Minister for Health, Environment & Sustainability declares Waste Management Solution for George Town Landfill an “urgent priority” Following Site Tour

The Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to addressing the growing volume of solid waste at the George Town Landfill, describing it as “an urgent national priority”.

The Minister toured the landfill site on Thursday, 5 June, as part of her ongoing orientation across departments under her remit. The visit coincided with World Environment Day, which this year carries the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” — a global call to reduce, reuse, and recycle single-use plastics. The theme aligns with the Ministry’s waste management strategy and its broader commitment to sustainability across the Cayman Islands.

Honourable Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks said: “Standing at the edge of the landfill today, it is painfully clear that this is not just an environmental problem—it’s an urgent national priority that affects our land, our health and our economy. The Cayman Islands needs a waste system that works, and I am fully committed to delivering one that is both affordable and built to last.”

The George Town Landfill has been in operation since the 1970s and now spans approximately 58 acres. At the current rate — around 13,000 cubic yards of waste added each month.

During the tour, Minister Ebanks-Wilks also issued a call to action, encouraging the public to take individual responsibility for reducing household waste:

“I’m challenging every household to recycle all Type 1 and Type 2 plastic items to reduce their garbage by just one bag per week,” she said. “This is one small change that each of us can make, and it will have a direct impact on the lifespan of the landfill. There are free recycling drop-off points in every district — so before your weekly grocery shop, take a moment to drop off your recyclables. These small everyday choices will make a big difference in the landfill capacity.”

The Minister was accompanied on the visit by Mr Richard Simms, Director of the Department of Environmental Health (DEH), and Mr Ramon Hutchinson, DEH Operations Manager. During the tour, she also met with frontline staff and commended their ongoing dedication.

“It was a pleasure to meet members of the Department who work tirelessly, often at hours when many of us are still asleep. Their hard work is what is required to ensure the landfill sites in Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands safe,” said the Minister. “Working at a waste management and recycling facility is certainly a tough and often overlooked job. I want to thank all staff for their commitment, resilience and expertise in keeping the Cayman Islands clean and safe.”

The Department of Environmental Health is one of the largest departments in Government, with more than 180 staff operating from both office and field locations across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Its scope includes solid and hazardous waste management, environmental engineering, laboratory services, research, public education and outreach.

Mr Richard Simms, Director of the DEH, added, “I would like to thank Minister Ebanks-Wilks and the Ministry team for taking the time to visit our landfill operations. Your support and commitment are vital as we work together to address the waste management challenges facing our islands. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Ministry to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Cayman for all residents and future generations.”

Chief Officer Tamara Ebanks, who leads the Ministry’s civil service team, highlighted the value of such visits in building trust and collaboration across departments.

“As a newly formed Ministry, these visits help us to better understand the specific needs and challenges of each department. We are focussed on building a high-performing team that works together to serve the people of the Cayman Islands. We have important work to do to tackle waste management and I trust in my colleagues at DEH and the Ministry to deliver on the priorities of the Ministry.”

The Minister’s departmental briefings continue this month, with visits to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, as the Ministry advances its environmental stewardship and sustainability goals across all three Islands.