DO Sostenible closes 20 open-air landfills

Santo Domingo. – The Public-Private Trust for the Integral Management of Solid Waste, DO Sostenible, has intervened and executed the technical closure or stabilization of at least 20 open-air landfills, marking a before and after in the management of solid waste in the Dominican Republic. From 2023 to date, high-impact projects have been executed, highlighting the construction of sanitary landfills in Dajabón and Baní, transfer stations in Tamboril, Cancino, Villa Fundación, Nizao and Monte Cristi, as well as the technical closure of historical landfills including those of Moca, Tamboril, Villa González, Baní, Palmar de Ocoa, Monte Boutique and the Municipal landfill of Pedernales, Pescadería, in Barahona, technical closure of Mano Juan and Collection Point in Isla Saona within the framework of the Saona Sostenible project. Added to this are emergency and stabilization interventions in critical areas such as Neiba, Sabana Iglesia, Jarabacoa, San Luis, Hato Mayor and Bonao.

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The list of affected provinces includes: Santiago, Peravia, Azua, Barahona, La Vega, Montecristi, Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal, San Juan, Dajabón, Samaná, Hato Mayor, Monseñor Nouel, Puerto Plata, La Altagracia, El Seibo, Espaillat, Pedernales, Monte Plata, María Trinidad Sánchez, and others. These actions have significantly contributed to the improvement of solid waste management, environmental protection, and the quality of life in multiple communities nationwide. The total accumulated investment exceeds RD$1.5 billion, including funds for infrastructure works, landfill stabilization, construction of transfer points, implementation of bio-fences in ravines that flow into the Ozama River, and permanent support for transfer stations. “Every landfill we close is a victory for health, the environment, and the dignity of our communities. Today we can say that we have left behind a culture of abandonment and are building a responsible and sustainable solid waste management model,” said Príamo Ramírez, executive director of the DO Sostenible Trust. Thanks to these interventions, it has been possible to eliminate constant sources of fires, improve air quality, prevent the contamination of rivers and underground aquifers, and reduce the proliferation of landfills that put the health of thousands of people at risk. DO Sostenible is an initiative of the Dominican State that seeks to transform the waste management system by closing open-air landfills, building modern infrastructures, and promoting valuation models that promote the circular economy and sustainable development