(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.

###

(US Virgin Islands) As more residents use personal protective equipment (PPE) to slow the spread of the corona virus, COVID-19, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (“VIWMA” or “Authority”) advises the public that the increase in improperly discarded gloves and masks is an environmental concern as well as a health concern in the Territory. 

The VIWMA urges everyone to dispose of these materials properly during this pandemic, it is even more crucial now, then ever before.  

No one should discard used plastic masks or gloves in grocery store parking lots or anywhere else around the islands. No one should be tossing these materials out of cars to have them land on the roadsides or get stuck in the bushes.  Discarded PPE is contaminated PPE. This unnecessary litter increases the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and spoils the beauty of our beautiful islands.

Remember, when you are finished with your gloves and mask, dispose of them properly in a trash receptable. Everyone can do their part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by practicing sanitary behavior, properly discarding all masks, gloves and wipes as well as following social distancing guidelines.

For more information, contact 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.

###

(St. Croix, USVI) -The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA or “Authority”) Preserving Paradise team advises the public they will begin routine sewer line cleaning on Strand Street in Frederiksted commencing on Monday, April 20, 2020 and concluding on April 21. While the work is progressing, portions of Strand Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Fisher Street to Market Street. Traffic will be rerouted accordingly within the limits of the cleaning operation. Please heed to the directive of the VIWMA Officers and the respective traffic controls.

Sewer lines transport wastewater from homes and businesses to the main wastewater treatment plants. Sewer line cleaning is a preventative maintenance tool used by the VIWMA to identify and remove buildup in sewer lines that may cause sewage overflows onto public streets, affecting homes, businesses and  adversely impacting public health and the environment.

The VIWMA Preserving Paradise Team continues to work diligently to provide reliable services to the public and would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation.

For additional information, contact Communications Management at 340-513-4171 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also follow us on Facebook, Linked-in and Twitter.

###

(ST. CROIX, USVI) - The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) Preserving Paradise team advises the community of the hours of operation for VIWMA's Landfills, Transfer Stations (TS), Convenience Centers (CC) and administrative offices in observance of the Easter holidays as follows:

All administrative offices will be closed from Thursday, April 09, 2020 thru Monday, April 13, 2020. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

Additionally, due to the Good Friday holiday, St. Croix residents residing in Estates Herman Hill, Catherine’s Rest, Rosegate, Humbug, Veteran’s Land, Tamarind Estate, Cane Garden and Work and Rest are advised your regular Friday pickup will be changed to Thursday, April 9, so please place your trash curbside the night before.

The VIWMA Preserving Paradise Team continues to work diligently to provide reliable services and would like to thank the community for their support and 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.

###