WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) has announced that the temporary arrangement allowing businesses to dispose of waste free of charge at Selikor's Landfill and Transfer Station will end on January 1, 2027. From that date, businesses will once again be required to separate their waste to qualify for free disposal.
The temporary arrangement, introduced in September 2024, will be discontinued, and the rules and conditions that applied before that date will be reinstated. However, the government is expanding the categories of separated waste that businesses can dispose of without paying fees.
According to the ministry, most commercial waste will continue to qualify for free disposal, provided it is properly separated and falls within the eligible waste categories. Businesses delivering mixed or incorrectly separated waste will be required to pay the regular disposal fees.
The changes will not affect households.
Government Wants to Encourage Waste Separation
The government introduced free disposal of commercial waste in September 2024 as a temporary measure. However, authorities have observed that businesses have become considerably less likely to separate their waste since the arrangement was introduced.
According to GMN, this has created challenges for sustainable waste management because separated materials can often be reused or recycled and generally require significantly less landfill space.
The ministry explained that encouraging waste separation is essential to extending the lifespan of Curaçao's landfill and reducing environmental damage.
The government had already announced the planned policy change in early 2026. The implementation date has now been confirmed as January 1, 2027.
GMN emphasized that no new disposal rates or conditions are being introduced. Instead, the government is returning to the system that existed before September 2024 while expanding opportunities for businesses to dispose of separated waste free of charge.
The intention is to make proper waste separation the most financially attractive option for businesses.
What Changes for Businesses and Households?
For private households, the existing arrangement remains unchanged. Residents may continue to dispose of up to 1,000 kilograms of waste per calendar year at Selikor free of charge.
For businesses, most waste can still be disposed of without payment if it is separated correctly. This includes various categories of construction waste and garden waste when delivered as separate materials.
However, the ministry stressed that separating waste does not automatically mean every type of waste qualifies for free disposal.
The government and Selikor will launch an information campaign explaining which categories qualify and the conditions that businesses must meet.
Commercial waste that is mixed or incorrectly separated will be subject to the regular disposal fees that applied before September 2024.
For industrial and special waste, the previous rates and conditions will remain in effect. These categories include medical waste, chemical waste, asbestos-containing materials, electronic waste and waste originating from ships.
The free disposal arrangement applies exclusively to waste generated in Curaçao.
Construction Companies and Transporters Urged to Prepare
The ministry is calling on businesses, particularly transport companies, contractors and construction firms, to begin preparing for the changes well before January 2027.
Businesses are encouraged to adjust their waste collection and transportation procedures to ensure that different types of waste are separated before being delivered to Selikor.
By doing so, companies can continue benefiting from free disposal arrangements while contributing to a cleaner environment.
GMN emphasized that businesses should use the remaining months of 2026 to make the necessary operational adjustments.
Selikor to Improve Waste Collection Facilities
The government and Selikor will jointly organize an information campaign to explain the new arrangements and provide practical guidance on proper waste separation.
Selikor is also improving facilities for receiving separated waste at the Landfill and Transfer Station.
Additional investments will focus on reducing the volume of waste requiring landfill disposal, while businesses and other waste suppliers will be able to request advice on how to comply with the requirements.
According to the ministry, separating waste is among the most effective ways to protect Curaçao's environment and natural resources.
Materials that are properly separated can potentially be reused as raw materials or processed to reduce their volume. This helps extend the operational life of the landfill while reducing pressure on the environment and public health.
The government believes the policy change will encourage businesses to take greater responsibility for waste management and support the development of a more sustainable waste disposal system.
Businesses and residents seeking additional information about the new requirements or proper waste separation can contact Selikor at 566 1635.