A massive garbage heap has been growing for more than four months near the Pepe Barrientos Recreational and Sports Center in Luyanó, a neighborhood in the Diez de Octubre municipality of Havana, according to a public complaint shared by the Facebook channel NiO Reporting a Crime.
Positioned directly across from a technical-school for Physical Education, this waste dump poses a significant threat to the health of students, teachers, and families who pass through the area daily.
The platform received reports that the trash build-up has led to foul odors and a concerning increase in flies.
"Residents describe the situation as unbearable and fear that this unhygienic hotspot could facilitate the spread of diseases, particularly due to its proximity to a school and sports facility," stated the channel.
The complaint quickly went viral, with the video amassing over a million views, nearly 19,000 likes, and around 1,900 comments on Facebook, highlighting the scale of public outrage.
The platform demanded swift action from the authorities: "Where are the Communal Services? Where are the Public Health officials responsible for preventing infection sources?"
Wider Waste Management Crisis in Havana
The Luyanó incident is not an isolated case but rather a localized symptom of a long-standing waste management crisis that has plagued Havana for years. At the start of 2026, only 44 out of the 106 garbage collection trucks in the capital were operational—just 41.5% of the fleet—due to diesel shortages and mechanical failures.
The city produces between 24,000 and 30,000 cubic meters of solid waste daily, with more than 20,000 potentially going uncollected each day. The shortage of containers exacerbates the situation: the capital requires between 20,000 and 30,000 bins but has about 10,000, many of which are in poor condition.
Emergency Measures Fall Short
In response to the system's breakdown, authorities implemented emergency measures that failed to address the underlying issues. In May, they authorized open-air garbage burning, and in June, they enlisted young men from Active Military Service to participate in trash collection using shovels and sacks.
Diez de Octubre has been one of the most severely affected areas by this crisis. In September, muddy water and debris were washed down General Lee Street by rain, while accumulated trash blocked drains and sewers. Luyanó, in particular, has faced documented complaints since 2019, with trash containers sometimes going unemptied for up to two weeks.
Health Risks Escalate
The health context is dire. As of October 4, 2026, Cuba had recorded 11,235 dengue cases, a figure 9.2 times higher than the average of the previous five years, with all four serotypes circulating simultaneously.
The Ministry of Public Health also acknowledged increases in acute diarrheal diseases, hepatitis, and respiratory infections—conditions directly linked to waste accumulation and pest proliferation.
NiO Reporting a Crime was unequivocal in its demand: "The trash pile-up is not just an urban image problem. It is a public health risk that demands immediate attention."
Understanding the Waste Crisis in Havana
Why has waste collection become a problem in Havana?
Waste collection has become problematic in Havana due to a combination of diesel shortages, mechanical failures of garbage trucks, and an insufficient number of waste containers, many of which are in poor condition.
What steps have been taken to address the waste issue in Luyanó?
Authorities have taken emergency measures such as authorizing open-air burning of garbage and recruiting young men from Active Military Service to assist in waste collection. However, these actions have not resolved the fundamental issues.
How does the waste situation affect public health in Havana?
The accumulation of waste is linked to increased cases of diseases such as dengue, acute diarrheal diseases, hepatitis, and respiratory infections, due to the proliferation of pests and unhygienic conditions.