WILLEMSTAD – A volunteer cleanup operation at Caracasbaai Beach on Saturday uncovered what organizers described as a shocking amount of waste, with nearly 438 kilograms of trash collected from the beach and surrounding areas in just one day.
The cleanup was organized by local environmental activist “Kunuku Man” and his volunteer team, a group that has become known on the island for regular community cleanup actions aimed at tackling illegal dumping and littering.
According to the organizer, 39 volunteers took part in Saturday’s operation, allowing the group to split into two teams to cover a larger area.
One team moved from the beach toward the historic Fort Beekenburg, while the second headed toward the nearby roundabout.
What they found, according to the group, was deeply disturbing.
Among the waste collected were 1,210 empty beer bottles, weighing a total of 242 kilograms.
Volunteers also collected 600 aluminum cans, weighing 8 kilograms, and 550 plastic bottles, weighing 11 kilograms.
In addition, 177 kilograms of mixed waste were removed from the area.
The total amount of garbage collected reached 438 kilograms.
Much of the recyclable material, including glass, aluminum and plastic, was separated and sent for recycling.
The remaining waste will be transported to the island’s landfill.
The cleanup once again highlights the growing problem of littering and environmental neglect at some of Curaçao’s most visited coastal areas.
Caracasbaai is one of the island’s most popular recreational and tourism spots, attracting both locals and visitors for beach outings, water sports and historical sightseeing.
Environmental volunteers say the amount of waste found raises concerns not only about cleanliness but also about the impact on marine life and coastal ecosystems.
Plastic waste, broken glass and cans can pose serious dangers to wildlife, including sea turtles and seabirds that frequent the area.
Despite the disappointing conditions, organizers praised the volunteers for their dedication, especially given the high temperatures during the cleanup.
Kunuku Man thanked the group for their hard work and renewed his call for the public to take greater responsibility for their waste.
His message was direct: keep your trash in your car and dispose of it properly at home instead of leaving it behind in public spaces.
The group says community awareness and personal responsibility remain essential if Curaçao wants to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.
For the volunteers, the cleanup was not just about removing trash.
It was also about sending a message.
A cleaner Curaçao, they say, starts with individual behavior.