Tourism sector opposes Solid Waste Law reform

Santo Domingo.- Tourism and hotel industry groups in the Dominican Republic have strongly opposed a recent congressional reform to the Solid Waste Management Law, citing a lack of technical analysis and warning it risks harming environmental sustainability, sector competitiveness, and municipal autonomy. They criticized the failure to classify sargassum as waste, limiting disposal options despite its impact on tourism.

The reform restricts companies’ ability to manage their own waste, mandates single landfills and treatment plants per region, and imposes fees based on gross income rather than waste generated, disproportionately affecting smaller businesses. Concerns also include legal uncertainties around existing permits and potential conflicts of interest in the Waste Management Trust. The Association of Hotels and Tourism (Asonahores) and other industry groups are calling on the Presidency to review the law and promote an inclusive, technical dialogue to ensure balanced, sustainable waste management policies.