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Winter 2015

Environmentalism

Recycling in the Dominican Republic

Author:   Franchesca G.
Level:   7
Instructor:   Keaton M.
Photo Credit:   rido / 123RF Stock Photo
Article ID:   1534  [Environmentalism- Winter 2019]

Top view of white recycle eco symbol on green moss with copy space. High angle view of recycled sign

Introduction 

My country, The Dominican Republic should implement a  recycling system solution. There are many reasons to support this idea. The first reason why my country should implement a recycling system solution is because it is a small island; however, it produces tons of garbage without any recycling policy that go to the ocean. Furthermore, the population is uneducated about its importance and recycling disposal. Additionally, recycling has many natural and economic benefits. Finally, the government should fine people with a monetary penalty, and community services work for those who do not follow the recycling rules. Those are the reasons why The Dominican Republic should implement a recycling system solution.

The Dominican Republic’s measurement is about 48,442 KM2 and generates millions of waste which are increasing every year and part of this goes to the ocean; lacking an organized recycling system by the government. This is proven by a national newspaper's article which says, “Entrepreneurs and officials considered that in the country it is urgent to implement clear policies to manage waste and implement a system that allows those that can be reused to be exploited, as is done in developed countries.” (Tejada Lillian, July 16, 2018) According to the New York Times’s article, “In total, 60 tons of garbage has been collected in mid-July 2018” (Karaz, Palko, Jul 23, 2018). Based on the following, every year millions of plastic go to the oceans, affecting marine and human life and destroying the natural ecosystem. It is a huge problem that needs to be solved immediately. "Every downpour converts our streets and avenues in spaces where they move hundreds of plastic tons which go to our rivers and the sea" —Rodriguez Susan, Torres Bernardo,July 2018). Because most of the waste ends up in the ocean, The Dominican Republic should implement a recycling system solution.

The population is uneducated about recycling, encouraging them to dispose of recycling properly will help them to be aware of how important recycling is for future generations.This can be done by letting them know which residues  are toxic, organic or inorganic, then, separated and place them in the appropriate bins.Provide containers correctly signed for streets, parks, and buildings to disposal waste. Educate children at home, teaching them to place the rest of  their food, broken toys,   papers in the correct bin. At school doing projects with recycled materials, visiting the countryside and municipal recycling centers. This is accurate due to the following “The minster of the environment of this country emphasize that a culture change is a necessary and greater education in recycling and management of solid waste.‘’— Rodriguez Susan, Torres Bernardo, July 2018). Another example to prove this point is ‘’Children learn more easily than adults, which is why the “The clean Dominican Plan” will be based on the education of the little ones and the awareness of young people and adults.´´ (Medina Grissell, Jul 2017. That is how the population could be educated in recycling matters. 

Recycling generates significant economic and environmental benefits, such as preservation of natural resources and decreasing pollution and reducing the cost of energy, water, oil, and manufacturing. Textual evidence shows, ‘’Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to  landfills and incinerators, conserving natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals, preventing pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials, saving energy, and helping to create jobs. (United States’s Environment Protection agency). “Reducing the cost associated with trash disposal, support the community and a better tomorrow and reduce energy consumption’’ ( Benefits of recycling, Nov, 09.2017). Those are some of the many benefits of recycling.

Sometimes people do not like to follow rules though they are for their benefits, in order, to accomplish an effective recycling system, the City Hall has to take action applying different penalties and community service work, for those citizens who ignore the recycling policies established like in other countries. Some online evidence of Europe cities which fine those who fail in recycling policy, are: “In Spain, recycling is not mandatory but doing it wrong can lead to a fine of up to 3,000 euros. In Barcelona, the city of Sant Sadurni d´Anoia fine with 90 euros after finding in their garbage signs of incorrect recycling. Sevilla, The Municipal Ordinance of Public Cleaning and Municipal Waste Management include a regulation similar to that of Madrid, establishing penalties of up to 750 euros in case of minor administrative infractions. (El economista.com). That’s why, to accomplish a successful recycling system the government must fine when it needed.

Conclusion

To summarize, there are many reasons why the Dominican Republic must execute a recycling system solution. First of all, this small island develops a lot of waste, which its final destination is the ocean , affecting human life and equally important, marine life, and as a result destroying the ecosystem. Second,  this garbage problem is caused because its citizens are not aware or educated regarding waste disposal and recycling  manners. It could be solved by training the people about garbage classification and disposal order, in the same manner, educating children at home and at school. Third, it has many natural and economic advantages, for instance, conserving natural resources, reducing pollution, reducing the cost related with trash disposal, energy water and oil. Fourth, to avoid breaching of these recycling policies , the city hall  must implement monetary sanctions and community service work , for those who  do not comply with the recycling norms, as implemented in  European cities, such as Spain, Sevilla, and  Barcelona. Hopefully, in the closer future  The Dominican Republic should implement a recycling system solution.

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