Cat Island?s waste management comprises two dumps: Bennetts Harbor and New Bight. The periodic burning of the dump waste fouls the air and hazardous materials leach into the water table and are also suspected of contaminating the adjacent Salt Ponds adjacent to Bennetts Harbor and drinking wells. The salt from the ponds is harvested in the summer but suspicions around water quality limit sales and the potential for developing local small businesses. There is neither a facility nor information on the proper disposal of hazardous materials, including chemicals, expired pesticides, motor oil and electronics, which are an increasing element in waste disposal.

In addition to building CIU?s own capacity, the project goal is to reduce waste and build environmental awareness on Cat Island through:
(i) engaging the community to recycle bottles, cans and plastic;
(ii) reducing the use of plastic bags and bottles;
(iii) introducing home composting for ?kitchen gardens?;
(iv) testing water in drinking wells and salt ponds adjacent to the dumps; and,
(v) sponsoring educational activities related to waste management.

Relatedly, CIU will work with local government to petition the center to provide Cat Island access to national programs for the proper disposal of hazardous waste.