The ongoing fuel crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by US sanctions, has led to a serious accumulation of trash in the capital, Havana. Following the decline of Venezuela as Cuba's primary oil supplier due to US governmental pressure, the operational capacity of waste collection vehicles has drastically reduced. As reported by state news portal Cubadebate, only 44 out of 106 garbage trucks are currently operational, resulting in trash piling up on the streets of Havana.

Residents have expressed deep concern over the situation, reporting that garbage collection has ceased for over ten days in some neighborhoods. This accumulation of waste not only contributes to an unsightly urban environment but poses significant public health risks, with citizens taking to social media to voice their fears. The international community is taking note of the situation, as demonstrated by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's concerned remarks regarding the public health implications of the crisis.

The implications of this garbage crisis extend beyond aesthetic concerns, highlighting the broader impact of geopolitics on everyday life in Cuba. The sanctions imposed by the US on Cuba and its allies are contributing to a humanitarian crisis that affects the most vulnerable populations. As Havana grapples with this acute trash crisis, the conditions reflect the ongoing economic and political struggles faced by the Cuban people, raising questions about the sustainability of such sanctions and their human impact.