Litter (Amendment) Bill, 2026 opens for consultation

The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability has announced that the Litter (Amendment) Bill, 2026, officially gazetted on Thursday, 5 February 2026, is now open for a 28-day public consultation. The proposed legislation represents a significant step toward tackling litter, protecting public health, and preserving the natural beauty of the Cayman Islands.

The Bill updates the Litter Act (1997 Revision) and responds directly to long-standing public concerns, as well as recommendations from the Beautification Task Force (2022). The amendments focus on stronger penalties, clearer enforcement powers, and greater accountability for littering and related offences.

“The Cayman Islands’ environment is one of our greatest assets, and protecting it is a shared responsibility,” said Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability. “Littering is not a minor issue - it affects public health, community pride, and our natural ecosystems. This Bill sends a clear message that we are serious about safeguarding our islands for current and future generations.”

What the Proposed Changes Mean for the Public

Higher Fines and Stronger Deterrents

To ensure penalties are fair, consistent, and effective:

• Littering in public places or on private property may attract fines of up to CI$5,000 or up to 12 months’ imprisonment.
• Causing another person to litter may attract a proposed fine of CI$1,000 for a first offence, with repeat offences resulting in fines of up to CI$2,500 and up to 12 months’ imprisonment.
• Interfering with or obstructing an authorised officer could result in fines increasing from CI$500 to CI$5,000.

Clearer Powers to Require Clean-Up

To prevent ongoing harm and protect public health:

• Environmental Health Officers may issue formal notices requiring litter to be removed.
• Dangerous litter, such as dead animals, must be removed immediately.
• Other litter must be removed within the timeframe specified in the notice, which must be at least three days, so that the premises are restored to a condition satisfactory to the officer.
• Failure to comply may result in a CI$1,000 fine, plus CI$250 for each day the offence continues.
• Where necessary, officers may arrange for removal and recover reasonable costs from the responsible party as a civil debt.

Derelict Vehicles Treated as Litter

To address long-standing community concerns and align with other enforcement provisions:

• Derelict vehicles, defined as vehicles that appear abandoned due to their condition - for example, missing parts or being unlicensed for more than six months - as judged by an officer, are included within the enforcement provisions of the Litter Act.
• Failure to remove a derelict vehicle after notice may result in a CI$1,500 fine, plus CI$250 per day for continued non-compliance.
• Where a person fails to comply with a notice to remove a derelict vehicle, officers may remove the vehicle and the Crown may recover the reasonable costs of removal from the owner as a civil debt, in addition to any fines imposed.

Expanded Cabinet Powers

To support effective enforcement:

• Cabinet may introduce regulations covering matters such as removal and storage fees, and requirements for vehicles to carry litter-control equipment.
• Breaches of these regulations may result in fines of up to CI$1,000 and three months’ imprisonment.
• Cabinet may also establish an administrative fines system, allowing certain offences to be dealt with without court proceedings.

Public Consultation Now Open

The public consultation period runs until 5 March 2026.

The full text of the Litter (Amendment) Bill, 2026 is available at:
https://gov.ky/w/litter-amendment-bill-2026-introduced-lg7-s12

Members of the public are encouraged to share their views by emailing sustainability@gov.ky.

“These amendments are about protecting our home and reinforcing clear, fair standards,” said Ms. Tamara Ebanks, Chief Officer, Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability. “Litter that is left unchecked, or actions that obstruct enforcement, cause real and lasting harm to our communities. The proposed changes aim to create an equitable, consistent, and effective framework that deters repeat offences while supporting cleaner, safer spaces for everyone. We now invite the public to review the Bill and help shape how it is implemented.”