Increases in population, urbanization, and per-capita incomes in the Caribbean over the past century have magnified the traditional challenge of managing household refuse. This paper will discuss the historical evolution of solid waste management practices, summarize the current state of waste management in the Caribbean, consider the future growth of waste production, highlight options for future waste management, and finally consider policies available to change current household waste disposal practices. Solid waste planners might find this information useful to prepare long-term strategies for waste management in the Caribbean.