The Costa Rican Ministry of Health projected that the country disposed of roughly 550 tonnes of plastic every day as of a 2018 report. A meagre 9% of all renewable waste made it to a recycling facility, whereas 80% of this total garbage was discovered to be dumped in the ocean, 11% in disposal sites, and the rest in landfills. These figures are alarming enough for a nation that takes pride in being among the greenest in the world, let alone the concern that if these figures are not controlled, Costa Rica's tourism industry may suffer.
The difficulty of recycling in Costa Rica is primarily due to the sheer distances that any recyclable material must travel to be collected and processed. Due to their extensive travel requirements, collection trucks for recyclables are hard to find for residents who want to recycle their reusable goods. For organisations searching for a sustainable renewable waste management approach, this can be a logistical and financial nightmare with no simple solutions.
First, this paper aims to thoroughly examine the plastic pollution problem and the current legal system, pointing out any loopholes or weak points that might be aggravating the situation. Secondly, it describes viable policy initiatives to solve these flaws, taking into account the effects each choice may have on the economy, the environment, and society. Finally, it acts as a medium for communication by giving stakeholders precise information about the problem and possible policy remedies. Government representatives, business executives, environmental organisations, and the general people are all included in this. Lastly, it provides a foundation for additional study and the formulation of policy, assisting in the formation of future regulatory choices and actions regarding the control of plastics.
To learn more, read our White Paper here: