1,500 tires a day are dumped at the Cook’s Landfill in Antigua and Barbuda. As a result, officials now warn of rising environmental risks.

Moreover, the growing pile of rubber strains the island’s waste system. The landfill already handles heavy daily loads. Therefore, the added tire volume creates serious concern.

Maurice Merchant raised the alarm during a post-Cabinet briefing. He said the site receives six tons of solid waste daily. In addition, it takes in 30,000 gallons of sewage. However, the 1,500 tires arriving each day pose a special threat.

Unlike household trash, tires do not break down easily. Instead, they sit for years. Worse still, they increase the risk of dangerous fires.

Consequently, Cabinet is now reviewing new solutions. Officials want to reduce the growing stockpile. At the same time, they hope to protect public health and the environment.

Merchant said leaders are studying road-building technology. For example, shredded tires can be mixed into asphalt. This method could support projects like the Burning Flames Highway. If approved, the plan would reuse rubber in safe conditions.

In addition, the government is exploring waste-to-energy systems. Such systems can convert garbage into usable power. However, these plans remain under review. Still, officials see them as long-term answers.

Antigua and Barbuda faces limited landfill space. Like many Caribbean islands, it must manage waste carefully. Therefore, every load matters.

To put the scale in perspective, 1,500 tires equal a full car set every 15 minutes. That figure shows how fast the pile grows.

Meanwhile, the government continues to upgrade equipment. Crews now use new bulldozers, excavators, and compactors. These tools help control and contain waste more effectively.

Even so, leaders admit equipment alone will not solve the issue. Sustainable planning remains essential.

As talks continue, residents watch closely. They want solutions that protect both land and livelihoods. Ultimately, the island must act quickly to keep its waste problem from growing out of control.