Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Vandals have damaged, attempted to steal, and filled with trash more than 50 metal heart-shaped collection bins installed across the municipality of Othon P. Blanco to collect plastic bottle caps for children undergoing cancer treatment, according to Areola Calderon, representative of the nonprofit La Alianza Anticancer A.C.
In an interview, Calderon said that while residents now recognize the bins are meant only for plastic bottle caps, people continue to use them as trash cans. Volunteers have found dirty diapers, food scraps, and even sharp objects inside, posing a safety risk when emptying them.
“Society knows full well these are for bottle caps, yet they still deposit trash, including dirty diapers or food, and even sharp objects that, when emptied, represent a risk for volunteers,” she said.
Calderon added that the structures have also suffered damage from people hanging on them or trying to steal them. The bin at Parque del Queso has required repairs at least three times, costing up to 1,500 pesos each time, covered by community donations. Without that support, she said the cost could double.
So far this year, at least four bins have been targeted in attempted thefts because they are made entirely of iron, a material that attracts criminals, and most are left unguarded.
“Everyone in society knows what they are for and the effort it takes to install them. More than anything, this is a call to conscience for the community to support us by donating bottle caps in the containers,” she stressed.
Calderon urged residents to protect the bins located in various parts of Chetumal and communities in Othon P. Blanco, and to donate PET bottle caps to help children with cancer in Quintana Roo.
