Sint Maarten delegation in Aruba to explore waste management

In this context, a delegation from Sint Maarten, led by the Minister of Public Housing, Environment, and Infrastructure, Mr. Patrice Gumbs, is currently in Aruba. The delegation will gain deeper insights into this transformation and explore solutions that may apply to Sint Maarten.

The closure of the Parkietenbos landfill marked a new beginning in Aruba's waste management. It was a step that should have been taken years ago, as the landfill had been operating beyond capacity for decades, posing a severe risk to public health and the environment.

To achieve this, several key strategies were implemented, including:

• Redirecting waste to reduce the volume reaching the landfill;
• Boosting the waste processing sector, creating opportunities for recycling companies and sustainability initiatives;
• Developing long-term strategies based on historical and current data;
• Strengthening enforcement and control measures, including fines for illegal dumping. This process is still ongoing, as it requires cooperation with judicial authorities.

For many years, Aruba has struggled with the problem of careless waste management. In 2012, the Zero Tolerance report identified 62 open dumping sites, 31 of which were illegal landfills. Today, this number has been reduced to six. The Department of Nature and Environment (DNM) monitors these sites, and the next step is to address them with the Bureau City Inspector. It demonstrates that waste management is not just a matter of infrastructure but also requires cultural and behavioral changes within the community.

Despite the progress, the transition has not been without challenges. Political resistance, illegal nighttime dumping, and the enforcement of control measures required significant effort. However, through the Bureau City Inspector (BCI), efforts have been intensified to combat these illegal practices and strengthen environmental awareness within the community. 
More social control is in place now, and allegations of unlawful dumping to shield the island from people who do not value Aruba.

Thanks to public vigilance, the relevant authorities can act quickly against irresponsible waste disposal. Several designated waste disposal sites are available, which can be found on www.limpi.aw.

By encouraging the reducing, reusing, and recycling concepts, Aruba is moving toward a circular economy. Plans for an Environmental Park (Milieupark) are currently in progress. For many years, Aruba has needed a key facility for waste processing and resource recovery. However, it is important to recognize that solving a problem that has existed for over 70 years cannot be accomplished in just a few years. The continuity of this vision will depend on the commitment of future governments to maintain the same willingness to advance responsible, data-driven solutions while always considering the well-being of the people, the planet, and economic prosperity.

A study is currently being conducted in collaboration with the University of Georgia to analyze community behavior in relation to waste management. This will help improve the implementation of strategies, particularly in waste separation.
On the journey toward a cleaner Aruba, both the public and private sectors play a crucial role. Challenges remain, such as extending the operating hours of waste processing centers on weekends.

The Sint Maarten delegation has the opportunity to learn about all these initiatives in detail and also share their knowledge with the team in Aruba. This exchange of experiences will not only strengthen cooperation among Caribbean islands but also facilitate collective progress in the implementation of sustainable and responsible waste management solutions across the region.