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Chamber supports creation of recycling center
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Posted on Sep 19 2000
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce yesterday expressed support to a proposed measure that will set up a recycling center on the island to help extend the life of the new landfill and reduce the amount of waste that will be dumped in Marpi.
Chamber president Lynn Knight said the bill would not only be good for the environment but save government money in the long run. However, business leaders would like to see incentives provided to encourage more people to participate in recycling activities.
However, Ms. Knight expressed concern on the plan to funnel certain percentage of the container tax intended for the Marianas Visitors Authority to the Department of Public Works, which will be tasked to manage the planned recycling organization.
Amid efforts to revive the ailing tourism industry, the Chamber head believes that MVA should not suffer another budget cuts.
In the first place, the Chamber believes that recycling should not be handled by DPW but the private sector instead. DPW may help in education campaign to boost recycling on the island. “The intent of the bill is good but it should be written in such a way that it will encourage businesses to start recycling activities,” Ms. Knight added.
The Solid Waste Division is planning to establish one large transfer station with a recycling facility in a three-acre land as it prepares to close the Puerto Rico Dump.
At least three convenient centers may also be set up to help residents in villages dispose of their garbage efficiently. A large transfer station and the recycling facility will be located in the Lower Base area.
The recycling program was planned to reduce the government’s subsidy on waste disposal which has been costing the administration huge amount of money.
