Research statement: To investigate the impact of poor solid waste management practices in
Jamaica
 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF RESEARCH
Jamaica is an island that has a multitude of small towns and communities, in these

small towns it is noticed that poor solid waste management is not taken seriously. Garbage is

been improperly disposed, which causes a sore eye to the public and a harmful factor to the

environment.

This Caribbean Studies Internal Assessment is based on a thorough investigation of

the causes and effects of poor solid waste management practices as well as techniques that

could be used to eliminate or lessen the problem in Jamaica. This investigation will be carried

out in a small town by the name of Falmouth, the capital of Trelawny.

Poor solid waste management practices is a realistic, unappealing issue that is

prevalent island wide, especially in the town of Falmouth, Trelawny. The researcher has

observed that poor solid waste management practices is at its peak in this small town and is a

challenge to many efforts of progression that have been attempted by some members of the

public. Due to personal experiences while walking in Falmouth, I’ve seen improper disposal

and it is insanitary. This disturbing issue exists in numerous towns and has been viewed from

several different perspectives.

One may say that poor solid waste management practices affects citizens, social

institutions and even the environment.  Social structures affected including families, the

government, the educational system, and the medical system. A segment of the chosen

population is impacted by poor solid waste management, hence it is important to handle the

problem strategically in order to reduce or stop the problem from getting worse.
         The researcher therefore seeks to highlight how poor solid waste management

practices affects the town of Falmouth as well as to identify the causes and effects of this

issue. This study is being done as part of a private investigation of the town of Falmouth.

Unjustified solid waste management procedures are a pervasive, real problem that has an

impact on potentially progressive individuals, families, communities, and society. As a result,

the researcher will identify numerous strategies that may be practices to eradicate poor solid

waste management in the town.

This Research is very useful to the citizens of Falmouth, furthermore the island as they will

be educated about strategies that may be used to alleviate poor solid waste management

practices. Students conducting research on environment would find this information to be of

use. Also, the Parish Council could use this information to assist them in eradicating the poor

solid waste management practices in Falmouth.

In this research the researcher’s objectives are to:

1. Investigate the cause of poor solid waste management.

2. Investigate the effects that poor solid waste management leads too.

3. Explore techniques that can be used to eliminate or lessen poor solid waste

management.

In addition, at the end of the research the researcher should be able to answer the following

questions:

1. Why solid waste management is so poorly managed in the town of Falmouth?

2. How does solid waste management affect the citizens of Falmouth, Trelawny?

3. What advantages result from having proper solid waste management in Falmouth?
 4. What methods can be applied to regulate proper solid waste management practices, in

Falmouth, Trelawny.

Definition of Key Terms:

Solid waste- useless and sometimes hazardous material with low liquid content.

Management- the process of dealing with or controlling things or people

Practices: the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories

relating to it.

LITERATURE REVIEW
Jamaica has struggled with its waste-management system for many decades, and

there have been public complaints over the years about this situation that have

become a significant public health issue. In the article written by Planter. P

(2018) "Proper, effective and efficient solid waste management has been a critical

issue for Jamaica for decades, yet successive political administrations have failed to

take the necessary action," JET said in its release. Now, the public is aware of this

public health issue, not just the public but the JAMAICA ENVIRONMENT TRUST.

Of course, this does not happen all on its own the citizens of the country play an

essential role in this issue. Proper solid waste practices are not practised by the

people so there can be a better and healthier environment to live in, hence why the

problem has been around for so long.  Some poor waste management practices

such as pollution of the environment including land, air and marine pollution, to be

more specific the disposal of garbage, it is seen where people dispose of their

garbage or waste into the streets and sidewalks. When this is done the garbage is

either scatted all over or washed into drains that eventually cause drains to be

blocked.