The introduction of tipping fees – based on weight – at the dump (see Friday/Saturday edition) is in principle common sense. Processing trash costs money so depositing it should too, especially for those who make such their business and charge clients.
Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planing, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Patrice Gumbs said this is part of a broader initiative to improve waste management and ensure the financial operation of the landfill, including its eventual closure. The approach encompasses payment for household garbage collection too.
As stated before in this column, the latter is normal in other countries and most people probably would have no major issue with it if the amounts are kept reasonable. In addition, the current outdated “garbage hauling contracts” in the districts need to be modernised for reasons of efficiency and – not in the last place – environmental considerations.
Consumers also want to see meaningful waste separation, sorting and recycling by now. Mention was made of a “professionally managed system” and “streamlined tendering process”.
One concern might be that more choose to illegally dump their trash elsewhere, with all consequences for nature and public health. There are plans for enhanced policy enforcement with “robust measures” to uphold regulations.
In Curaçao things got to the point where government made the landfill free during several months to fight illegal dumping practices and then extended the offer for a whole year. This despite many efforts in the recent past to catch and fine polluters even with a so-called “X Team” actively conducting patrols.
It won’t be easy in other words and requires significant resources along with tough decisions going forward. Then again, continuing things as they are is no option either.
