WILLEMSTAD - Despite the temporary free access to Landfill Malpais, notorious dumping sites on the island are still being used for illegal waste disposal. Local residents are concerned about what will happen once the free landfill initiative ends on October 31. "We’re worried about the situation when the free landfill period ends," they say.
Most of the illegal dumping is done by drivers of small trucks, often contractors, gardeners, or drivers hauling waste for private individuals, shops, or other businesses. Residents of Curaçao who transport small amounts of household waste to the landfill typically pay nothing, as up to 1,000 kg per year is free. However, those who exceed that limit, such as the truck drivers mentioned, must pay at the gates of Malpais or Koraalspecht. To avoid these fees, many choose to dump their waste illegally in remote areas, commonly leaving construction debris, broken air conditioners or refrigerators, mattresses, or large quantities of empty beer bottles.
Convenience and Improper Documentation
In an effort to reduce illegal dumping, the government decided to make the Malpais landfill and the Selikor transfer station at Koraalspecht free for everyone from September 3 to October 31, with the only requirement being registration at the gate. While residents near notorious dumping sites have noticed a decrease in illegal dumping, it still occurs. Locals believe the main reasons are convenience and improper documentation. “Some drivers don’t want to make the trip to Malpais, and many of them are driving trucks without proper paperwork—insurance, taxes, or inspection certificates. Because of the registration requirement at the gate, these drivers can’t even enter Selikor’s facilities,” residents suggest.
Concerns for the Future
Residents fear that after October 31, when the government’s free landfill initiative ends and fees for large amounts of waste are reinstated, illegal dumping will surge again. Without a follow-up plan, areas like Dam Pretu and Ronde Klip, where the road to Playa Kanoa begins, are expected to return to their previous state, with widespread dumping threatening the environment once more.