Developing a legal framework for waste-to-energy and recycling program
Context
Up until a few years ago waste management in Belize simply included collection of garbage and transportation to an open dump site where the waste was burnt. Despite recent efforts at improvement, the management of municipal solid waste (MSW) remains a challenging sector for the country.
Although about half the country is now being served by an improved MSW management system, a large portion of the population still relies on improper waste collection and disposal, with many open dumpsites still in use. Improper disposal is a threat to the environment and economy and can lead to deterioration of water, soil and air quality as well as deterioration of health of the local population and wildlife. The production of methane from landfill gas is one of the biggest threats, as this greenhouse gas is more detrimental than CO2.
Problems of waste management are often exacerbated by lack of knowledge on proper waste disposal, as well as attitudes and behavior concerning solid waste management.
