DEH urges Proper Garbage Disposal

21 May 2019, 05:42 AM

Sci/Technology & Environment

The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) urges residents to dispose of garbage, in a sanitary manner; in accordance with the Cayman Islands Litter Law (1997 Revision) and Public Health (Garbage & Refuse Disposal) Regulations (2011 Revision).

“In recent weeks, we have observed a proliferation of illegal dumpsites. Included in several of these dumpsites are electronic items, large appliances, landscaping waste and derelict vehicles,” said DEH Acting Director, Richard Simms. “These dumpsites are not only unsightly but are also illegal and have public health and environmental implications,” Mr Simms continued.

DEH, therefore, reminds residents to make use of the 24-hour drop-off site located at the entrance of the George Town Landfill in order to dispose of small quantities of garbage, bulky items (old furniture, tree branches), metals (barbeques etc.) and household hazardous waste (cooking oils, grease, paint, solvents, bleach, cleaning supplies).

DEH also reminds residents to dispose of large quantities of household garbage, commercial garbage (landscaping, construction debris etc.), metals (derelict vehicles and equipment etc.), and hazardous waste (in excess of five 55 gallons drums of oil etc.) inside the main section of the George Town Landfill; which is opened from 7:30am to 6:30pm, Mondays to Saturdays.

The DEH is committed to pick-up household and commercial garbage on scheduled days, and aims to retrieve any uncollected garbage within 48 hours after the scheduled pick-up day.

To facilitate efficient collections, residents must ensure that their garbage is appropriately packaged and easily accessible to DEH collection crews. DEH collectors will not pick-up garbage that is not suitably packaged or that contains items that should not be placed with the household garbage.

For more information on the 24-hour drop-off site, DEH residential pick-up schedule or on how to package household garbage, please visit the DEH’s website at deh.gov.ky or its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DEHCaymanIslands.