The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has announced the return of its Annual Bulk Waste Collection across the Cayman Islands, scheduled to take place in phases throughout May 2025. This island-wide initiative gives residents the opportunity to responsibly dispose of large household items that aren’t collected during regular garbage pickups.
Whether you’re getting rid of old furniture, rusted appliances, or trimming overgrown yard waste, now is the time to get your bulk items curb-ready. But don’t delay—waste must be placed outside your property before your district’s scheduled collection week. Late or improperly sorted items will not be collected, and no extensions will be granted.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, including the official 2025 schedule, what items are accepted, preparation tips, and important DEH guidelines to help you avoid fines and contribute to a cleaner, healthier Cayman.
What Is Considered Bulk Waste?
Bulk waste refers to large household items that are too big for your regular curbside garbage collection. These items commonly accumulate during home clean-ups, yard work, or renovation projects.
✅ Items Accepted for Bulk Waste Collection:
- Old furniture (e.g., sofas, mattresses, dressers)
- Large appliances (e.g., fridges, stoves—remove doors if applicable)
- Metal items (e.g., bed frames, water tanks, bicycles, scrap metal)
- Vegetative waste (e.g., tree branches, yard clippings)
Important: Be sure to separate metal and vegetative waste from general bulk items. DEH crews will not collect mixed piles.
❌ Items NOT Accepted for Curbside Collection:
- Construction and demolition debris (e.g., concrete, tiles, drywall)
- Hazardous materials (e.g., chemicals, paint, fuel)
- Electronics (e.g., TVs, computers, printers)
- Tyres
These restricted items must be transported directly to the George Town Landfill or the landfill drop-off facility, which is open 24/7 to small vehicles.
Bulk Waste Collection Schedule by District (2025)
To keep the process smooth and efficient, the DEH has organized the bulk waste collection into weekly phases across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Residents must place their items on the curbside before the collection week begins in their area.
📍 Grand Cayman:
- West Bay: May 5 – 10 (Week 1)
- George Town: May 12 – 16 (Week 2)
- Bodden Town: May 19 – 23 (Week 3)
- North Side / East End: May 26 – 31 (Week 4)
📍 Cayman Brac:
- East Side: May 26 – 27
- West Side: May 28 – 29
- South Side: May 30
📍 Little Cayman:
- All Areas: May 28
Note: Collection will not be rescheduled or repeated for any district. Ensure your bulk waste is out early and properly placed.
How to Prepare for Curbside Collection
Proper preparation is essential to ensure your bulk waste is collected efficiently and safely. The DEH has issued specific guidelines to help residents comply with the requirements and avoid missed pickups.
Follow These Steps:
1. Sort Your Waste by Type
Separate metal, vegetative waste (like branches or yard clippings), and general bulk items (like furniture). Mixed piles will be left behind.
2. Place Items Curbside Before Your Collection Week Starts
Waste must be set out no later than the Sunday evening before your district’s collection week. Items placed late will not be collected.
3. Keep the Area Clear and Accessible
Place your bulk waste on your property’s curbside—not in the road or obstructing traffic or footpaths. Avoid blocking utility meters, gates, or driveways.
4. Ensure Safety
If disposing of appliances with doors (e.g., refrigerators), remove the doors to prevent safety hazards for children and animals.
“Place your bulk waste on your curbside in an area that is easily accessible to DEH collection crews and does not obstruct the roadway. Remember, we are coming to you. Let’s do this together. Let’s do it right.”
— Mr. Richard Simms, DEH Director
Penalties for Late Dumping and Illegal Disposal
Improper disposal of bulk waste—whether it’s placing items out too late, leaving them in unauthorized locations, or engaging in illegal dumping—is not only irresponsible, but also punishable by law.
🚫 What Not to Do:
- Do not place bulk waste on the roadside after your district’s collection week has passed.
- Do not dump waste in empty lots, public spaces, or outside of designated landfill areas.
- Do not mix restricted items with your bulk materials.
⚠️ Legal Consequences:
- Minimum Fine: CI$500
- Imprisonment: Up to 6 months
Offenders may also face further penalties if caught dumping in protected or public spaces.
The DEH encourages the public to report any cases of illegal dumping or littering to:
- The Department of Environmental Health (949-6696)
- The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS)
Maintaining a clean, healthy environment is a shared responsibility. Don’t put your community—or your freedom—at risk.
Additional Resources & Contact Information
To support residents during the 2025 Bulk Waste Collection, the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has made multiple resources available to answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure proper participation.
📞 Contact DEH Directly:
- Phone: (345) 949-6696
- Email: [email protected]
🌐 Online Resources:
- Website: www.gov.ky/deh/
- Facebook: DEH Cayman Islands (for updates, reminders, and public alerts)
For any issues related to missed pickups, reporting illegal dumping, or clarifying what qualifies as bulk waste, don’t hesitate to reach out to the DEH.
Bulk Waste Collection Made Easy with Complete Clean
At Complete Clean, we know that a clutter-free environment starts with community-wide effort, and the annual Bulk Waste Collection is the perfect time to make your space lighter, safer, and cleaner.
If you are short on time or need help preparing your bulk waste for pickup, our team is here to assist. From moving heavy items curbside to clearing overgrown yard waste, we offer fast, reliable support to help you meet DEH’s guidelines without stress.
Need a hand?
- Pre-Collection Cleanup Services
- Furniture and Appliance Removal Assistance
- Yard and Exterior Tidying
- Post-Collection Deep Cleaning
Let’s work together for a cleaner Cayman. Contact Complete Clean today and we’ll make sure your property is ready—on time and up to standard.
Areas Served: Grand Cayman — West Bay, George Town, Bodden Town, North Side, and East End.
