In the past, all trash from Dili was hauled to Tibar and burned, which created pollution and smoke. Now, trash is buried in a landfill, but there is still no trash pickup for individual homes. Recycling containers are uncommon, and many plastics, metals and glass go unrecycled, often ending up in the ocean or on beaches. Without strong systems in place, it is hard for people to safely dispose of their waste.
Some progress is being made. Large garbage trucks now haul trash from Dili to the landfill in Tibar, and big trash containers are placed along main streets in the city. Youth groups organize weekly beach cleanups to remove trash from the ocean. A recycling center exists in Dili, but it is hard for most people to access. Even with these efforts, much of the trash from homes and communities across Timor-Leste still needs better solutions. People are trying, but more work is needed to protect the environment and keep communities clean.
