How plastic waste creates new opportunities on Sint Maarten
Plastic waste is a growing problem on Sint Maarten. Yet Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) is demonstrating that waste can also create new opportunities. Through its Perpetual Plastics project, a dedicated local team is working towards a cleaner island while creating opportunities for people who face barriers to employment. The initiative is unique, as there are currently very few recycling projects or workshops like this on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten. In doing so, EPIC is simultaneously helping to protect the environment, raise awareness, and create opportunities for the island’s residents.
Turning waste into new products
Since 2007, EPIC has been committed to environmental conservation and scientific research on Sint Maarten. With Perpetual Plastics, the organisation has taken an important first step towards establishing local plastic recycling on the island. Plastic is widely used on Sint Maarten, but there are limited opportunities to recycle it. As a result, much of it ends up in the landfill or in nature, causing pollution and even contributing to hazardous landfill fires. The plastic is collected through beach clean-ups, community clean-up events and collection drives. At the recycling workshop, it is sorted, shredded, and transformed into new products such as keychains, jewellery, storage boxes and small pieces of furniture.
A place to learn and participate
Perpetual Plastics is more than just a recycling centre. It is also one of the few places on Sint Maarten where people in vulnerable situations can gain practical work experience. The island has very few supported workplaces or daytime activity centres of this kind. The project provides opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities as well as those facing mental health or social challenges. Participants learn new skills, gain valuable work experience, and build self-confidence. For many, it is an important step towards greater independence and active participation in society.
Raising awareness across the island
In addition to recycling plastic, EPIC places a strong emphasis on education. The organisation runs clean-up campaigns and provides educational activities for schools, local residents, and tourists. To date, thousands of children have taken part in the project. Single-use plastics remain widely used on Sint Maarten, and waste separation is not yet common practice. By actively involving the community, EPIC is helping to increase awareness about waste management and responsible plastic use.
A local initiative with a big impact
With a small but dedicated local team, EPIC is steadily building something that is still rare on Sint Maarten: recycling plastic on the island itself while also creating a place where people can gain valuable work experience. The initiative works closely with other local organisations and is reaching an increasing number of residents. In doing so, EPIC demonstrates how a committed local team can drive greater awareness and positive change across the island. Interest in the project is also growing among organisations and neighbouring islands, making Perpetual Plastics a potential model for similar initiatives across the Caribbean region.
Reineke Schermer, Programme Manager at the DOEN Foundation:
“DOEN Foundation supports initiatives that contribute to a greener, more inclusive and creative society. EPIC brings these ambitions together by working towards a cleaner environment, creating opportunities for people who face barriers to employment, and demonstrating how waste can be transformed into something of value. By starting locally and working closely with residents and partners, EPIC is helping to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for Sint Maarten.”
The DOEN Foundation supports EPIC thanks to the participants of the Dutch Postcode Lottery.
In the video below, Fleur Hermanides and Islaya Streefkerk share more about Perpetual Plastics.