Bahamas (BS)

An English-speaking Caribbean archipelago close to Florida, known for high-end tourism, no personal income tax, strong financial services, second-home communities, turquoise water and very high island living costs.

Capital: Nassau

Region: Americas

Language: English

Currency: BSD ($)

Cost of living: Expensive (index 75)

Emergency: 911

Recycling & Waste in Bahamas

Bin system, bottle deposits, special disposal, and common mistakes.

Waste management varies significantly across the Bahamas' 700+ islands. New Providence (Nassau) has the most developed infrastructure. There is no kerbside recycling system. Private operators WasteNot Bahamas Limited and Bahamas Waste provide waste collection and limited recycling. Nassau Cruise Port launched its 'Cruisin' Green' sustainable waste programme in March 2025, collecting cardboard, aluminium cans, glass, and paper products. Source reduction and reuse are the most practical strategies, particularly on the Family Islands.

The Bin System

General waste

Island/council dependent

Garbage

Accepts

✓Household waste
✓Non-recyclable packaging

Not accepted

✗Batteries
✗Oil
✗Chemicals
✗E-waste

Recycling

Provider dependent

Recycling

Accepts

✓Selected cans
✓Glass
✓Cardboard
✓Plastic where accepted

Not accepted

✗Dirty packaging
✗Mixed hazardous waste

Green waste

Collection dependent

Yard waste

Accepts

✓Branches
✓Leaves
✓Palm debris

Not accepted

✗Plastic bags
✗Construction waste

Special Disposal

Batteries/e-waste

Special drives, retailers or private recyclers where available

Do not put lithium batteries in household trash.

Used oil and boat waste

Marinas/mechanics

Never dump into water or drains.

Hurricane debris

Government/council collection points after storms

Separate green waste, metal and hazardous items when instructed.

Medical sharps

Clinic/pharmacy guidance

Use puncture-proof containers.

Bulk Waste

Bulk pickup is island-specific; arrange private removal for furniture, appliances and construction debris.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

! Leaving loose trash before storms
! Dumping boat waste
! Assuming every island has recycling
! Putting batteries in general trash

Fines & Enforcement

Illegal dumping and marine pollution can lead to penalties.

Practical Tips

→ WasteNot Bahamas (wastenotbahamasltd.com, tel 242-394-8880) collects plastics #1, 2, 5 and aluminium cans — drop off at New Providence Community Church, Blake Road, Nassau.
→ Bahamas Waste (bahamaswaste.com) provides private waste collection and recycling services in Nassau.
→ Buy in bulk to reduce packaging — everything is imported and packaging waste adds up quickly.
→ Secure bins before storms and throughout hurricane season (June–November).
→ Ask marinas about proper disposal of oil and bilge waste — marine pollution laws in the Bahamas carry serious penalties.