New home, increased recycling capacity on the cards for ABWREC

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Raw materials from ABWREC
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By Kisean Joseph

[email protected]

The Antigua and Barbuda Waste Recycling Corporation (ABWREC) is about to undergo a significant upgrade as plans to move into a new facility in Cassada Gardens gather momentum.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown, aims to revolutionise waste management and recycling efforts in the twin-island nation.

Jonah Ormond, Assistant Governor and Past President of the Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown, shared insights into the project’s vision and potential impact.

“With the construction of a new facility, ABWREC would have a home to call its own and increased working space,” Ormond said. “We expect to increase our capacity in receiving and processing recyclable material. Additionally, the capacity for storage before exportation would also increase significantly.”

The expansion goes beyond mere storage improvements, as Ormond highlighted ambitious plans for the future.

“We’re looking at converting waste materials into useful products,” he said. “This includes transforming plastic containers into lumber for beach and patio furniture, fencing poles, and other products. We’re also exploring the conversion of waste cardboard or paper into egg trays.”

These initiatives align with ABWREC’s goal to reduce the amount of waste headed to landfills or requiring exportation. The organisation, founded in 2005 through a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown and the Department of Environment, has been at the forefront of recycling efforts in Antigua and Barbuda for nearly two decades.

Ormond emphasised the environmental importance of ABWREC’s work, particularly in flood prevention.

“Antigua’s topography lends itself to the possibility of flooding during rain events. Any waste material that is incorrectly disposed of will mostly end up in the drainage system and contribute to flooding. ABWREC provides a location where these materials can be properly disposed of, instead of in the environment or even the landfill,” he said.

Meanwhile, he shared that despite the project’s potential, funding remains a challenge.

“The club is constantly seeking opportunities to secure funds for the realization of this new facility, whether it be through fundraisers, projects, or grants,” Ormond said. “If you were to pass by the site, you would see some work being done as a result of project funding that was secured, but it is not sufficient to take the building to where it needs to be, so fundraising activities continue.”

ABWREC and the Rotary Club are focusing on increasing public participation in recycling efforts. While specific educational or incentive programmes are not currently in place, Ormond expressed hope for the future: “We need a cultural change as it relates to recycling here in Antigua and Barbuda, but it has to be a community effort. ABREC is seeking to be in the best position to play its part in that process.”

The organisation’s collection process currently relies heavily on influxes after major events like Carnival and Christmas, as well as contributions from hotels, resorts, and environmentally conscious homeowners. Ormond noted that while there’s no immediate need for multiple facilities across the islands, establishing a proper system of collection and transportation is crucial.

As ABWREC moves forward with its expansion plans, the project stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing environmental challenges.

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