Improperly Bagged Garbage Continues to Create Challenges for San Pedro Sanitation Crews

On August 12th, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) renewed its appeal to residents and businesses, asking the community to properly bag and secure waste to assist sanitation crews across the island. The reminder from the council’s operations team comes amid intensified collection efforts, with crews working extended hours to keep up with the volume of garbage generated in San Pedro.
SPTC Operations Manager Alex Ek said crews have been encountering improperly bagged garbage and insufficient garbage receptacles at homes and businesses, slowing collection and creating avoidable messes. Ek said the night crew is “doubling down with day shifts to catch up with the workload” and stressed that collection continues “rain or shine,” even when trucks require servicing or staff members take time off.
The council asks residents and businesses to ensure all household waste is properly bagged and placed in suitable receptacles for collection. This is especially important for heavier loads, as sanitation workers often must manually lift garbage into collection trucks.
According to Ek, loose or inadequately contained garbage can be scattered by animals or soaked by rain, increasing its weight and making collection more difficult. He noted that some businesses and homeowners rely on a single drum for their refuse and “need to have more drums to keep their garbage secure.” The council also advised residents to use receptacles that drain rainwater and to re-bag any garbage that becomes scattered before collection.
Proper waste disposal is also important for maintaining the island’s appearance and protecting public health. As one of Belize’s leading tourism destinations, San Pedro requires cooperation among the Town Council, residents, and businesses to keep the town clean. Improperly contained garbage can attract pests, contribute to unsanitary conditions, and create additional challenges for sanitation workers already managing a demanding collection schedule.
“We appreciate their hard work,” Ek said of the Town Council’s sanitation crews, while encouraging residents and businesses to support their efforts by properly securing their garbage.
The council’s appeal underscores shared responsibility for keeping San Pedro clean. Simple measures, such as properly bagging waste, providing adequate receptacles, and securing garbage before collection, can make sanitation operations safer and more efficient for crews. With cooperation from households and businesses, these practices can also help reduce litter across neighborhoods and public areas, contributing to a cleaner, healthier San Pedro for residents and visitors alike.