York calls for government and residents to address garbage collection

York criticised people who leave garbage beside full bins instead of seeking another way to dispose of it. He said residents should hold neighbours accountable for improper disposal, adding that accumulated waste can create conditions for rodents and other health concerns.

He said residents in his neighbourhood have formed a group chat and a smaller group to discuss improvements to their communal disposal area. Measures under consideration include work on bin platforms and changes intended to stop waste being scattered around the collection point.

York also questioned the handling of the garbage-collection tender process, which he said has raised concerns since January. He said he has not received a clear outcome from a garbage-bin assessment reportedly carried out in districts at the start of the current government’s term.

Using an alley in his neighbourhood as an example, York said it had grown from about 10 households while its six communal bins remained unchanged. He said the Ministry of VROMI should assess each neighbourhood’s needs, including whether more or different bins or underground containers are appropriate, before placing responsibility for shortcomings entirely on collection contractors.

York also said Sint Maarten should consider how tourism contributes to waste-management costs, referring to environmental levies used elsewhere in the Caribbean. He said effective waste management depends on government infrastructure and planning, reliable contractor collection and residents’ disposal practices.