Recyling

We had a massive amount of cardboard, Styrofoam, paper and strapping from our recent purchase of TV's.  Along with our cans, pizza boxes, pickle jars and wine bottles, we headed to the recycle center.  We arrived to a closed gate.  Drove home and unloaded. Only to reload and travel the following day to the recycling center.

Two years ago, Bonaire implemented a recycling program on the island.  The island is a victim of unauthorized dumping.  The recycling program is intended to curb this bad habit and make the island as green as possible.

The center is very organized and easy to use.  We showed up on a Sunday morning and no one was there.  We have been there when they had traffic jams getting trucks and cars in and out of the lot.

There is a big container with tiny holes for recyclables. The labels are in Dutch. This is never helpful for us.  Thank goodness they have pictures.  We often have to peek inside to see what is there so we get stuff in the right place.  Otherwise, the attendant comes out and instructs you in Dutch on where to place your items. Again, not helpful.

It's much easier when you can see all the stuff to be recycled.  The center  accepts appliances, TV's, metal, and textiles.

The island is struggling with plastic.  You have to use your own grocery shopping bags.  However, they still provide plastic bags for produce.  The restaurants all use plastic straws. They sell plastic storage bags at all the stores.  Carry-out is always in Styrafoam placed in a plastic bag.  We all use trash bags. Recycling is a first step before they outlaw single use plastic bags. the island has a ways to go but they are making progress.