LocationsWorld Environment Day 2025: Joint call to action against plastic pollution in Suriname
June 5, 2025
On World Environment Day 2025, both the Minister of Spatial Planning and Environment, Marciano Dasai, and Glenn Ramdjan, Chairman of the Support Recycling Suriname Foundation (SURESUR), delivered a powerful message: plastic pollution in Suriname is on the rise and requires urgent, coordinated action from the government, the private sector, and the public.
Minister Marciano Dasai (R) during in activity on plastic pollution in Jarikaba, distirct Saramacca
According to the Minister, World Environment Day is an annual moment for reflection on our relationship with nature and the environment. This year, the international focus is on combating plastic pollution. Suriname is not lagging in this regard. “Plastic use in our country is unnecessarily high, even though sufficient alternatives exist in the form of environmentally friendly packaging,” the minister explained. “Although some companies have already switched to sustainable materials such as paper straws, biodegradable cutlery, and reusable bags, this is far from enough. Adjusting standards for plastic packaging is essential.”
The numbers are alarming. It is estimated that Suriname produces approximately 20,309 metric tons of plastic annually, around 5,000 tons of which consist of PET bottles. On average, each citizen generates 37.79 kilograms of plastic waste per year. Only 5% of plastic bottles are collected through the current collection system and handed over to the recycling company Green Circle Recyclers. The vast majority end up as litter, in nature, or in landfills.
Dispose of uncontrolled plastic waste
Glenn Ramdjan from SURESUR emphasized that since the start of their plastic recycling project—which includes collection bins and awareness campaigns—public awareness has increased. “However, the number of available collection points is still too low, and there is insufficient financial support from the businesses that bring plastic packaging to the market. We are even seeing an increase in the use of single-use plastics again, despite minor improvements by some companies.”
SURESUR’s message is clear: legislation is needed to require companies to financially contribute to a sustainable waste collection system. “We advocate for mandatory producer responsibility, with contributions based on market share. Only then can we begin large-scale household waste separation and collection.”
Ramdjan stressed the importance of enforcement. “Behavioral change requires clear legislation, visible monitoring, and strict penalties. We must use all available tools, such as Safe City cameras, heavy fines, and community service sentences. Only then can we make real progress in reducing pollution.”
The SURESUR chairman expressed his appreciation for the support of the UNDP, which helped kick-start the recycling system and invested in research to determine which model—deposit systems or door-to-door collection—is best suited for Suriname. “The role of multilateral organizations such as the UNDP is indispensable. They can provide not only financial support but also technical and policy pressure to encourage action from the government and businesses,” said Ramdjan.
Finally, a call was made for more structural cooperation. A sustainable approach to plastic pollution requires the involvement of all stakeholders. The government must lead in legislation and enforcement, businesses must contribute to the costs of collection and processing, and citizens must change their behavior.
“Our environment is an extension of ourselves,” the minister said in his closing message. “If we care for our bodies and want to stay healthy, we must also keep our surroundings healthy. Clean environment, healthy life. Let’s carry that message with us every day—and start acting differently today.”
