Cuban Citizens React to Garbage Collection Project in Havana: A Rare Newsworthy Event

The launch of a solar charging station at the intersection of 23 and J in Havana's Vedado neighborhood is stirring a mix of sarcasm, surprise, and cautious optimism on social media. This initiative aims to implement a garbage collection system using electric tricycles.

According to an article from the pro-government outlet Cubadebate, published on June 29, the construction for the "El Rampeño" Local Development Project is progressing in the Rampa Popular Council, located in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality.

The project involves deploying 30 electric tricycles for door-to-door solid waste collection across 14 districts, operating at set times: 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. As of the article's publication, five of the planned 30 tricycles were already in operation in the Popular Council.

Solar-Powered Hub for Electric Vehicles

The core of this initiative is a "solinera" — a solar-powered charging station. It will provide charging services not only for the tricycles but also for private electric vehicles, motorcycles, cell phones, and lamps, contributing energy to the National Electric System as well.

Pedro Lizardo Garcés Escalona, president of the Rampa Popular Council, outlined the project’s scope: "We are constructing a solinera here, which, following the Party's and central government's directive, will handle the allocation of 30 electric tricycles for solid waste collection and raw material recovery in the Rampa Popular Council."

Community Costs and Enforcement

The service will charge 100 Cuban pesos monthly per household, with differentiated rates for state and non-state sectors, while exempting seniors without income and people with disabilities.

Street containers are to be removed, and four strategic locations will be designated for bulky waste like rubble, furniture, and appliances. The project also includes a team of inspectors authorized to issue fines and potentially escalate cases to criminal prosecution for repeated illegal dumping.

Blame and Broader Issues

Garcés Escalona blamed the U.S. government for the project’s necessity due to economic sanctions, stating, "This starts from the economic strangulation measures imposed by the U.S., leaving us without fuel for solid waste collection, which we all suffer." However, the garbage crisis in Havana is deeply rooted in years of neglect of waste management infrastructure under the regime.

Statistics reveal the severity of the issue: by February 2026, only 44 out of 106 garbage collection trucks were functional, a mere 41.5% of the fleet. The city produces between 24,000 and 30,000 cubic meters of waste daily, with up to 23,814 cubic meters going uncollected each day. This has led to outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya, leptospirosis, and hepatitis A.

Citizen-Led Solutions and Public Response

With the collapse of government services, residents have taken matters into their own hands. In May, people in the Casino Deportivo neighborhood organized their own garbage collection, and in Central Havana, two community-funded individuals monitor a corner to prevent illegal dumping.

Social media reactions to Cubadebate's article highlight widespread frustration. "Amazing! A news story that leaves us stunned: they're collecting garbage!" one user commented sarcastically. Another noted, "The good news is they'll never run out of raw materials."

Others praised the leadership of the Popular Council's president: "He has shown community leadership. Others should follow his example instead of waiting for everything from the State." Many called for the initiative to be expanded nationwide, while one user reminded everyone that Cuba's first sanitation ordinances date back to 1898-1902, emphasizing the historical depth of this unresolved issue in 2026.

Garcés Escalona affirmed the positive citizen response to the project: "We've shared this on our digital networks, Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, and the Gente de Barrio group, and the response has been tremendous. People have contributed ideas that have enriched and improved our initial plans." The official start date for the service has yet to be announced.