The U.S. Virgin Islands took a step in right direction when it comes to recycling on Wednesday, as legislation was approved in committee and now moves to the rules and judiciary group.
The green legislation is made up of three components, as proposed by Governor Kenneth Mapp:
- Comprehensive recycling / composting program
- Ban of plastic grocery bags
- Bottle and can deposit
- Under this measure, all bottles and cans up to one gallon would require a partially refundable deposit. Major stores would be required to have a reverse vending machine to handle returned containers.
The three measures are expected to reduce trash accumulation at landfills by 70 percent, according to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA). Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started fining the territory for non-compliance, so the recycling measures have a sense of urgency with legislators. If the territory continues as-is, both landfills are expected to reach capacity next year. Recently fees to private waste removal companies increased per load dumped at the landfills.
Currently territory residents are able to recycle aluminum and tin cans (read more). Cans can be dropped off for recycling at the Peter’s Rest waste management site on the following days / times:
- Monday thru Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday or Holiday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
St. Croix is home to lots of green residents, eager to see a complete recycling program come to fruition. If you’re ready to help preserve paradise, contact Chris and Kerri Hanley to help you find the perfect home or condo in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the top broker on St. Croix year after year with license to sell on St. Thomas too, Chris is the authority on Virgin Islands real estate. Contact him today and download our free St. Croix Event Guide.