The Strategic Plan 2021-2025 outlines SWMCOL’s strategy to become a driving force in sustainable environmental management in Trinidad and Tobago. Using a modified Balanced Scorecard Framework, the Plan is rooted in a thorough analysis of the external and internal business context.
The External Analysis highlighted the global proliferation of the zero-waste movement, climate change mitigation action and the propagation of the concept of Corporate Sustainability, linked to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by corporations, municipalities, countries and regions alike. The 5Rs - Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot - have now become the standard in many nations.
Locally, the analysis observed that the Government’s policy framework as articulated in Vision 2030, the Roadmap Committee Report, and the National Environmental Policy, all provided a favourable environment for the work of SWMCOL, as the Government’s policy-executing agency in the area of solid waste management. Unfortunately, the economic environment is not as accommodating. The current and projected state of the Trinidad and Tobago economy is, at best, faltering under the weight of the COVID-19 Pandemic, fiscal constraints, and the foreign exchange crunch emanating from the collapse of our major commodity exports.
The Internal Analysis revealed that, as a company that provides a public good while simultaneously engaging in commercial activity, SWMCOL’s performance in both spheres has been uninspiring. Over the last three (3) years, several major projects were executed in areas of landfill management, waste recycling, commercial activities, and public education and awareness. However, the outcomes fell short of planned targets. While revenue targets were met in some of the commercial activities, the cost structure of operations rendered most of these services unprofitable.
Notwithstanding the difficult business context, care for the environment endures as a global and national imperative and the work of SWMCOL with respect to solid waste management remains an essential service mandate.
This Strategic Plan aims to transform SWMCOL into an efficient world class service provider, while at the same time building national consciousness and a culture of care for the environment. This aspiration and role are encapsulated in the revised vision and mission of the Company.
“Get into Green” is more than a call to action. It is both a precept and a promise.
The promise is that of a greener tomorrow for the benefit of all when we “Get into Green”.