QUESTION

The unique social, economic and environmental characteristics of SIDS, such as high population density, relative isolation, limited availability of land space and paucity of human and financial resources, limit the range of possible options for the sound management of waste. Waste management is a serious environmental issue for SIDS, more significant than for many other countries. It isn't limited to the disposal of litter. Sewage, hazardous and toxic wastes also form part of the waste problem. The large amounts of wastes produced by tourists, for instance is a difficult problem for SIDS particularly since it is typically generated over a short period, thus often overloading existing disposal and treatment facilities. Protection of the environment from pollution is extremely important for SIDS since aside from other reasons that are common to all countries two important industries tourism and fisheries depend on a pristine environment.

(a) With such rising concerns in environmental impacts for SIDS, what are the common measures that may be implemented for a sound waste management system in those islands?

(b) The Waste Collection and Transportation being the bottleneck of any waste management systems, is regarded as costly activity. Discuss the possible waste collection and transportation elements to be optimised in order to mitigate costs, social and environmental impacts for SIDS.

(c) What are the advantages of properly designing landfills in SIDS, with regards to public health and environmental protection?