| Overview : The Solid Waste Management Bill was developed in an effort to compile all waste related legislation in a single reference source with a body incorporated to have jurisdiction over these laws. Most of the laws related to the sector are outdated and where exists are not suited for present circumstances and practice. The current standards in the sector are also outdated and in most cases absent. The Solid Waste Management Bill speaks to the creation of a Solid Waste Management Authority, a centralized corporate body having the authority for all solid waste management activities in Guyana. This centralized approach for the management of this service is not in keeping with the philosophy/agenda of the Government of Guyana to have this and other services performed at the local level in the Guyanese society. The Bill should therefore be reviewed and revised to support a decentralized management system which gives the Local Democratic Organs (LDOs - Municipalities & NDCs) the autonomy to provide an efficient and effective waste management service within their respective jurisdictions. The role of the Ministry of Communities in this regard is to facilitate the Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building of the LDOs to provide this service, which is already enshrined in their legislative framework. The formation of a "special committee" with representation from entities associated with waste management may be necessary. This committee's function may be to formulate policies, regulations and standards for the management of waste across LDOs. | 
