Delayed bulk waste pickups continuing through January

Despite the Department of Environmental Health’s efforts to complete its annual bulk waste cleanup by Dec. 14, 2013, mechanical issues with equipment have created delays, taking the incentive into the New Year.  

Although some districts have been visited and some bulk waste items removed, there are still remaining piles to be tackled before the job is finished. 

The department’s “grab truck,” which is used to pick up large and unwieldy items, has had mechanical problems, slowing down the collection effort. 

Tania Johnson, the Department of Environmental Health’s public education and promotions officer, acknowledged that issues with the truck had affected the pickup schedule, but she noted that the plan is to complete the task as soon as possible. “There has been some delay with bulk waste pickup by the DEH grab truck due to ongoing mechanical issues,” she explained, “We are hoping to have remaining items collected by the end of January at the latest.” 

The main districts affected by delays are George Town and West Bay, according to Ms Johnson, but East End, North Side and Bodden Town may still have some bulk waste items left to clear away. 

The original pickup schedule was slated to begin on Nov. 18, running through Dec. 14, and it included all the main Grand Cayman districts, as well as the Sister Islands.  

An advisory was sent to the public by the department with information on what items would qualify for the free service, and where they should be placed. It noted that bulk waste should be placed at curbside, where it can be accessed by the trucks, but not where it will block traffic. It could include household appliances, furniture and yard waste, but construction and demolition debris would not be collected. 

It also stated that metal items, such as old appliances, metal furniture and metal roofing, and vegetation, such as plant trimmings, should be separated from the rest of the bulk waste. 

For more information about pickups in particular areas, the public is asked to contact the Department of Environmental Health at [email protected] or call 743-5942 or 743-5901.