource to be diverted to a more useful end.

This is a fact which the Solid Waste Project Unit (SWPU) wants Barbadians to be aware of as it implements a comprehensive recycling programme over the next few months.

The SWPU has indicated that there are a number of businesses which have sprung up to meet the needs of recycling in Barbados. “Companies are turning plastic pet bottles, news print, rum bottles, cooking oil and automotive batteries, to name a few items, into big bucks”.

The Unit realizes that not many individuals are aware of the various places where one can take automotive oil, non-ferrous metals (metals not containing iron, including aluminum drink cans) as well as ferrous metals, and that organic waste can benefit from home composting.

As the agency responsible for implementing the Integrated Solid Waste Management Programme (ISWMP), the SWPU is moving swiftly to educate the population about recycling and where waste materials can be taken.The SWPU has been joined by a number of companies which undertake recycling. Most of these, entrepreneurial ventures, have committed themselves to work with the Project Unit, in not only managing the solid waste on the island but also by giving visibility to the efforts at reducing, reusing, recycling.

Persons interested in recycling materials have several businesses to choose from, depending on the items to be discarded. For instance, PET bottles can be returned to B’s Bottle Depot, at Cane Garden St. Thomas, or Eagle Hall, St. Michael. Supermarkets all over the island also accept PET plastic bottles; left over cooking oil is recycled at Native Sun NRG currently located at the Future Centre, Edghill, St. Thomas while office paper is accepted at Ace Recycling, Massiah Street. St. John.

In relation to organic waste, this can be composted.

While Tropical Batteries, located at Fontabelle, and B’s Bottle Depot are known for collecting automotive batteries, automotive oil is usually recycled at Machinery and Allied Engineering Services, Deighton Road, St. Michael.
Non ferrous metals are recycled at Recycling Preparation Inc. at Warrens Industrial Park; while ferrous metals are accepted at B’s Bottle Depot.

The Project Unit, in association with the Barbados Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation, Ministry of Agriculture and the Sanitation Service Authority, is also hosting a number of home composting workshops to equip persons with the required knowledge to turn their organic waste into a useful product.

These were started in May of this year. The list of recyclers/waste brokers can be obtained from the Solid Waste Project Unit by calling 427-5910/11

BARBADIAN PARENTS WARNED - CHECK LABELS ON TOYS, LEAD PAINT CAN KILL

2007-11-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

A call has gone out to parents and guardians of children who play with certain toys to carefully scrutinise and check the origin and manufacture of these items.
This advice from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs comes in the wake of the recent recall of a number of toys in the US that were said to contain unacceptably high levels of lead.

In addressing this matter, as it relates to the sale of these brands of toys here, Senior Legal Assistant in the department, Wayne Best,
observed that there were clear procedures and provisions for voluntary recall of merchandise.

He pointed out that “products are recalled for various reasons; for example, if a good is unsafe or may cause harm or injury to a consumer, then that good is removed from the market.”

Mr. Best went on to outline the procedure for voluntary recalls: “Any product that is subject to recall, the person taking action to recall the product must within two days notify the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and this must be done in writing. The notice must state the nature of the defect and the danger associated with the defect. In addition, the public must be made aware of the recall and a notice published in both the print and electronic media, outlining the nature of the recall.”

He said where a business refused to voluntary recall a product that was found to be defective, under the Consumer Protection Act, “the Minister and Ministry have the authority and power to do so.”

He also explained that the Consumer Protection Act provides the legal framework required to ensure that procedures are followed, with respect to product recall. This is outlined in Section 47, Sub-Section 1
and 2 of the Act.

Failure to comply with the provisions listed in Section 62 of the Act is considered an offence, and persons and companies can be fined on
summary conviction. The penalty in the case of a person is $10,000.00, or two years in prison or both; while for a company, the fine is $100,000.00.

Upon recall, products are then disposed of under the guidance of government’s Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the Ministry, through the services of the Sanitation Service Authority. All of this is to ensure proper environmental disposal and that the product does not make its way back onto the market. A fee is charged to the person or company who has made the recall and if the amount is a large quantity, the EPD requires that the product be shipped back to its manufacturer for disposal.

Senior Consumer Affairs Officer, Rommel Crawford, also sought to throw some light on the matter and said “persons are compensated for recall products – usually a refund of monies already paid. However, if they are injured as a result of the defective product, a claim can be made to the manufacturer for their injuries. The refund will come from the retailer, who would then make a claim to the distributor or manufacturer.”

The officer gave examples of recent recalls in the US; Fisher Price & Mattel toys manufactured in China and KB Toys Learning Tools.

Both products were recalled as a result of excessive amounts
of lead in the paint. Some 231 pieces of the Fisher Price toy were imported into Barbados and of that amount 170 were removed from the market. In the case of KB Toys, 24 pieces were imported but, to date, only five were returned.

Swift action from SSA lorryloader helps Ruby Park couple to minimise fire damage

2007-10-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

David and Heather Ince will never forget Sanitation worker John Broome; he prevented their Ruby Park home and contents being lost to fire, thanks to the quick thinking of Mr Broome while collecting refuse in the St Philip district.

John Broome, who’s worked in Ruby Park with his crew for the last 12 years, explained how he saw smoke at this house and he stopped the truck to investigate, he then knocked and shouted all around the home to see if anyone was inside – after no response, he asked a gardener next door if he could borrow a hose.

The brave lorryloader took off his headscarf and doused it with water and tied it around his face, then got into the house by pushing out the metal jalousies of the kitchen window and he proceeded to wet down the oven and microwave as the smoke was coming from this area. By the time the Fire Department arrived the smoke was abated.

When Mr Ince returned 45 minutes later, he learned only a bathroom door was charred along with some clothes – he commented how lucky they were as they just finished paying their property insurance.

Mrs Ince was relieved to learn their home’s structural integrity remained intact and the majority of its contents were untouched.
Mr Broome then continued the rest of his collections for that day, later on; neighbours at Ruby Park told Mr Ince that it was thanks to the speedy response of SSA lorryloader John Broome who rescued his home from a serious disaster.

Mr Ince called the SSA to get the name of the persons who saved his property, and he learned it was John Broome who used his initiative. The Inces asked to meet Mr Broome, to thank him profusely.

This morning they met at the SSA’s Wildey Depot, Mr and Mrs Ince said they could never forget his kind deed and thanked him once again and will stay in touch with the brave man.

Mr Broome, who’s a National Dominoes player for the SSA, says he is always happy to do a good deed, as he knows would expect the same vigilance from his neighbours if his place were in danger.
SSA Management is proud of Mr Broome’s quick actions.