Grenada’s first organic waste processing project “Greening Grenada: St. George’s Market Composting Pilot Project” has officially been launched, a leap forward in the direction of sustainable waste management. This project by Grenada Grows Ltd, the result of CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Judlyn Telesford-Checkley’s ingenuity, was launched on Monday 29th September 2025, at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium. The project is being executed in partnership with the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority (GSWMA) and financially propelled by Republic Bank Grenada Ltd. through its Power to Make a Difference initiative.
Through ‘Greening Grenada’, the company aims to divert 30% of the over 40% of organic waste that currently goes into the Perseverance Landfill, using it to create products such as: soil food, mulch, compost and plant food. This is a momentous development in waste management, as Grenada leads the way for the Caribbean region, striving to meet its strategic goals of diverting 80% of waste from landfill by 2030 and of becoming zero waste by 2035.
As part of Grenada Grows’ partnership with the GSWMA, 40,000 sq. ft. of land opposite the Perseverance Landfill Facility has been designated for the construction of a composting and soil food production facility. This location is very important in ensuring that Grenada Grows receives the necessary support from GSWMA.
During the launch, Dr. Telesford-Checkley explained that her revolutionary idea came about during a visit to the St. George’s market, where she noticed the amount of organic waste on the curbside waiting for collection, prompting her to think of alternative uses of such. She recounted her initial steps; taking the project from its inception to launch, and the positive feedback she received from individual vendors in the Market and larger organizations. To further establish the project and get the word out, she explained that she took an inclusive approach to getting the vendors on board and collaborated with Rainbow Waste Services, for the collection and transportation to the processing plant. Demonstrating her persistence for the cause and the mission of her company, she highlighted the changes in organic waste disposal culture, that have led to her innovation and how her business aims to adapt with Grenada.
This project has come about at an opportune time, as almost half of Grenada’s waste stream consists of organic material. Organic waste is a known major emitter of methane gas on landfills, a potent greenhouse gas that is both highly volatile and harmful to the environment. Utilising the organic waste, aids in reducing landfill strain and promotes climate conscious development. It also provides a solution for poultry farmers and fishermen for the disposal of entrails and other types of organic waste.
Myrna Julien, Communications Manager, represented founding partner GSWMA at the launch. In her remarks, she expressed that aside from the provision of lands, the company will enthusiastically work alongside Grenada Grows Ltd, by providing equipment such as: coconut shredder and a skid-steer loader; waste shredding services and supplemental manpower, towards the successful execution of this project. Ms. Julien also emphasized that projects such as this, will allow the GSWMA to further monitor the impacts of waste diversion initiatives on the Perseverance Landfill.
In her remarks, General Manager of Operations of founding sponsor Republic Bank Grenada Ltd, Ms. Mavis McBurnie, highlighted how the work of Grenada Grows Ltd aligns closely with the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking’s mission. The mission, which the bank is a signatory to, supports these four UN Sustainable Development Goals: 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). She also stated that through endeavors such as this one, “we can build a future that is cleaner, greener and more resilient”.
Grenada Grows Ltd is actively collaborating with key organizations to enhance the success of this composting initiative. Partners include Recycle Organics, providing valuable technical expertise, and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), offering critical support in research, testing, and development.
Government ministries are also keen supporters of the project. The Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy is a passionate supporter of this initiative, as it aligns with the ministry’s mission of addressing climate change, promoting environmental stability and enhancing renewable energy. Permanent Secretary, Peron Johnson expressed her overall excitement for the project, stating that this pilot plays a major role in “reimagining how organic waste can be transformed into valuable resources, for our farmers and for us.”
Likewise, Chief Agricultural Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, Marine Resources and Cooperatives, Mr. Thaddeus Peters stated that “this pilot is an important first step towards a circular agricultural economy, one in which waste becomes an input and farming systems become more resilient.” He reaffirmed the ministry’s endorsement, whilst highlighting the vital issues addressed by the pilot regarding waste management and soil health; key factors underpinning food security in Grenada.
Following the launch, Grenada Grows Ltd in collaboration with Recycle Organics hosted a three-day composting training, facilitated by US based research specialist, Mr. Matthew Cotton. Mr. Cotton, who has been in the composting industry since 1986, focuses on compost use and climate impacts, and is an advocate for new and expanded organic recycling. Fourteen participants engaged in a blend of theoretical and practical activities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to develop compost piles, while educating them on the benefits and applications of compost. Participants included representatives from the GSWMA, Grenada Grows Ltd, Recycle Organics, CARDI and Caribbean Youth Environment Network in Grenada. This project heralds in a new time and approach to building a stronger, healthier and greener Grenada.
The GSWMA expresses its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Telesford-Checkley for her passion and tenacity around organic waste and its important role in Grenada’s future, and looks forward to a successful partnership through this endeavor.