A video uploaded to Facebook on Friday reveals an enormous heap of trash piled up at the intersection of San Miguel and Soledad in Central Havana. Cardboard boxes, plastic bags, clothing, and household items dominate the street while an individual sifts through the debris with a cart, searching for recyclable materials.
The post by user Maykel Chapotin sparked hundreds of comments expressing outrage and concern over health risks. A local resident verified the exact location: "I saw it not long ago, it's at San Miguel and Soledad."
The potential health hazards have locals worried. Comments on the video reflect a mix of anger, dark humor, and genuine alarm over the situation at San Miguel and Soledad.
"It's not easy, clean up the trash or it will cause an epidemic," wrote one person. Another warned of a "serious infection hazard." A biologist was more specific: "A gastroenteritis outbreak in Havana could occur at any moment."
The epidemiological context adds to the urgency. Cuba ended 2025 with at least 81,909 cases of dengue and chikungunya and 65 confirmed deaths, in an outbreak that The New York Times linked directly to rampant waste accumulation. By 2026, the outbreak persisted with over 2,800 cases in 134 municipalities across 14 provinces.
Some commentators on the video directly criticized the political system as the culprit: "Achievements of a prosperous and sustained revolution," one remarked sarcastically. Another suggested, "Dump the garbage at the Plaza de la Revolución and see what they do."
On June 12, Deputy Minister of Public Health Carilda Peña warned on state television that Cuba could face a new dengue epidemic as all four virus serotypes circulate simultaneously, indicating that authorities are aware of the danger but have not managed—or appear unwilling—to address its root cause.
Structural Failures in Waste Management
The scene at San Miguel is not unique. Throughout June, viral videos have depicted Neptuno Street nearly blocked by debris and a garbage mountain obstructing the San José and Escobar intersection, both in the same district.
The collapse stems from systemic issues: since February 2026, only 44 of the capital's 106 garbage trucks are operational due to fuel shortages and mechanical breakdowns.
The city produces between 24,000 and 30,000 cubic meters of solid waste daily, but the actual capacity leaves up to 23,814 cubic meters uncollected each day.
The capital has a mere 10,000 containers when it needs between 20,000 and 30,000. The regime itself admitted in December 2025 that it cannot clean the capital nor pay street cleaners a decent wage.
In the face of state inaction, some residents have resorted to burning accumulated waste, leading to severe consequences. On Friday, a fire caused by burning trash destroyed a side door of the Parroquia de los Escolapios on San Nicolás 830, marking the fourth such incident at that church in under three months.
Understanding the Health Risks and Waste Management Issues in Havana
What are the health risks associated with waste accumulation in Havana?
Accumulated waste can lead to the spread of diseases like dengue and chikungunya, as it creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying pests.
Why is there a garbage crisis in Central Havana?
The garbage crisis is largely due to structural failures, such as a lack of operational garbage trucks and insufficient waste containers, compounded by fuel shortages and mechanical issues.
How are residents responding to the waste problem?
In response to the government's inaction, some residents have taken matters into their own hands by burning trash, although this can lead to further hazards such as fires.