More than 90 people turned up at the Anse La Raye Playing Field on March 14 to dispose of electronic waste. The community event, hosted by Greening the Caribbean (GtC) and the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority (SLSWMA), collected about 500 pounds of e-waste ahead of Global Recycling Day 2026.
Organisers say the turnout exceeded expectations and reflected a growing willingness among residents to adopt more sustainable waste practices.
Items collected included small household appliances, mobile devices, computers, fans and lighting fixtures. The Massy Stores recycling trailer, which was brought directly into the community for the first time, filled quickly as residents took advantage of the opportunity to dispose of unwanted electronics safely.
“We’re a small island. Our soil, our water, our coastline; these aren’t abstract things, they’re our livelihood,” said Emlyn Jean, information and communications manager at SLSWMA.
“When electronics break down in a landfill, they release lead, mercury, cadmium, which are real toxins. We can’t afford to ignore that. And honestly, we don’t have to. That’s what today proves.”
Organisers noted that e-waste remains one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the Caribbean, and one of the most dangerous if not properly managed.
Materials collected during the event will be processed at Greening the Caribbean’s Recycling Centre for sorting, disassembly and preparation for export to facilities that reuse them to make new products.
“At our recycling services centre, e-waste, aluminium and plastic beverage containers and other recyclables are handled using best environmental and best available techniques that are safe for people and for the environment – contributing to closing the circular economy loop,” said Wayne Neale, chief operating officer of Greening the Caribbean.
“At events like this, folks bring it in, so it gets handled properly. No dumping, no burning and no landfill unless it cannot be recycled. That’s the difference. Old electronics. New purpose.”
The event is part of an Integrated E-Waste Management initiative by Greening the Caribbean and SLSWMA, supported by IDB Lab.
Organisers say the initiative aims to build a more structured and sustainable approach to managing electronic waste in Saint Lucia, while encouraging greater community participation and responsible disposal practices.
Key partners included Massy Stores St. Lucia, Invest Saint Lucia, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, the Anse La Raye Constituency Council, Anse La Raye Facilities Management Committee, NEMO, the Ministry of Equity and the Caribbean Youth Environment Network.