A video shared on Facebook last Friday reveals a massive garbage dump, presumably located at the intersection of Águila and Estrella streets in Central Havana. Accompanying the footage is a caption denouncing it as one of the "achievements of the so-called revolution."
This report adds to a growing list of similar instances that highlight the collapse of the waste collection system in Cuba's capital throughout 2026.
The 56-second reel, posted on September 11, specifically references these streets—"Águila between Estrella"—as a symbol of governmental neglect. The text accompanying the video labels the regime as "cowards, torturers, murderers."
Widespread Neglect in Havana's Streets
Just days earlier, new videos surfaced showing streets in Havana overflowing with trash at various locations in Central Havana: El Curita park, the intersection of San Juan and Virtudes, and the vicinity of La Época store. "Havana's garbage dumps stretch for kilometers, and no one takes action to resolve this," stated the content creator regarding El Curita park.
Systemic Failures Amplify the Crisis
The structural roots of this crisis are well-documented. As 2026 began, only 44 out of 106 garbage trucks were operational—a mere 41% of the fleet—due to diesel shortages and mechanical failures. Meanwhile, the capital produces between 24,000 and 30,000 cubic meters of waste daily, with over 23,000 potentially left uncollected each day.
The Los Sitios neighborhood in Central Havana has been particularly affected. An improvised garbage dump fire destroyed the side door of the Parish of San Judas Tadeo and San Nicolás de Bari on September 9. Brother Ernesto Cuba, Sch.P., from the Piarist community managing the parish, publicly denounced the situation: "The Parish of San Judas Tadeo just lost its side door due to another fire in the garbage dump this afternoon. A result of neglect by both the Havana Government, primarily Central Havana, the Party, and Communals, who have failed to keep their promises."
Inadequate Government Responses
The regime's responses have proven insufficient, a fact even acknowledged by the authorities themselves. In August, an electric tricycle pilot project for waste collection in the Popular Council Rampa failed because the solar charging station remained unfinished, among other issues.
Pedro Lizardo Garcés Escalona, president of that Popular Council, admitted, "Unfortunately, the initial idea and goal with which the collection of solid waste in electric tricycles was designed have not been achieved."
In early September, Vice Prime Minister Inés María Chapman presented a batch of 20 trucks and over 240 Ampliroll-type containers from China, with an investment exceeding one million euros. However, the authorities themselves admitted that this "is not the definitive solution." Previous equipment donations for this purpose have deteriorated rapidly due to a lack of maintenance and fuel.
Public Health Risks and Citizen Outrage
The health risks posed by such waste accumulation lead to outbreaks of diseases like dengue and chikungunya, which affected thousands in 2025. Over 500,000 residents in Havana were without regular potable water supply as of last July.
Cuban citizens express their anger forcefully on social media. "Not just Havana, this is the state of all of Cuba," one user noted. Another remarked, "The government thinks they can force the people to become garbage collectors too."
Poet Juan Carlos García Guridi encapsulated the sentiment in verses published at the end of August, capturing mountains of garbage in Bejucal, Mayabeque: "we have become / a country of garbage."
Key Issues in Havana's Waste Management Crisis
What are the main causes of Havana's waste management crisis?
The crisis is primarily due to mechanical failures and diesel shortages, leaving only 41% of garbage trucks operational. Additionally, systemic neglect and inadequate government responses contribute to the problem.
How are Havana's residents responding to the waste problem?
Residents are expressing their frustration on social media, criticizing the government's inaction and highlighting the widespread nature of the issue throughout Cuba.
What health risks are associated with the waste buildup in Havana?
The accumulation of waste fosters outbreaks of diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, posing significant health risks to the population.