WILLEMSTAD – Waste management company Selikor is recommending the introduction of a tourism-related waste tax to help fund future recycling and composting efforts. The proposal comes from a recently conducted study commissioned by the company, which explores sustainable solutions for waste processing on the island. 

According to the report, which was presented last week, the current funding model is not sufficient to support the necessary improvements in waste separation and recycling. The introduction of a new tax would help cover the operational costs of more environmentally friendly waste practices. 

The suggested tax could be implemented either as a charge per tourist overnight stay or as a fee based on the tonnage of imported goods. The study argues that this approach ensures that both tourism and consumption-related waste are more fairly accounted for in the island's sustainability goals. 

The proposal reflects growing awareness of the environmental impact of tourism and the need for long-term investments in waste infrastructure. While the idea is still in the proposal phase, it is expected to generate discussion among policymakers and stakeholders in both the environmental and tourism sectors.