DEH issues ‘rubbish’ rules
(CNS): Officials from the department of environmental health (DEH) are asking residents to follow proper guidelines when disposing of their garbage to avoid posing health hazards to others—including DEH collectors. From tight fitting garbage or rubbish can lids to avoiding placing sharp objects in regular garbage bags the DEH has issued a long list of guidelines on how to handle household trash. (Photos good garbage-bad garbage)
“Rounding out Beautification Month, residents can stay green and clean by showing that they are aware of disposal guidelines,” said DEH Director Roydell Carter. ”Having proper containers and enclosures is just one way that residents can assist in reducing the amount of waste that pollutes the environment.”
Residents are asked to adhere to the following guidelines :
Provide watertight metal / plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, to prevent animal interference (both residential and commercial premises);
Avoid placing sharp objects such as metal or branches in regular garbage. These should be securely wrapped in several layers of paper, until the launch of the revamped recycling programme.
Limit maximum weight of a bag / container to 40 lbs;
Avoid placing coals, cooking oil or other ’hot’ items in regular garbage;
Avoid placing construction / demolition materials, vegetation and bulk household waste in residential garbage containers. (Arrange with DEH for rental and removal).
Carter also noted that containers should be placed either in front of premises or on the street immediately beside the property. They should not block traffic and should be promptly removed following collection.
Residents are also reminded that it is illegal (Litter Law, 1997 Revision) to dump garbage on any property or in the vicinity of public roads, beaches, waterfronts, or other public land. The only places to safely dispose of waste are the three landfills.
Unwanted material arising from new construction or renovations must also be transported to a landfill. Illegal disposal can lead to a CI$500 fine or imprisonment of up to six months. When large, approved garbage containers are placed by the DEH for bulk waste disposal, they will be serviced by department staff. However, the public is reminded that access to these rented containers must be kept clear at all times.
Boxes must also be broken down to efficiently utilize container space; wet garbage must be placed in securely fastened plastic bags; and oil, grease or other liquid wastes must not be placed in these containers. Those who prefer to organise their own disposal are further reminded that Cayman’s landfills do have 24-hour drop-off areas. Located at the entrances, drop-off and separation areas are open to the public for disposal of all types of waste. These include landscaping vegetation, construction and demolition debris, metals, household appliances, furniture, and hazardous materials.
For more information regarding garbage disposal and collection and proper garbage enclosures, contact DEH’s solid waste unit at 949-8793 or 949-6696.
Category: Local News
Respect goes both ways! For years I have picked up after the garbage crew. My garbage bins are thrown in the ‘general direction’ of my garbage enclosure. I have to hunt to find the lids, garbage is everywhere and twice a week, every week, I spend time picking it all up and putting it all back together. Where is the respect? DEH issues guidelines to residents, but perhaps they should issue some guidelines to their own staff!
When they stop throwing my expensive bins and lids on the ground rather than placing them back in the wooden crate/container I spent money on to keep dog interference to a minimum, then -and only then -will I stop complaining. To be fair, however, I think someone has spoken to them about this because they have improved in the last 2 months. Now, if they would only get back on schedule – twice a week rather than once.
This is all well and good….but when garbage is supposed to be collected twice a week and it is collected only once a week – like what has happened these past two weeks – then I put the responsibility squarely on the DOEH. If the DOEH have changed the schedule then please advise us.
The other issue is the ‘ABUSE’ of the garbage containers by the DOEH employees collecting the garbage. I am not placing new garbage containers for them to destroy.