HomeNewsLocal newsWaste Management Announces Enhanced Effort to Combat Illegal Dumping

Waste Management Announces Enhanced Effort to Combat Illegal Dumping

A small fridge and what appears to be an engine part lie next to the dumpster at Caret Bay on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Siรขn Cobb)
A small fridge and what appears to be an engine part lie next to the dumpster at Caret Bay on St. Thomas. The V.I. Waste Management Authority on Friday announced a new initiative to collect bulk, scrap metal and appliances at designated sites on the weekends. (Source photo by Siรขn Cobb)

The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority has announced a โ€œsignificant enhancementโ€ to its solid waste disposal services that it says is designed to make waste disposal easier, more accessible, and more convenient for residents while addressing the growing challenge of illegal dumping throughout the territory.

Beginning July 18 and continuing every weekend thereafter, residents will have the opportunity to dispose of bulk waste, scrap metal, and appliances at designated collection sites on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to a press release issued Friday. Accepted bulk waste items include furniture, mattresses, carpets, and other large household materials. Appliances include stoves, dryers, washing machines, refrigerators, and water heaters. Scrap metal includes metal fixtures, frames, and other metal household components.

โ€œThe initiative reflects VIWMA’s commitment to improving customer service, increasing transparency, and providing practical solutions that encourage proper waste disposal while helping to keep our communities clean and healthy,โ€ the release stated.

Weekend collection locations are as follows:

St. Croix

  • Cotton Valley Bin Site
  • Anguilla Landfill Transfer Station

St. Thomas

  • Cancryn Bin Site
  • Nazareth Bin Site

St. John

  • Pine Peace Bin Site
  • Coral Bay Bin Site

Bulk waste, scrap metal, and appliances are also accepted daily at the Mandahl Convenience Center on St. Thomas and the Peterโ€™s Rest Convenience Center on St. Croix.

The Mandahl center will continue operating on its regular schedule, Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Peterโ€™s Rest will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

โ€œThis program is part of our ongoing effort to make disposal more convenient for the public while reducing illegal dumping across the Territory. Residents have asked for more opportunities to properly dispose of bulky items and appliances, and we are responding by extending daily and weekend access. By providing additional disposal options, we are removing barriers and making it easier for residents to do the right thing,โ€ the release stated.

Illegal dumping remains one of the most costly and challenging issues facing the territory, VIWMA noted. It negatively impacts neighborhoods, creates environmental concerns, and diverts resources that could otherwise be used to improve services. Through expanded collection opportunities and increased accessibility, VIWMA hopes to significantly reduce the incidence of illegal dumping while promoting community beautification and environmental stewardship, according to the release.

โ€œThe Authority remains committed to implementing innovative and customer-focused solutions that improve waste management operations and enhance the quality of life for residents throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands,โ€ VIWMA said. โ€œResidents are encouraged to take advantage of these weekend bin site and daily convenience center collection opportunities and help maintain cleaner communities by properly disposing of unwanted materials at the designated locations.โ€

For more information, contact VIWMA at customer_care@viwma.org or communications@viwma.org, or call 340โ€‘715โ€‘9100 for St. Thomas or 340โ€‘712โ€‘4962 for St. Croix. Stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.

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