Press Releases

VIWMA PARTNERS WITH REPLASTIC RECYCLE TO LAUNCH NEW PLASTIC RECYCLING SERVICE AT PETER'S REST CONVENIENCE CENTER ON ST. CROIX

(St. Croix) U.S. Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) is excited to announce a new partnership with RePlastic Recycle (RR) that will introduce plastic recycling services to Peter’s Rest Convenience Center (PRCC) beginning Monday, April 27, 2026. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in VIWMA’s commitment to expanding recycling opportunities and reducing the volume of waste entering the Territory’s landfills.

Through this partnership, residents will now be able to drop off clean plastics #1, #2, and #5 at a designated RePlastic Recycle station located within the existing household trash disposal area at PRCC. The service will operate Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with trained RR attendants on-site to guide residents in proper preparation and sorting—making recycling easier, clearer, and more accessible for every household.

This initiative directly supports VIWMA’s long-term strategy to increase diversion of recyclable materials, extend the lifespan of the Territory’s landfills, promote responsible resource recovery, and strengthen a culture of environmental stewardship across the U.S. Virgin Islands. By expanding convenient recycling options, VIWMA continues to promote the vision of a modern, sustainable, and community-centered waste management system.

“We are committed to providing residents with more accessible and environmentally responsible options for managing waste,” said Executive Director Hannibal "Mike" Ware of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority. “This partnership with RePlastic Recycle strengthens our shared mission to protect our islands, reduce plastic pollution, and support a cleaner, healthier Virgin Islands for generations to come.”

For more information, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 340‑715‑9100 for St. Thomas or 340‑712‑4962 for St. Croix. Stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.

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04-23-2026

PUBLIC NOTICE FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

(U.S. Virgin Islands) — The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) is aware of the recent increase in underground sewer line failures affecting several neighborhoods across the Territory. We understand how disruptive and unacceptable it is for residents to experience sewage on streets near their homes and businesses—and we want the community to know that we take these conditions very seriously.

These failures are the result of an aging wastewater system that has far exceeded its intended lifespan, meaning the pipes are literally collapsing at an alarming rate. While these issues did not develop overnight, we recognize that the impact is being felt right now—and that matters most.

Our ability to respond has recently been further challenged by the unexpected failure of critical repair equipment. We are pleased to report that these repairs are nearing completion, and we expect to have this equipment fully operational within the week, which will significantly improve our response capacity.

In the meantime, our teams are actively working across the Territory to address the most urgent and high-risk situations first—particularly those impacting public health, safety, and heavily populated areas. Given the scale of the issues and the size of our workforce, we must take a prioritized and strategic approach to ensure that we are addressing the areas of greatest need as quickly and effectively as possible.

At the same time, we want the public to know that this is not just a short-term response effort. Contracts have been executed for a comprehensive, territory-wide replacement of aging sewer infrastructure. This work will begin in the coming months and represents a long-term solution to the very issues we are experiencing today.

We ask for the community’s patience as we work through these immediate challenges. Please know that our teams are fully engaged, and we are committed to restoring normal conditions as quickly as possible while laying the foundation for a more reliable wastewater system for the future.

We also encourage residents to report active sewer issues by calling 340‑715‑9100 (St. Thomas) or 340‑712‑4962 (St. Croix), or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so they can be logged, tracked, and addressed accordingly. Stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.

VIWMA remains committed to protecting public health, the environment, and the quality of life for all residents of the Virgin Islands. We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we work to resolve both the immediate concerns and the long-term infrastructure needs of our Territory.

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04-22-2026

VIWMA CURRENTLY WORKING TO REPAIR PUMP FAILURE AT CANCRYN BRIDGE

(St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands) – The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) advises the community that a pump failure has occurred due to electrical issues at the Cancryn Bridge, located at the Kronprindsens Gade intersection.

As a result, sewer systems in the downtown area may be impacted, potentially causing manhole overflows. VIWMA strongly advises residents and pedestrians to avoid any standing water in the affected areas as a precautionary measure.

The Authority understands the inconvenience this situation may cause and appreciates the public’s cooperation and continued patience as crews work diligently toward implementing a permanent solution.

For more information, please contact please call 340‑715‑9100 (St. Thomas) or 340‑712‑4962 (St. Croix), or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.

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04-20-2026

VIWMA TO CONDUCT PUMP REPLACEMENT AT CANCRYN BRIGDE

(St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands) — The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) advises the community that pump replacement activities are scheduled to take place today, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

This work is necessary due to a pump failure caused by electrical issues that occurred on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Cancryn Bridge at the Kronprindsens Gade intersection.

During this period, motorists are advised to proceed with caution, reduce speed, and follow all directions provided by road crews and traffic personnel on-site.

Additionally, sewer systems in the downtown area may be impacted, which could result in possible manhole overflows. VIWMA strongly advises residents and pedestrians to avoid any standing water in affected areas as a precautionary measure.

The Authority understands the inconvenience this situation may cause and appreciates the public’s cooperation and continued patience as crews work diligently toward resolving this matter.

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04-21-2026

LBJ PUMP STATION OFFLINE DUE TO BROKEN FORCE MAIN PIPE

(St. Croix, USVI) – The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) informs the community that the LBJ Pump Station is currently offline due to a broken force main pipe, resulting in manhole overflows in the downtown Christiansted area.

VIWMA staff and contractors are working diligently to complete the necessary repairs and restore normal service as quickly and safely as possible.

Motorists and pedestrians are urged to exercise caution, as runoff may contain contaminants or pollutants that pose potential health risks. Residents should avoid areas with visible runoff, including gutters, puddles, manholes, drainage basins, and any locations that appear discolored or emit foul odors.

The Authority understands the inconvenience this situation may cause and appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to resolve the issue. VIWMA remains committed to providing reliable wastewater services and safeguarding public health and the environment.

For more information, please contact the Division of Education and Communications Management at 340-474-2811 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Stay connected with us on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.

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04-10-2026

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