ORANJESTAD, Aruba — A Safe Aruba Cleanup must remain the priority as residents participate in the National Day to Care for Aruba, according to guidance issued by the Department of Technical Inspections.
DTI is urging residents to protect themselves while cleaning homes, neighbourhoods, roadsides and other public areas during the national initiative on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Acting DTI Director Richella Dorothal said every resident can contribute to Aruba’s well-being, but cleanup work must be completed safely and responsibly.
The National Day to Care for Aruba is a public, island-wide activity involving residents, businesses, schools, clubs, foundations and community organisations.
Protective Equipment Recommended
DTI recommends that participants use suitable personal protective equipment to reduce the possibility of injuries.
Residents should not conduct cleanup work while wearing slippers or other open footwear.
Closed shoes should be worn, preferably safety shoes or boots capable of protecting feet from broken glass, sharp objects, heavy materials and other hazards.
Participants should also wear protective gloves when collecting or moving wood, glass, metal and other materials that may cause cuts.
Safety glasses are recommended when work could produce dust, flying particles or other risks to the eyes.
People working outside for extended periods should also wear a hat and suitable clothing to reduce exposure to the sun.
Broken Glass Requires Special Handling
Broken glass and other sharp objects should never be placed loosely inside an ordinary rubbish bag.
Sharp material can cut through plastic and injure volunteers, drivers or waste-management workers handling the bag.
DTI recommends placing broken glass and similar objects in a strong box or rigid container that cannot easily tear or break.
Anyone handing over a container holding dangerous or sharp material should warn the person receiving it.
Clear communication allows volunteers and waste workers to handle the material with additional care.
Participants Must Protect Against Heat
Cleanup activities will take place under hot conditions, making sun protection and hydration especially important.
Residents are encouraged to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing and drink water regularly throughout the activity.
Participants should take breaks when they feel tired, overheated or unwell.
Official health guidance recommends sunscreen with an SPF of at least 35, regular water consumption and clothing that protects the arms and legs.
Children, older adults and people with existing health conditions may require additional rest and supervision.
Children Require Adult Supervision
Children participating in the Safe Aruba Cleanup must remain under the supervision of a responsible adult.
They should wear closed shoes and suitable gloves but should not handle glass, chemicals, asbestos or other dangerous materials.
Adults must also ensure children remain away from vehicles, heavy equipment and areas where large objects are being moved.
Before lifting or pulling heavy waste, participants should check that no child or other person is standing nearby.
Paths and work areas should remain clear to reduce the risk of people tripping or falling.
Waste Loads Must Be Secured
Residents transporting rubbish in pickup trucks, trailers or other vehicles must secure their loads properly.
Bags, branches, pieces of wood and other materials should be tied down so they cannot fall onto the road.
Unsecured waste can cause traffic accidents, damage other vehicles or create additional litter.
Drivers should also avoid overloading vehicles and must ensure that their view of the road is not blocked.
Unknown Chemicals Should Not Be Touched
DTI is warning residents not to assume that an unidentified bucket, tin, bottle or container is safe.
Containers may hold chemicals or other dangerous substances even when labels are missing or unreadable.
Participants who discover unknown liquids, powders or chemicals should stop working in the immediate area and avoid opening, moving or smelling the container.
The material must be assessed and disposed of using appropriate procedures.
Asbestos Requires Professional Removal
Material suspected of containing asbestos should not be broken, removed or transported by residents.
Asbestos fibres can create serious health risks when the material is damaged or disturbed.
Only recognised professionals with suitable training and protective equipment should handle and dispose of asbestos.
Anyone who suspects asbestos has been found should stop working, keep other people away from the area and contact DTI for guidance.
Dangerous Situations Can Be Reported
Residents may report asbestos, unknown substances or other dangerous cleanup situations through DTI’s emergency number at 593-7922.
Participants should provide clear information about the location and type of hazard without approaching or handling it unnecessarily.
DTI’s wider responsibilities include investigating unsafe situations and helping protect workers, residents and the environment from technical and chemical dangers.
Safety Supports a Successful Cleanup
The Government of Aruba and DTI want residents to enjoy a productive and safe National Day to Care for Aruba.
Keeping the island clean is a shared responsibility, but no cleanup task should place volunteers, children, neighbours or waste workers in unnecessary danger.
Residents should use protective equipment, remain hydrated, secure transported waste and request professional assistance when dangerous materials are found.
The Safe Aruba Cleanup message is simple: care for Aruba while also caring for yourself and everyone working around you.
