A heavy oil spill during 1993 severely contaminated many of the
principal beaches of the north coast. Cleanup was slow and costly
and brought about much popular awareness.
The Federal Environmental Protection Administration has ordered that
most of the garbage dumps in the island's 78 municipalities be closed
during the next few years. Only a few regional garbage dumbs will
remain. The cost of disposing of garbage is expected to increase
dramatically as a result. Studies are being made at present to
determine how to recover these costs from the citizens.
Some municipalities have begun pilot plans in recycling. Most are
still in their initial stages.
Periodic cleanup campaigns are made along public beaches. Many
corporate entities contribute to make these campaigns a success.
The collection of aluminum cans from public places has become a
frequent event. Many people are active doing it, especially after
weekends. Some are doing it for personal profit while others do it to raise
funds for their favorite charities.
Commonwealth laws against littering are not enforced actively,
possibly due to the difficulties involved in catching the offenders
red-handed.
Adopt-a-highway programs which began a few years ago have brought
along some results in keeping major highways free of litter.
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