Study Maps Barbados Humanitarian Waste Solutions

A recent Waste Value Chain Analysis in Barbados has mapped the island's recycling systems to identify how humanitarian waste can be managed more sustainably. The study, conducted by the Logistics Cluster, highlights gaps in capacity and preparedness while offering practical opportunities to reduce dependence on landfills [1]. It specifically examines the waste streams linked to the Regional Logistics Hub and future emergency operations to support environmental sustainability [3].

Key takeaways

• Barbados generates 900–1,200 tonnes of waste daily but has a national recovery rate of only about 4.28% [3].
• The analysis found no contingency plan exists for managing humanitarian waste, despite the island's high exposure to natural hazards [3].
• Most humanitarian waste consists of packaging materials, with volumes expected to rise as prepositioning activities grow [3].
• Recommendations include improving source segregation and establishing a dedicated humanitarian waste contingency plan [3].

Assessing Island Capacity and Waste Flows

Barbados is a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) with 657 people per square kilometer, facing limited land availability and high waste pressures [3]. The Sanitation Service Authority collects waste and transfers it to the Sustainable Barbados Recycling Centre (SBRC), which handles sorting, composting, and baling [3]. While private recyclers manage materials like cardboard, metals, and glass, the system relies heavily on exporting recyclables that cannot be processed locally [3]. The analysis combined desk reviews with field visits to facilities like the SBRC and the WFP Regional Logistics Hub to map these stakeholder roles and waste streams [3].

Gaps in Humanitarian Preparedness

The study identified that while a functional collection system exists, low segregation at source leads to high landfill disposal [3]. A key weakness is the lack of a non-hazardous waste contingency plan with clear guidance for humanitarian operations [3]. Currently, waste from the Regional Logistics Hub—primarily cardboard and plastic—is disposed of via skip collection to the SBRC, amounting to approximately one skip container per week during repositioning [3]. As partners increase prepositioning stocks, these volumes are expected to grow, creating an urgent need for structured recycling arrangements [3].

Why it matters

Implementing waste value chain mapping before or during emergencies allows humanitarian organizations to align strategies that reduce negative environmental impacts and harm to the recycling sector [1]. The report recommends actions such as enhancing data on local recycler capacity, adopting small-scale recycling technologies to limit export reliance, and promoting green procurement at the Regional Logistics Hub [3]. These steps aim to create a more sustainable waste management system that supports both the Regional Logistics Hub and the Centre of Excellence [3].