18/03/2026
Turning Waste into Opportunity: Global Recycling Day 2026 and the iCARE Project
Observed annually on Global Recycling Day, March 18 highlights recycling as a vital tool for protecting natural resources and advancing a circular economy, where materials are recovered, reused, and kept in productive use.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the Recyclable Solid Waste Collection Project (RSWCP), branded as iCARE, is the country’s first national voluntary recycling initiative, providing accessible opportunities for citizens while promoting responsible waste management. Implemented by the Environmental Management Authority and funded by the Green Fund, iCARE continues to demonstrate how partnerships and community action can transform waste management.
Since its inception, iCARE has installed 695 recycling bins nationwide, making it easier for citizens to recycle. The project has diverted approximately 8,780 metric tonnes of waste from landfills, with 2,696.96 metric tonnes processed, contributing to a 7% reduction in recyclable materials entering landfills.
These efforts reflect the spirit of Global Recycling Day, which recognizes recycling as the “Seventh Resource,” alongside water, air, oil, coal, natural gas, and minerals. By encouraging a shift away from a throwaway culture, iCARE supports Trinidad and Tobago’s transition to a more sustainable, circular economy.
These initiatives help shift attitudes away from a “throwaway culture” towards responsible consumption and waste management. Together, through recycling, we can transform waste into opportunity and move closer to a circular economy where nothing goes to waste. The EMA encourages all citizens to participate in recycling efforts and help build a cleaner, more sustainable Trinidad and Tobago.
