Numerous Caribbean states are heavily affected by vast quantities of washed-up sargassum seaweed (brown algae): it pollutes coastlines, threatens fish stocks, impacts tourism, causes unpleasant odours, and poses health risks to local residents.
However, this problem, which has become increasingly acute from year to year, has also led to a growing awareness in the region of the potential for the productive utilisation of brown seaweed and other organic waste. In Caribbean island states, more than half of all waste consists of organic residues – that is, plant-based, animal-based, or derived biodegradable materials. Such waste is typically sent to landfill or incinerated, resulting in the release of climate-damaging methane while valuable resources remain unused.
To address these challenges, the experience gained in Germany since the 1970s in the recovery and utilisation of organic residues can make a valuable contribution. Supporting local partners in the management of their organic waste and in advancing the circular economy is the objective of the GIZ projects “Material and Energy Recovery of Organic Waste and Sargassum (BioWaste Caribbean)” and “Supporting the Enabling Conditions for a Climate-Compatible Circular Economy”, both funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Exploratory trip lays the groundwork for long-term cooperation
At the initiative of GIZ, a delegation from Lübeck Waste Management (EBL), GIZ project staff, and technical experts from the German Biomass Research Centre (DBFZ) undertook an exploratory mission to three member states of the Caribbean Community from 17 to 27 February 2026: Saint Lucia, Dominica, and Grenada.
The purpose of the mission was to work closely with local waste management stakeholders to gain a better understanding of existing waste management systems and to identify specific opportunities for improvement and cooperation in the fields of organic waste recovery (including Sargassum) and the circular economy. The exploratory mission took place following the launch events of the GIZ projects “BioWaste Caribbean” and “Circular Economy Caribbean”.
On-site insights: Landfills, recycling and dialogue
The mission focused on visits to waste management facilities across the islands. These included, among others, the landfills at Deglos (Saint Lucia), Fond Cole (Dominica), and Perseverance, as well as the Queens Park recycling facility in Grenada. In addition, meetings were held with government ministries, operating companies, private-sector representatives, and civil society organisations.
This combination of technical site visits and strategic dialogue provided a comprehensive picture of the respective national waste management systems, including their strengths and challenges.
Positive developments on the islands
The analysis showed that significant progress has already been made in all three countries:
- Saint Lucia has achieved success with composting and is planning to build a new composting plant in the south of the island.
- Grenada offers significant potential for public-private partnerships, particularly in the areas of composting, biogas production, the manufacture of organic fertilisers, and the utilisation of Sargassum seaweed.
- Dominica has made progress in plastic recycling and deposit-return systems. In addition, new garbage trucks have been put into service, creating opportunities for technical exchanges and training. In addition, new garbage trucks have been put into service, creating opportunities for technical exchanges and training.
Shared challenges and opportunities
Despite these positive developments, a number of overarching challenges also became apparent:
As waste is not yet collected separately and systematically channelled into the circular economy, landfill remains common practice in the Caribbean. In Saint Lucia, plans are underway to build a new landfill site.
A key issue, also in order to relieve pressure on landfills, is the management of organic waste. As many households have gardens, there is significant potential for decentralised composting, for example at household level, in schools, or within communities. Successful examples already exist and could be further expanded.
The management of end-of-life tyres also remains a problem, but offers opportunities for innovative recycling solutions in line with the principles of the circular economy.
Furthermore, all waste management authorities face financial challenges. The systems are heavily reliant on government funding and have so far generated only limited revenue of their own. New models for resource recovery and marketing are therefore crucial.
Another bottleneck lies in technical and operational resources. A lack of machinery, limited maintenance capacity and a shortage of skilled staff are hampering operations in many places. Although both Dominica and Grenada already have their own workshops, there is a need for practical maintenance training.
Strategic priorities for EBL practice partners
Based on the insights gained from the trip, Lübeck Waste Management (EBL) has identified potential areas for future collaboration with partners in the region:
- Organic waste management: Expanding separate collection and composting. Recycling of pre-sorted organic industrial waste.
- Landfill gas collection: Installation of appropriate systems, including energy recovery
- Maintenance: Improving the maintenance and operation of plant and vehicles
- Circular economy: strengthening recycling chains and markets
- Environmental education: raising awareness and knowledge, including through educational initiatives such as the #wirfuerbio app
Conclusion
The fact-finding mission has laid an important foundation for future cooperation. It has not only highlighted specific challenges, but also demonstrated the potential that a long-term professional exchange between local stakeholders and German experts holds for the further development of waste management in the Caribbean.
For Lübeck Waste Management (EBL), the mission therefore marks a successful start as a practical partner for local circular economy stakeholders, with a clear focus on a resource-efficient, circular future and, in particular, the productive utilisation of organic residues.