ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The Harbour Arena Aruba Cleanup will provide eight designated waste containers where residents can dispose of several categories of unwanted material during the National Day to Care for Aruba.
The collection point at the Aruba Ports Authority property will operate on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. It is intended primarily to serve residents of Oranjestad, commonly known as Playa, and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Waste Accepted at Harbour Arena
Separate collection areas will be provided for:
- Garden and plant waste
- Bulky household waste
- Cardboard
- Metal
- Tyres
- Construction debris
Residents are encouraged to separate their materials before arriving so each type of waste can be placed in the correct container.
The Harbour Arena location will operate as a drive-through collection point, with personnel present to direct vehicles and assist visitors.
Drivers Asked to Follow Marked Route
Motorists should enter the Aruba Ports Authority property through the entrance marked “IN,” located near the port boundary on the former Bushiri Hotel side.
After entering, drivers must follow the marked route and on-site instructions to reach the collection area assigned to each type of waste.
Once the materials have been deposited, motorists should continue along the designated route and leave through the point marked “OUT” near the roundabout.
Staff members will be positioned at the entrance, collection areas and exit to manage traffic and provide assistance.
Visitors are encouraged to review the official location map before travelling to Harbour Arena.
APA Supports National Cleanup
Aruba Ports Authority is providing the Harbour Arena property, waste containers, coordination and logistical support for the national campaign.
APA CEO Marc Figaroa said the organization supports the effort to encourage greater responsibility for maintaining a clean island.
The company’s involvement was previously announced during preparations involving Prime Minister Mike Eman and other campaign partners.
The Harbour Arena Aruba Cleanup is one of 26 collection locations identified across Aruba for the July 25 campaign. The official campaign platform lists Harbour Arena among the designated points serving communities throughout the island.
National Campaign Brings Partners Together
The National Day to Care for Aruba brings together the Government of Aruba, state-owned companies, private businesses, community organizations and volunteers.
The government launched the initiative to encourage residents to clean their homes, yards, streets, neighbourhoods and shared public spaces.
Waste containers were made available at locations around Aruba so families, clubs and organizations could dispose of collected materials more conveniently.
SETAR sponsored additional containers at several locations, while Post Aruba distributed information about the campaign to households.
The Crisis Management Office coordinated collection sites with assistance from government agencies, businesses and community organizations.
Participants Asked to Prioritize Safety
Residents should use gloves, closed shoes and other appropriate protective equipment while collecting or transporting waste.
Sharp objects should be placed in a strong container instead of an ordinary rubbish bag. Participants should also avoid handling suspected asbestos or unidentified hazardous substances and should seek professional guidance when dangerous materials are discovered.
Large and heavy materials should be brought to a location equipped to receive them. Visitors must follow staff instructions and avoid leaving waste outside designated containers.
Mabon Receives Additional Attention
Mabon is among the neighbourhoods receiving targeted assistance during the national campaign.
Construction-sector organizations, military personnel, residents and volunteers planned to address accumulated waste around the neighbourhood’s recreational and sporting facilities.
The project was intended to improve public areas that had become difficult to access or use because of insufficient maintenance and waste accumulation.
Campaign Promotes Lasting Responsibility
Prime Minister Mike Eman said the national initiative should not be viewed only as a single day of cleaning.
The broader objective is to encourage residents, companies and organizations to accept continuing responsibility for Aruba’s streets, neighbourhoods and public spaces.
Government officials have also linked the cleanup campaign with continued monitoring and enforcement against illegal dumping. Aruba’s environmental authorities said the long-term goal is to keep cleaned areas healthy and liveable after the national event has ended.
Residents using the Harbour Arena Aruba Cleanup point are encouraged to separate their waste at home, follow the marked traffic route and cooperate with personnel at the site.
The eight Harbour Arena containers will be available from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 25, giving nearby communities a temporary location to dispose of approved materials and participate in the island-wide effort.
