Recycling and Composting Centre launched at Haags Bosch Landfill

The Sanitation Unit of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLGRD) today officially launched the Recycling and Composting Centre at the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill, Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), marking a significant milestone in the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen sustainable solid waste management practices nationwide. The launch also signalled the start of a series of structured composting training sessions, which will continue until Thursday, February 12.

These training sessions form part of a technical cooperation initiative supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and implemented by the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP), in collaboration with ImplementaSur. The programme is aimed at building national and local capacity in organic waste diversion through practical, hands-on training combined with technical instruction, with a focus on reducing the volume of organic waste sent to landfills and promoting environmentally responsible alternatives.

During the launch, participants took part in a Ministry-led composting workshop at the Haags Bosch Landfill Site, where they were actively engaged in the creation of compost piles using organic and market waste.

This practical exercise allowed participants to gain first-hand experience in composting techniques while reinforcing the principles of organic waste management. The workshop was organised in collaboration with Recycle Organics and brought together a diverse cross-section of stakeholders from government agencies, local authorities, educational institutions, and the private sector.

The training programme is being led by composting consultant and expert, Mr. Matthew Cotton, who guided participants through detailed feedstock evaluation and compost pile construction exercises. Materials used during the training included wood chips, sawdust, fruit skins, vegetable peels, and chicken manure, all of which were selected to demonstrate effective composting ratios and best practices. In addition to pile building, the training will include sessions on pile monitoring, organics collection systems, and ongoing feedstock assessment, ensuring participants are equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to implement composting initiatives within their respective organizations and communities.

In attendance at the launch were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Miguel Choo-Kang; Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration), Dr. Josh Kanhai; and Director of Sanitation, Mr. Satrohan Nauth, along with representatives from the Eccles/Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Stewartville/Cornelia Ida NDC, Mon Repos/La Reconnaissance NDC, Waste Solution Landfill Inc., the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana School of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Puran’s Brothers Inc., Cevons Waste Management, and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.

The Ministry anticipates that the Recycling and Composting Centre, along with the accompanying training programme, will serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country. Plans are already in place for the programme to be replicated in other regions, supporting Guyana’s broader environmental and climate objectives while fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in the waste management sector.

This initiative underscores the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development’s continued commitment to sustainable development, climate resilience, and innovative waste management solutions through strategic partnerships, technical cooperation, and capacity building at all levels.