Senate’s ‘rushed’ approval of Solid Waste Law reform sparks controversy

Santo Domingo.- The Senate of the Republic approved on Wednesday, in an extraordinary session and through two consecutive readings, the bill that modifies Law 225-20 on Comprehensive Management and Processing of Solid Waste, after it was declared urgent and fast-tracked through the legislative process.

The decision sparked immediate reactions from the business sector, particularly the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP), which criticized the speed of approval. The organization described the process as “rushed” and called for broader technical dialogue, consultation, and consensus on reforms of such complexity.

CONEP warned that legislation affecting solid waste management requires deeper coordination between the public and private sectors, as well as environmental experts, to avoid potential implementation challenges. The reform returns the issue of legislative urgency procedures to the center of public debate, a mechanism that allows bills to be approved quickly but is often questioned for limiting detailed analysis.

The approved amendment introduces new restrictions on the importation of certain single-use plastic products, including straws, cutlery, cups, and polystyrene (foam) items that do not meet biodegradability certification requirements. Its goal is to update the legal framework governing the collection, treatment, and final disposal of solid waste in the country.

Law 225-20, originally enacted to strengthen integrated waste management, established a national system involving shared responsibility between the State, municipalities, and the private sector. However, its implementation has faced ongoing challenges related to financing, oversight, and adaptation to current consumption patterns.

In the Dominican Republic, solid waste management remains a pressing environmental and public health concern driven by urban growth and increased consumption. Globally, environmental policy trends continue to move toward reducing single-use plastics and promoting circular economy models focused on reuse, recycling, and waste reduction.