(St. Croix, USVI) The front-line workers of the VIWMA were the recipients of a tasty lunch curtesy of #PayitForwardstx, an ad hoc community group that deliver meals to essential workers in the wake of this Coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to Jennifer Cole Simpson for nominating the VIWMA and to Katie Nelson for soliciting the donations from local restaurants and making the delivery on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

According to Ms. Nelson’s Facebook page, Ms. Simpson nominated the VIWMA because it is perceived  to be a “thankless job”.  Simpson said, “In a time of social distancing, the residential and commercial collectors are now faced with touching everything we touch. I see them now in masks and gloves when they come by, working hard as ever, and I know the virus must weigh heavy on them and their families. Yes, they are still working unlike most of us, but they are absolutely taking a risk to do it and I am incredibly grateful to have them.”

The VIWMA solid waste and wastewater crews were very thankful to be acknowledged in such a personal way. One staffer said, “It’s good to be remembered and to know someone is thinking about what we are going through, working in these circumstances with the coronavirus everywhere.”

The public is reminded they can help VIWMA front-line staff stay safe, by placing all trash in closed plastic bags, and sanitizing the lids and handles of their trash receptacles. You can also keep wastewater flowing unobstructed, by flushing only toilet paper down the drain.

For more information, contact the Office of Communications Management at 340-643-0410 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Also, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and/or Twitter.

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(Virgin Islands) The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (“VIWMA” or “Authority”) cautions residents and solid waste haulers that propane tanks must be empty, depressurized and de-capped before disposal at the landfills. Propane tanks contain flammable gas which can potentially explode when compressed, and thus should not be concealed in household garbage. Solid waste haulers have the responsibility to remove unacceptable waste, such as propane tanks, from their trucks as directed by VIWMA personnel and in accordance with Territorial and Federal laws, rules and regulations.

The regulations apply to all propane tanks, including those attached to vehicles or appliances, as well as campfire propane tanks. Residents can dispose of unwanted propane tanks by returning them to the propane company. Tanks can also be prepared for disposal by a professional who would remove the leftover propane remaining in the tank, depressurize the tank and remove the valve or de-cap the tank. The tank will then be disposed of in the metals section of the landfill.  Propane Gas Companies are asked to contact the Authority’s Office of Compliance prior to disposal of propane tanks.

For more information, contact the Office of Communications Management at 340-513-4171 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Also, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and/or Twitter.

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(St. Croix, USVI) April 28, 2020 - The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (‘VIWMA” or “Authority”) Preserving Paradise team advises the community that an active fire was observed on the south east perimeter slope of the St. Croix Anguilla landfill at 7:10 pm Sunday, April 26, 2020.  Virgin Islands Fire Services were called and effectively minimized the fire shortly after arriving on the scene.

Operations at the landfill were not affected and the site opened for business at its’ regular time; 6 am on Monday, April 27, 2020.  VIWMA personnel and contractors continue to monitor the area and are prepared to suppress hot spots that may arise.

Residents with respiratory disorders/conditions should always take precautions to lessen exposure to smoke as wind directions change. The Authority will continue to provide updates to the St. Croix community; the VIWMA Preserving Paradise team apologizes for the inconvenience and would like to thank the community for their cooperation.

For more information, contact the Office of Communications Management at 340-643-0410 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Also, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and/or Twitter.

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(Virgin Islands) The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (“VIWMA” or “Authority”) reminds all residents to only flush toilet paper down the drain. Do not flush disinfecting wipes nor other nonflushableitems. Always dispose of non-flushable items in the trash. While the CDC and WHO continuesto encourage disinfecting surfaces in your home and workplace to prevent the spread of COVID-19, neverflush disinfecting or other wipes down the toilet. Disinfecting surfaces will prevent the spread of COVIDand placing used wipes in the trash shall keep the Virgin Islands wastewater collection systems free fromblockages.

Toilet and sewer backups are an environmental hazard and can pose a threat to human health. Backupsand overflows onto our public streets are a challenge to the dedicated VIWMA employees. Baby wipes,food, hair, grease and oil; these items can damage your homes’ internal plumbing and septic systemsalong with the Territory’s sewer lines, wastewater pump stations and treatment facilities. Addressingthese backups and overflows cost the Authority up to a half-million dollars annually, as well as divertsresources away from preventative maintenance.

The VIWMA thanks our dedicated essential employees; having an operational wastewater collection andtreatment system is critical to preserving resident’s public health. The Authority recognizes that ourwastewater and solid waste employees, including contractors, are everyday heroes on the frontline ofprotecting human health and the environment.

When you see our essential workers performing their jobs throughout the community, pleaseacknowledge their contributions. A kind word of appreciation makes a difference, as always pleaseremember to practice social distancing.

For more information, contact Communications Management at (340) 643-0410 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Also, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and/or Twitter.

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