The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) is responsible for all waste management and recycling in the Cayman Islands. Residential garbage is collected once per week on Grand Cayman, while commercial garbage is collected based on the needs of the individual business.
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There is no charge for residential garbage collection (once registered at DEH), but there is for condo complexes and commercial garbage collection. Complexes with 10 or more dwelling places are viewed as commercial establishments.
Bulk Waste Collection
The DEH provides free kerbside bulk waste (old furniture, appliances, etc.) pick-up once per year. Never place bulk items out on the kerbside until the DEH has announced its annual bulk waste pick-up schedule. At any other time, doing so constitutes fly-tipping, which is illegal. Bulk waste pick-up is usually performed pre-hurricane season.
You may also hire DEH to pick up your bulk waste throughout the year at the cost of CI$100 per load (Monday-Friday), or CI$150 (Saturday). On Cayman Brac, it will cost CI$75 (Monday-Friday). To get in touch with someone at the DEH Solid Waste Unit, Tel: (345) 949 6696 or (345) 948 2321 (for customers on the Sister Islands).
Household Garbage
Place your garbage on the kerbside on the evening before your scheduled pick-up day to avoid a missed collection, as pick-up commences as early as 3am. Avoid putting the following items into your garbage container: hot coals, grease/oils, sharp objects, garden waste, dead animals, liquids, household hazardous waste items and electronic appliances. Take these items to the George Town Landfill drop-off area, which is open 24/7. Pour water on hot coals before disposing of them as hot coals may reignite several days after a fire has been extinguished.
Garden Waste
Garden waste can be taken to the George Town landfill. For those living in North Side or East End, Beacon Farms (Tel: (345) 917 9800) accepts all green waste from individuals or landscaping companies. The loads of green waste must be completely free from plastic and all non-organic material. They then mix the green waste with shredded paper and cardboard to make nutrient-rich compost. Please call them to arrange a drop-off time.
Hazardous Material
Hazardous material, including batteries and chemicals, must be disposed of properly. Household batteries can be taken to the grocery stores, while chemicals and oil must be taken to the George Town Landfill drop-off area.
Electronic Equipment & Household Appliances
Both can be recycled and Kevin Ropes (Tel: (345) 321 6126) will come and collect it directly. You can also email kevinropes@yahoo.com.
JUNK (Tel: (345) 325 5865) also collects recyclables from private residences and businesses for a fee.
Separate Recyclables
Be sure to separate your recyclable items, including tin and aluminium cans, types 1 & 2 plastics and cardboard items, all of which are 100% recyclable, from household waste. Refer to the Recycling section for more details on recycling your waste.
Lastly, littering by throwing things out of your car, and/or dumping (fly tipping) is illegal in the Cayman Islands and can lead to a minimum fine of CI$500 and six months imprisonment. Do not litter!
