The recent exchange between the Sociaal Economische Raad (SER) and researcher Myrthe George-Verhulst shed new light on the future of recycling on Curaçao. It became clear that the island faced rising waste volumes while the landfill was expected to reach its capacity within five to eight years, driven by population growth, consumption patterns, and tourism.

Although recycling centers expanded from seven to twelve locations in 2026, research showed that infrastructure alone was not enough to increase recycling rates. Many residents wanted to recycle, but they faced practical barriers, uncertainty about what belongs where, and low confidence in what happens to collected plastic.

Myrthe George-Verhulst presented the program Plastic Recycling in Curaçao – From Waste Problem to Behavioral Solution, built on behavioral science, surveys, and observations. The study highlighted five pillars for long-term change: making recycling extremely easy, removing doubt, connecting recycling to daily routines, activating pride, and increasing trust through transparency.

This conversation showed that waste management is not only about the environment. It also influences tourism, neighborhood livability, economic resilience, and Curaçao’s global reputation.
This connects directly with SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 Climate Action.

Club17 Curaçao was present with the Club17 Sustainability Map, showing visitors where local initiatives are already contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable island. These conversations helped people understand what is already happening and how small everyday actions can have a big impact.

Listen to Myrthe’s interview in Dutch on Paradise FM