Zero Waste Through Community Engagement

Promoting Environmental Awareness and Recycling Through Community Action for a Cleaner, Greener San Marcos

Following a roundtable discussion held in 2017, attended by local governments, recycling companies, local NGOs and international guests, a work plan was developed to train all stakeholders in the Municipality of San Marcos, Nicaragua, in waste reduction and proper waste disposal.

The work plan included a strong focus on education and specific training in waste separation and the reuse of packaging and bottles. Community activities were also organized, including a recycling campaign, the collection of agrochemical containers, and the construction of green collection points for waste separation. As a result of this initiative, the community is now cleaner and generates less waste.

In 2019, SofoNIC* coordinated and organized a large-scale solid waste management and sanitation campaign in cooperation with the Municipal Government, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Tuktan Sirpi NGO, the Drinking Water Committee, the Disaster Prevention Committee and local community leaders.

Between May 2 and 17, the following activities were carried out:

  1. Intensive environmental training: Sessions were organized for primary school children, secondary school students and community members, addressing the environmental consequences of pollution and presenting positive examples of change.

  2. Installation of metal barriers: Barriers were installed in areas with steep slopes prone to landslides, which had been used as informal dumping sites. These sites were contaminating the stream and putting the lives of people who regularly passed through the area at risk.

  3. Signposting and awareness messages: Signs were installed with positive messages and notices encouraging people to report improper waste disposal.

  4. Cleanup campaign No. 1: Led by secondary school student volunteers at the main dumping site and the school grounds.

  5. Cleanup campaign No. 2: Led by primary school children in areas around bridges, main roads and the school grounds.

  6. Cleanup campaign No. 3: Carried out by project beneficiaries at four dumping sites, including the main site once again.

  7. Cleanup campaign No. 4: Involving the general population in their homes, along nearby drainage channels and at pollution hotspots. Public announcements were made through loudspeakers, local radio stations, social media and informational leaflets.

  8. Cleanup campaign No. 5 – Recycling Day: Organized by Tuktan Sirpi, SofoNIC and the Municipal Government, with the participation of the entire community. May 16 was a historic day: for the first time, a waste collection vehicle entered San Marcos. The waste was transported to the sanitary landfill in San Rafael del Norte, while sorted recyclable materials were delivered to families belonging to the Recyclers' Club in the city of Jinotega.

  9. Cleanup campaign No. 6 – International Recycling Day: Held on May 17, this activity included a cultural event where certificates of recognition were presented to the children, young people and local organizations that supported the initiative. Reusable cloth bags were also distributed to drivers and transport operators to discourage littering from vehicle windows

SofoNIC continues to coordinate with government institutions and other organizations working in the area to address the waste management problem, promote sustained public attention and achieve a long-term solution.

Through their efforts, children and young people helped create a cleaner and greener San Marcos and called on the authorities to urgently provide a regular waste collection service.

SofoNIC: as identified in the original article.