Official Opening of the waste drop-off site
ORANJESTAD – On June 1, 2026, the permanent waste disposal site in Barcadera was officially inaugurated. This initiative marks an important step in the ongoing efforts to keep Aruba clean, organized, and sustainable.
Through the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) and with support from the Government Initiatives Budget (ESG/Sustainability Fund), the government has been able to allocate resources to address structural challenges related to public cleanliness and waste management. The project is the result of the government's vision to directly reinvest the benefits of tourism into tangible improvements for our island and community.
"Tourism must deliver direct benefits to our people. When we reinvest in a cleaner Aruba, we are investing in the quality of life of our community and in the experience of everyone who visits our island," said Minister of Tourism, Transport and Labor, Mr. Wendrick Cicilia.
The permanent waste disposal site provides residents with a centralized location for the disposal of bulky waste, other large materials, and yard waste. As a result, reliance on the temporary Baki den Bario system will be eliminated.
According to Minister Cicilia, the initiative not only offers greater convenience for the community but also helps prevent the accumulation of waste in neighborhoods and reduces the long waiting times that previously posed a challenge for many residents.
Reports from the Aruba Tourism Authority consistently show that Aruba’s cleanliness is one of the primary reasons visitors value the island and choose to return. Therefore, investing in a cleaner Aruba is also a direct investment in our quality of life and the strength of our tourism product.
The government will conduct an evaluation after six months to assess usage, impact, and opportunities to expand the concept to other areas of Aruba.