On March 1st 2005, the companies and individuals who are engaged in the transportation of industrial wastes, commercial wastes, institutional wastes, ship generated waste, construction/demolition wastes and sewage will be required to pay "Tipping Fees" for the disposal of their wastes at the Cooks Sanitary Landfill and Civic Amenities Facility.

The rates for Tipping Fees have been set as:

Ship Generated Wastes	$EC 108 per Ton
Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Wastes	$EC 54 per Ton
Sewage and Construction Waste	$EC 5 per Ton

According to David Spencer, Programme Manager at the National Solid Waste Management Authority, "Haulers will be invoiced on a weekly basis for the accumulated tonnage deposited at the landfill". He further stated that payments will be made monthly at the Authority's head office at Cassada Gardens.

To address the potential for increased instances of illegal dumping, the Authority is also implementing the issuing of waste verification forms to all relevant waste generators to ensure that wastes get to the Cooks Sanitary Landfill. Additionally, the Authority will be strengthening the alliances with the Central Board of Health and the Police Force to bolster the enforcement of the relevant laws and regulations.

According to Mr. Shaka Francis, Environmental Educator within the Authority, "The time has come for residents of Antigua to take responsibility for their environment and act as stewards for our collective descendants. To this end, all practicable avenues are being investigated to ensure that violators of the Litter Act will be brought to justice in a timely manner". The National Solid Waste Management Authority - working towards establishing a "Partnership for a Cleaner Antigua and Barbuda".

For further Information please call Mr. David Spencer at 562-2019, or Mr. Shaka Francis at 562-1348.