WILLEMSTAD – Expanding Curaçao’s main landfill at its current location is no longer an option, according to Selikor director Wesley Kook. The move would interfere with planned developments in the surrounding area and violates existing agreements with the public housing foundation FKP, which include maintaining a buffer zone between the Wechi neighborhood and the Malpais landfill.
Kook’s remarks come as warnings grow louder that the island’s landfill is nearing capacity. Instead of expanding the site, Selikor is turning its focus to modern waste processing systems inspired by the Dutch model. Just last week, the company received new containers for waste separation, which will be placed in various neighborhoods around the island.
Waste Collection Fee Likely to Increase
Selikor is also exploring an increase in the waste collection fee, which would rise from 20 to 22 guilders per household. According to Kook, the current rate has remained unchanged for over 30 years, despite a significant rise in the number of homes.
"Over the years, many new houses have been built, but the government has never adjusted the amount," said Kook. Currently, of the 35 guilders citizens pay in waste collection fees, only 20 guilders go to Selikor.
‘Milieustraten’ Coming to Curaçao
Kook pointed to recent global innovations in waste management, particularly in countries like the Netherlands where “milieustraten” (environmental streets or recycling stations) have become standard. Curaçao, he said, is preparing to adopt similar systems.
Last week, Selikor received a shipment of containers designed to separate different types of waste. A similar system is already in place at the Van den Tweel supermarket in Zeelandia, and the new containers will soon be installed in other neighborhoods, including Koraal Specht.
Illegal Dumping in Nature Still a Problem
Kook also addressed the ongoing issue of illegal dumping, particularly of bulky waste—items too large for standard household bins, which Selikor collects free of charge through scheduled neighborhood pickups.
“It’s unfortunate,” Kook said. “Despite a clearly communicated collection schedule, people continue to dump their trash in the mondi (natural areas). Why this continues to happen remains an unanswered question.”
Selikor hopes its new initiatives will encourage more responsible waste disposal and help ease pressure on the overburdened landfill.
