WILLEMSTAD – A group of volunteers removed nearly 200 kilograms of litter and illegally discarded waste from Kaya Fraternan di Skèrpènè on Sunday, highlighting ongoing concerns about illegal dumping and roadside pollution across Curaçao.
The cleanup effort was organized by environmental activist "The Kunuku Man" and involved nine volunteers who spent the day collecting trash along the roadway, which is frequently used as a shortcut by motorists but has also become a dumping ground for litter.
According to organizers, the team collected a total of 199 kilograms of waste during the operation.
Among the items recovered were 480 empty beer bottles weighing approximately 96 kilograms, 225 aluminum cans weighing 3 kilograms, and 450 plastic bottles weighing 9 kilograms. An additional 91 kilograms consisted of mixed waste destined for the landfill.
The glass, aluminum, and plastic materials were separated for recycling.
Organizers expressed frustration at the amount of litter found along the route, describing the situation as unacceptable and urging residents to take greater responsibility for disposing of waste properly.
The collected waste has been placed in several piles along the road and organizers are requesting that Selikor remove the material. The Kunuku Man indicated that he would contact the waste management company to arrange pickup.
The cleanup campaign also served as an opportunity to thank the volunteers who participated.
Organizers praised the group's efforts, noting that the nine participants worked throughout the day to remove large quantities of waste from the area and improve the appearance of the neighborhood.
As part of the awareness campaign, residents were encouraged to keep a garbage bag in their vehicles and dispose of trash properly at home rather than throwing it out along roadsides.
The organizers also reminded the public of the importance of recycling glass, cans, and plastic bottles whenever possible.
Illegal dumping and roadside litter remain persistent environmental challenges on Curaçao, with community groups frequently organizing cleanup activities to address the problem and raise awareness about responsible waste disposal.
The Kunuku Man said volunteers are always welcome to participate in future cleanup campaigns as efforts continue to keep the island cleaner and reduce the impact of litter on the environment.