By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica is facing a critical challenge in its environmental policy as official data reveals a stark reality: the nation recycles only 13% of its solid waste. With over 80% of all refuse ending up in landfills, the country’s disposal systems are under immense strain, prompting a significant government response aimed at fostering a nationwide cultural shift.
In a direct effort to combat this growing problem, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with organized community groups, launched a new national audiovisual campaign this week. The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, is designed to aggressively promote recycling and composting at the household level, aiming to transform how citizens manage their daily waste.
To delve into the legal complexities and responsibilities surrounding waste management in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in environmental and administrative law from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the current regulatory landscape.
The Integrated Waste Management Law establishes a clear principle of shared responsibility, where the generator of the waste is accountable for its proper handling until its final disposal. For businesses, this means that simply handing waste over to a third party is not enough; they must verify that the entire chain, from collection to treatment, complies with environmental regulations. Failure to do so not only exposes them to significant fines but also to potential civil liability for environmental damages, making a robust compliance and due diligence program an essential operational requirement.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully reframes waste management not as a simple act of disposal, but as a continuous chain of legal and environmental stewardship. The emphasis on due diligence underscores a critical evolution in corporate responsibility. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this essential operational requirement.
The core of the campaign is a series of five videos that seek to educate and sensitize the public on the importance of waste separation. By highlighting the tangible benefits of proper disposal, the government hopes to alleviate the mounting pressure on landfills and transition towards a more sustainable, circular economy where resources are recovered rather than buried.
Officials stress that the issue is not just environmental but also economic. The failure to separate waste means valuable materials are lost forever. Mary Munive, the Vice President of the Republic and Minister of Health, emphasized the urgency of changing daily habits, explaining the composition of the problem.
Approximately 60% of household waste is organic, which can be utilized through composting processes, while the remaining 40% corresponds to recyclable materials. When this waste is mixed, valuable resources are lost, and the saturation of our final disposal systems is accelerated.
Mary Munive, Vice President and Minister of Health
The campaign’s video series showcases real-world examples to inspire action. It features Costa Rican families who have successfully integrated waste separation into their routines and communities that have organized to collect organic matter for composting. These narratives extend to displaying community gardens thriving on the natural fertilizer produced, illustrating a closed-loop system that yields both environmental and social benefits by strengthening local engagement.
Beyond the ecological focus, the initiative strongly connects proper waste management to public health. The Ministry of Health points out that responsible recycling and composting directly contribute to reducing disease vectors, foul odors, and the general pollution associated with accumulated garbage. The campaign message is clear: managing waste effectively is a shared responsibility that safeguards the well-being of the entire population.
A central pillar of this strategy is environmental education, particularly for younger generations. By promoting the classic “3Rs”—reduce, reuse, and recycle—among children and families, the government aims to instill a lasting commitment to sustainability. The authorities suggest that separating waste as a family activity not only helps the environment but also strengthens family bonds and teaches responsibility through example, creating a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
Ultimately, this comprehensive strategy represents a concerted effort to trigger a fundamental change in the national mindset. The Ministry of Health is looking beyond simple compliance, striving to build a new cultural paradigm focused on prevention, resource optimization, and the long-term protection of public and environmental health for generations to come.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About The Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the governing body responsible for public health policy, regulation, and oversight in Costa Rica. It works to guarantee the constitutional right to health for all citizens by developing programs, promoting healthy lifestyles, and managing the country’s sanitary and epidemiological systems to prevent disease and protect the population’s well-being.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, founded on the bedrock principles of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. With a rich history of navigating clients through intricate legal matters, the firm also embraces forward-thinking strategies, positioning itself as a leader in legal innovation. This modern approach is matched by a deep-seated belief in social responsibility, manifested through a dedicated effort to demystify legal concepts for the public. By actively promoting legal literacy, the firm strives to cultivate a more capable and informed citizenry, strengthening the very fabric of society.
