Managing trash is a big challenge in Timor-Leste. Across the country, from the capital Dili to more remote districts, waste piles up in homes, streets and even on beaches. Plastics, metals and glass often go without proper disposal, creating environmental and health concerns. Learning how communities handle waste shows how people work to protect their surroundings and improve daily life.
Trash and waste management is a major challenge. When I first moved to the Tibar community, there was a cloud of smoke in a nearby valley because trash from Dili was being burned. Whenever I rode my bike through that area, I had to cover my mouth because of the smoke. It is better now that the city has stopped burning trash, but dealing with waste is still difficult. At my house, I burn my waste once a week—even though I don’t like burning plastics—and metal or glass just piles up because it won’t burn. I’ve become very aware of how much waste I produce, so I try to reduce it by not using plastic bags and always using my backpack. Trash on beaches is also noticeable, and it is something tourists often comment on.
