WILLEMSTAD – Environmental organizations in Curaçao are raising concerns about widespread illegal dumping along the coastal area stretching from Sint Michiel to Bullenbaai, where household appliances, construction debris, furniture, mattresses and even dead animals are being discarded in natural areas.
The situation has become so severe that environmental volunteers are questioning whether the coastal strip of Malpais is gradually being transformed into a second landfill.
According to the organizations involved, illegal dumping occurs regularly along Weg naar Bullenbaai, despite the proximity of an official landfill where many types of waste can be disposed of free of charge.
Discarded refrigerators, stoves, household garbage, broken furniture, demolition materials and animal carcasses have been found at various locations along the road.
The organizations say that responsibility for cleaning these areas repeatedly falls on concerned residents and volunteers rather than being addressed through a consistent government cleanup effort.
Flamingo Habitat Affected by Illegal Dumping
One of the most heavily affected locations is near the salt pans at the entrance to Sint Michiel, an area known for attracting groups of flamingos and visitors who come to observe the birds.
Large quantities of household waste have been dumped in the surrounding environment, mixed with asphalt, concrete, broken glass, tiles and animal remains.
The accumulation of waste has raised concerns about the deterioration of an area valued for its natural surroundings and wildlife.
The dumping also affects the appearance of a location visited by residents and tourists.
The organizations involved describe the situation as particularly frustrating because proper waste disposal facilities are available relatively nearby.
Volunteers Complete Major Cleanup Operation
In response to the growing accumulation of waste, Stichting Uniek Curaçao, Stichting Mi Refugio and environmental organization Pura Vida Azul joined forces to organize an extensive cleanup operation.
The work began in early October and continued for more than a week.
Volunteers concentrated on removing illegally dumped materials from several affected locations, including the area near the Sint Michiel salt pans.
The cleanup was completed on October 15.
The organizations have also announced plans to install new signs reminding visitors and residents that the area must be kept clean.
However, they recognize that removing the existing waste will not solve the problem unless illegal dumping is prevented from recurring.
Residents Urged to Demand Proof of Proper Waste Disposal
The organizations are calling on residents and businesses to take greater responsibility when hiring individuals or companies to remove waste.
They recommend that anyone employing someone to dispose of construction debris, household materials or garden waste should require proof that the materials were delivered to an authorized disposal facility.
One practical suggestion is to withhold part of the payment until the contractor presents a disposal receipt issued by Selikor.
According to the organizations, this would help discourage contractors and individuals from collecting payment for waste removal and subsequently dumping the materials in remote natural areas.
Residents are also encouraged to confront the problem by urging people who dispose of waste illegally to use the designated landfill.
Call for Greater Responsibility and Continued Maintenance
The cleanup campaign highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting Curaçao's natural areas from illegal waste disposal.
Although volunteers have removed substantial quantities of garbage, the organizations believe that lasting improvements will require greater public awareness, responsible waste disposal and more consistent attention to affected locations.
The situation also raises questions about enforcement and the responsibility of public authorities for preventing illegal dumping and maintaining public areas.
Without effective prevention, locations that have been cleaned may once again become dumping grounds.
Stichting Uniek Curaçao is appealing for financial support to continue the general maintenance of natural areas and popular public locations.
Donations can be made through MCB account number 87218007 in the name of Stichting Uniek Curaçao.
The organizations hope that their cleanup efforts, together with greater public cooperation, will help preserve the Sint Michiel–Bullenbaai coastal area and prevent it from becoming a permanent dumping site.