In Costa Rica, only 13% of waste is recycled, according to a new campaign launched by the Ministry of Health in partnership with organized communities. The initiative seeks to encourage recycling and composting at home as ways to reduce the burden on landfills and improve waste management.
“Currently, only about 13% of the waste generated in the country is recovered and more than 80% ends up in landfills. Through these five videos we make an urgent call to citizens to practice recycling and composting at home or in their community. It is collectively that we contribute to the sanitary and environmental well-being of the country, so that our future generations continue breathing the natural essence of our beloved homeland,” said Vice President and Minister of Health Mary Munive.
Official data shows that nearly 60% of household waste is organic and could be used for composting, while another 40% consists of recyclable materials. When these types are mixed together, valuable resources are lost and landfill saturation increases.
The audiovisual series features real examples of families properly separating their waste, communities organizing to collect organic matter for compost production, and community gardens delivering both environmental and social benefits. The series also highlights local leaders supporting these efforts.
The campaign places particular emphasis on educating children about the “3Rs”—reduce, reuse, recycle—from an early age. Separating waste as a family not only helps protect the environment but also strengthens family bonds and encourages responsible citizenship through example.