Today’s picture of trash at Mullet Bay reminds us how much of an issue this still is, especially for a tourism destination. Without going into allegedly unemptied bins or the role of beach restaurants, repeated clean-ups of the area by volunteers have shown that this is by no means an isolated incident.
Comprehensive solutions are what is needed, including implementation of the already-existing ban on single-use plastics, Styrofoam containers, etc. A letter to the editor on the opinion pages also advocates recycling.
However, care must be taken that well-intended efforts don’t make the situation worse. Another photo in this newspaper from Curaçao of what became an illegal dump for cartons on private land in a residential area is a good example.
The Dutch side’s waste problem is by now a major, multi-faceted challenge that can only be tackled effectively with a broad-based approach. That’s why last week’s meeting with stakeholders on the draft vision for integrated solid waste management in St. Maarten by 2030 was so important.
Judging by the reported attendance, those involved apparently thought so too. The landfill has long surpassed its lifespan, so the current focus is on making the facility’s operations more effective while preventing underground garbage fires, which includes resettling residents and businesses located in what is considered a potential danger zone.
But in the meantime, initiatives to improve the present situation are obviously very welcome, provided they do not create new headaches. Sustainability is the key word also in that sense.
