Santo Domingo has achieved a remarkable environmental milestone with its latest “Plastics for Toys” initiative, gathering an impressive 4,023,865 plastic bottles in a single day. The event, meticulously organized by the National District Mayor’s Office, marks the sixth edition of this transformative program that has now surpassed 37 million bottles collected across all editions, including both “Plastics for Toys” and “Plastics for Schoolchildren” campaigns.
Mayor Carolina Mejía emphasized the dual impact of the program, noting how it simultaneously generates environmental benefits while bringing joy to the community’s children. “This initiative represents our commitment to both environmental stewardship and social development,” Mejía stated during the event at the Municipal Palace. She particularly acknowledged the crucial role of private sector partners in sustaining the program’s success over multiple years.
The recognition ceremony highlighted several key corporate supporters including Propagas, Banco Popular, Banreservas, Café Santo Domingo, and Banco BHD for their ongoing commitment to the city’s environmental goals. The event’s security and operational success was ensured by a deployment of more than 350 security and emergency personnel from various public and private institutions, creating a safe environment for all participants.
This latest edition demonstrates the powerful synergy between municipal leadership and corporate social responsibility, establishing a replicable model for environmental education and waste management initiatives. The program’s continued growth positions it as the Dominican Republic’s most significant environmental awareness campaign, showcasing how public-private partnerships can effectively address both ecological challenges and community needs.