The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has taken note of a social media video circulating in which a coconut vendor is seen at his business location and calling on the Authority to clean the waste generated from his trade.

The Authority wishes to remind the public that keeping Antigua and Barbuda clean is a shared responsibility, and every individual is accountable for the waste they generate.

As a business owner, you are responsible for every aspect of your business operations, including the proper collection, storage and disposal of waste generated through your commercial activities. Whether you operate a roadside vending business, food establishment, shop or any other commercial enterprise, it is your responsibility to ensure that your business does not contribute to unsightly conditions or environmental pollution.

The NSWMA is mandated to provide public waste collection and management services. However, this does not mean that the Authority is responsible for cleaning up after individual business operators who fail to manage the waste generated from their commercial activities.

The Authority strongly advises the individual concerned to take immediate steps to remove and properly dispose of the waste associated with his business. Failure to do so may result in enforcement action under the Litter Control and Prevention Act, including the application of the relevant penalties.

Let it be clearly understood that littering and irresponsible waste disposal will not be tolerated.

The Authority will continue to encourage responsible environmental practices and will support the enforcement of the laws governing litter prevention.

You cannot demand a clean environment while contributing to the very problem you expect someone else to resolve.

Keeping Antigua and Barbuda clean starts with individual accountability. Every vendor, business owner, resident and visitor has a part to play.

The days of shifting responsibility for personal and commercial waste onto the NSWMA must come to an end.

Litterbugs across the nation will not be tolerated.

National Solid Waste Management Authority

Keeping Antigua and Barbuda Clean is Everyone’s Responsibility.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Coconut vendor told to clean up his own business waste or face penalties.