The Minister of Justice, Integrity, Public Transport, and Energy, Mr. Drs. Arthur Dowers, has officially launched the Waste Management Task Force (Task Force Aanpak Afvalproblematiek). The team is tasked with preparing concrete proposals for a sustainable, comprehensive, and responsible waste management policy for Aruba, as well as supporting the execution of this integrated approach.
Aruba has faced waste management challenges for many years. To achieve a structural solution, the Government deems it necessary to address the issue holistically, involving various departments and organizations with responsibility or expertise in the fields of environment, infrastructure, maintenance, enforcement, and waste processing. The Task Force was officially established effective September 1, 2026.
On September 8, the Task Force held its first meeting, during which participating organizations shared details regarding their current roles in waste management, key critical issues identified, and potential contributions.
One of the Task Force’s primary focal points is prevention and law enforcement regarding illegal dumping. Additionally, the Task Force will concentrate on a comprehensive plan for cleaning and sustainable waste processing, gathering relevant data and statistics, recycling and organic waste processing, and securing a long-term financing solution for waste management.
According to Minister Dowers, Aruba cannot continue addressing waste management issues only when problems become visually apparent. A lasting solution requires prevention, responsibility, enforcement, and close cooperation among all involved entities.
The Task Force is also assigned to evaluate whether existing legislation needs amendment or if new laws are required. Furthermore, it must build the necessary consensus and support to implement the submitted proposals.
The Task Force consists of representatives from the Ministers responsible for waste policy and energy (Minister Dowers), environment (Minister Eman), and infrastructure (Minister Herdé). Additionally, it brings together experts from various departments and entities, including the Directorate of Nature and Environment, Directorate of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Tourism, DOW, Bureau City Inspector, Serlimar, Utilities, AWSS, and WEB Aruba N.V., alongside DEHZI and a representative from the Ministry of Tourism (Minister Cicilia).
The ultimate goal is to present concrete proposals to Minister Dowers for a structured, sustainable, and responsible waste management framework that supports and drives the rollout of approved policies and projects.
With the establishment of this Task Force, the Government takes a strategic step from fragmented management toward a more coordinated and structural solution for Aruba’s waste challenges.
