WILLEMSTAD - Carmabi and Coca-Cola have joined forces to promote a cleaner and more sustainable Curaçao. On Wednesday, November 12, the two organizations held a symbolic handover ceremony at the Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park, marking the installation of new recycling bins in all of the island’s national parks this week.

Through this initiative, Carmabi and Coca-Cola aim to encourage visitors to properly separate their waste, contributing to a healthier environment and a cleaner island. The new bins are designed specifically for the collection of plastic bottles and aluminum cans, allowing these materials to be sorted locally and given a second life.

“Every bottle and every can that ends up in the right bin makes a difference,” said Cor Hameete, Head of Education at Carmabi. “We hope visitors become more aware of their personal role in protecting our natural environment.”

The recycling bins were crafted by the ManUniko Foundation, which supports young people who face barriers to entering the workforce. As part of this project, participants were involved in every step of the process — from design sketches to final production — making the initiative not only environmentally beneficial but also a model of social inclusion and hands-on training.

“We believe real change happens when businesses, community organizations, and citizens work together,” said Myrthe George-Verhulst of Coca-Cola Curaçao. “With partners like Carmabi and ManUniko, we’re showing that sustainability isn’t about what you do alone, but what you achieve together.”

The collected materials will be picked up and processed by a local recycling partner using environmentally responsible methods.

Carmabi and Coca-Cola are calling on all visitors to the national parks to do their part: dispose of waste correctly and help keep Curaçao clean and green for future generations.