29 Apr Recycling around Coronado
By Natalie Warner
Recycling and efforts to be more eco-friendly seem to be a common topic throughout Coronado and the beach communities. Although people may want to participate in recycling, not everyone knows about the already available recycling options in the area. As of now, there is no curbside recycling available in Panama. Despite this, recycling is possible within our beach communities. There are two close by locations to drop off plastic, metal, cardboard, and more.
The first recycling center is located at the grocery store Riba Smith, in the Las Perlas Mall. Recycling receptacles are located outside, on the right side of the building. Riba Smith accepts paper, plastic, cans, tetra packs, and cardboard. Sorting your recycling is necessary because you place items in the recycling bins, accordingly. It may be easier, faster, and more convenient to sort your recycling prior to arriving at Riba Smith.
The second option for recycling is in Nueva Gorgona. Recimetal SA, is located across the highway from the Gorgona entrance. They accept sorted plastic, glass, cardboard, batteries, paper, metal, and more. The company will pay you for some recycling. Items you can get paid for include cans, batteries, and aluminum. Recimetal SA is open daily, 8am-5pm.
Some people on Facebook expat groups have stated Recimetal SA takes old electronics. I have tried to bring electronics here on a few occasions without any luck. Recycling electronics may result in a trip to Panama City. FAS Panama Recycling Center, lot 216 in Clayton (Cuidad de Saber), accepts old electronics. They are open Monday through Friday, 7am to 3pm.
Small efforts make a big difference over time. Although recycling might be more difficult in this area, it is still possible. We see the changes already happening towards a more eco-friendly society in Panama. The local El Rey grocery store has added a special checkout line for customers using reusable grocery bags. You also receive extra points if you have signed up with their program. Riba Smith has introduced days without plastic bags and added paper bags to their checkout lines. And, of course, there are reusable bags offered for sale everywhere.
Reducing the number of plastics and recyclables in our daily life can also help. Here are a few simple ideas:
- Bring your own bags to the grocery store or fruit stands. Keep these by your wallet, car keys, or purse in order to help you remember to bring them.
- Skip the straws at restaurants.
- Repurpose plastic containers. Bonlac ice cream tubs are awesome as cheap Tupperwear containers. Yogurt containers are useful as a way to hold paint for projects around the house.
- Decline plastic cutlery if you’re getting takeout.
- Use biodegradable trash bags. You can find black biodegradable trash bags at both Machetazo and Riba Smith. White kitchen trash bags can be found at Riba Smith.
If you have any suggestions on how to reduce plastic or recyclables, please let us know. We would like to share your ideas with others!