A scene that provokes outrage and sadness recently unfolded in the Luyanó neighborhood of Diez de Octubre, Havana, where at least a dozen people were seen collecting expired beer cans from a garbage container.
The shocking images shared on social media have once again highlighted the level of precariousness that many Cubans are being pushed into.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Concha and Pedro Pernas streets.
In the video, published on Instagram by the influencer Un Martí To’ Durako, several people, including minors, are seen competing to recover discarded cans, apparently from a small and medium-sized enterprise that did not follow the proper disposal protocol for expired products.
“How sad to see these things, man, a small business in Cuba throwing expired beer cans in the trash and look what happened!”, wrote the influencer while sharing the content.
In the audiovisual material, a couple of individuals can be seen pushing a green container toward the dumpster, where more people were already rummaging through the waste.
The environment is not only dominated by scattered garbage but also by what appears to be sewage water, increasing the health risks of the scene.
A local internet user confirmed that the beers were expired
"That was at the corner of my house. None of them worked. That's just how people are; the cans were expired and flat, they said, but the Cuban doesn't listen."
Another neighbor from the same street commented with sadness: “Yes, it’s really sad. I live right on that street, unfortunately. That’s the life of a Cuban, but that’s what misery brings. How sad.”
A reflection of the crisis: Misery, hunger, and health risks
The post generated a wave of reactions on social media. While some expressed empathy for those picking up the beers, others harshly criticized the video's creator for mocking the situation.
“To the one who recorded this: I don’t know where you find the humor in it. You should be ashamed that everyone can hear how you laugh at the misfortunes of your people. Be careful, okay? Who knows, we might see you in a video collecting cans next week.”, warned an outraged user.
Other comments warned about the health risks associated with consuming expired products exposed to the elements.
“Surely they will consume them and end up sick. They might also sell the cans on the black market as if they were not spoiled,” lamented another user.
"It is a tremendous irresponsibility to throw consumer products in the public trash. There are places where items that cannot be consumed for health reasons are discarded and incinerated, as they can even pose a risk of death to one or more people," warned a social media user.
The incident also sparked criticism regarding the handling of expired products by private economic actors, such as small and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes).
"That must be from a small or medium-sized enterprise that went out of business, and they’re throwing it away. The procedure should involve calling public health so they can destroy that expired product (this applies to everything). But since nothing works..." noted a comment that summarized the general sentiment.
A recurring phenomenon: When scarcity takes hold
These types of incidents are not isolated. Last June, a similar episode occurred in the municipality of Marianao, when a truck carrying Cristal beer overturned in the Pogolotti neighborhood.
When the cans spilled onto the public street, numerous neighbors approached to pick them up, unaware if the product had been damaged by the impact or if it was still safe for consumption.
These cases, although regrettable, have become recurrent in today's Cuba, characterized by a deep economic crisis, shortages of basic goods, and deterioration of sanitary and social conditions.
Inflation, the lack of purchasing power, and the collapse of essential services are driving citizens to survival behaviors that reflect an alarming reality.
What might be seen as a desperate act in other contexts has become a common manifestation of daily life in Cuba.
The human drama behind the image
The act of rummaging through the garbage for an expired beer—possibly spoiled and potentially dangerous—goes beyond the mere desire to consume alcohol. In a country where entertainment, socialization, and even dignity have become luxuries, even a discarded beer can seem like an opportunity, an escape, or a bargaining chip.
However, behind these striking images lies a human drama that should provoke reflection and action, not mockery.
Misery is not a reason for laughter, and the responsibility of authorities, economic actors, and civil society should be to ensure that no citizen has to risk their health for a sip of expired beer from a garbage dump.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Garbage Crisis in Cuba
What happened to the expired beer cans in Havana?
In the Luyanó neighborhood of Havana, at least a dozen people were seen collecting expired beer cans from a garbage bin. The beers were discarded by a small and medium-sized enterprise and were expired, creating a scene of precariousness and health risk.
What is the situation regarding unsanitary conditions in Cuba concerning waste management?
In various locations in Cuba, the accumulation of garbage has become a chronic problem. Waste is not properly collected, leading to unsanitary conditions and posing a health risk to the population. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of resources and government inaction.
How are Cubans responding to the garbage crisis?
Many Cubans are using social media to denounce the unsanitary conditions in their communities. The population has been forced to organize to clean up the affected areas due to the lack of action from the authorities. The complaints on social media reflect frustration and a call for governmental accountability.
What health risks do Cubans face due to the accumulation of garbage?
The accumulation of garbage in urban and rural areas of Cuba poses a significant risk to public health. The proliferation of vectors such as flies and mosquitoes, along with exposure to expired products, can lead to diseases and environmental contamination. The lack of proper waste management exacerbates these issues.
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