DNM Joins Forces for a Clean and Livable Aruba During the “National Day of Care for Aruba”

During a coordination meeting, an integrated strategy was discussed to combine the nationwide cleanup campaign with monitoring and enforcement, with the goal of not only cleaning Aruba but also keeping it clean.

The Department of Nature and the Environment (DNM) joins the call for the community to actively contribute to a clean and livable Aruba. The main objective is to strengthen the community’s cleanup efforts through ongoing monitoring and enforcement, so that public spaces remain clean in the long term.

National Campaign: 100 Tons of Waste and More Than 20 Collection Points

On July 25, everyone in Aruba is encouraged to participate in the nationwide cleanup campaign. The goal of this government initiative is to collect a total of 100 tons of waste in a single day.

Communities, schools, businesses, and sports clubs are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and take action in their own neighborhoods or districts. To facilitate waste collection and logistics, more than 20 collection points will be set up across all districts.

During the coordination meeting with Prime Minister Mike Eman, Gisbert Boekhoudt, Director of DNM, emphasized that the cleanup campaign is only the beginning.

"Cleaning up is one thing, but keeping Aruba clean over the long term remains a challenge. Cleaning up and keeping it clean is the combination we are looking for," said Boekhoudt.

The General Police Ordinance (APV) contains clear rules and penalties for illegally dumping waste. In addition, regulations are in place for businesses that collect and process waste.

Monitoring and Enforcement

To strengthen monitoring and enforcement, several agencies are working together:

• The DNM Inspection Department and the City Inspection Bureau (BCI) are responsible for regulatory and analytical activities. DNM also has two officials trained by the BCI who provide support in preparing official reports (police reports).
• The Aruba Police Force (KPA) will provide operational support and use its expertise in preparing official reports and judicial documentation.
• The Public Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for following up on and handling substantiated reports and for imposing legally established fines.

Through this joint approach, the agencies involved aim to ensure that individuals who continue to illegally dump waste after the National Day of Care for Aruba are held accountable and, where necessary, prosecuted.

DNM expresses its appreciation for the cooperation among all parties involved and emphasizes that collective action and vigilance are essential to keeping Aruba clean, healthy, and livable for both people and nature.