Basseterre, Saint Kitts, March 19, 2026 (SKNIS): The Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC) has increased its recycling capabilities at the Conaree Landfill in Saint Kitts with the installation of a new horizontal baler machine and the expansion of the recycling facility.
This marks the completion of Phase two (2) of the Recycling Project, which saw the expansion of services to include the recycling of cardboard. Phase one (1), included the recycling of plastic bottles and aluminium cans. It was completed in 2025.
The expanded facility was formally opened during a ceremony on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the landfill. The occasion coincided with the international observance of Global Recycling Day.
Judith Isles, Operations Manager at the SWMC, noted that small island states face particular challenges in waste management due to limited land space. The increase in imports and online ordering has compounded the issue, as packaging materials must be disposed of.
“These realities require that we handle waste with greater efficiency and discipline,” she stated. “The expansion of this recycling facility and the introduction of the horizontal baler signify a practical response to those realities. The baler in particular allows for the compression of large volumes of plastic bottles, cans and cardboard into compact, manageable bales, thereby improving storage and the preparation of materials for export.”
Minister responsible for Sustainable Development and the Environment, the Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, referenced this year’s theme of Global Recycling Day, “Don’t Think Waste – Think Opportunity” and called for a shift in the attitudes and practices in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
“For most of us who are wearing pink shirts, we are wearing plastic. Not cotton, not polyester, but plastic,” she stated, describing it as a full circle moment for the recycling programme. “Our collection efforts led to the baling, and of course, the shipment to Taiwan, and then their shipment back to us of plastic-made shirts. … We have to redefine waste, we have to think of the waste that we generate.”
Minister Clarke encouraged locals and businesses to reuse and recycle plastics and other materials at home where possible. Importantly, persons are strongly encouraged to separate biodegradable waste such as food, fruits and others that spoil and/or smell from plastic, aluminium, and cardboard waste.
The Recycling Project is implemented in collaboration with the Republic of China (Taiwan). Resident Taiwanese Ambassador, His Excellency Edward Tao, said Taiwan’s cooperation on the recycling project incorporates the same circular spirit of mutual friendship between the twin-island Federation and the ROC
The Technical Mission from Taiwan presented the Ministry with 900 shirts and 400 bags, all made from local recycled plastics. Thirty-two recycled branded bins were also presented.
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