Press Releases

UPDATED PUBLIC NOTICE FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

(U.S. Virgin Islands) — The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) is issuing this update to keep the community informed as we continue responding to ongoing underground sewer line failures across the Territory. We know these conditions remain deeply disruptive for residents and businesses, and we want to again acknowledge the frustration, inconvenience, and health concerns these issues continue to create.

Our pipelines are way past the end of their service life, leading to sudden collapses and blockages in multiple areas at once. While these challenges have developed over decades, we understand that their impact is being felt right now, in real time, by families and businesses. Addressing these conditions remains one of our top priorities, and we are committed to staying on the ground until stability is restored.

As part of our ongoing response, VIWMA teams are conducting repairs at the Cancryn Pump Station on St. Thomas and the Power Boyd Pump Station on St. John. These efforts, combined with limited resources, continue to place added pressure on our operations. We are actively working to address those issues.

Our crews continue to be deployed daily, focusing first on the most urgent and high-risk situations—particularly those affecting public health, safety, and heavily populated neighborhoods. With multiple issues occurring simultaneously, we must continue taking a strategic, prioritized approach to ensure that the areas of greatest need receive immediate attention.

At the same time, long-term solutions are already in motion. Contracts are in place for a comprehensive, territory-wide replacement of aging sewer infrastructure. This major investment will begin in the coming months and represents a permanent, forward-looking solution to the very problems we are confronting today.

To everyone who has been affected: we hear you, we understand the hardship these conditions continue to cause, and we remain fully committed to restoring normalcy as quickly as possible. Your patience and resilience during this challenging period are deeply appreciated, and your partnership continues to guide our work as we stabilize the system and build a more reliable future for the Virgin Islands.

VIWMA remains committed to protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and improving the quality of life for all Virgin Islanders. Thank you for your continued understanding and support as we work through both the immediate challenges and the long-term infrastructure needs of our Territory.

Residents are encouraged to continue reporting active sewer issues by calling 340 715 9100 (St. Thomas) or 340 712 4962 (St. Croix) or emailing 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. Please stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for ongoing updates.

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06-04-2026

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF GREEN WASTE SECTION AT ANGUILLA - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026

(St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands) – The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) advises haulers and the general public that the Green Waste section at the Anguilla Landfill will be temporarily closed on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, to facilitate essential cleanup and site improvement activities.

These efforts are part of the Authority’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations at the facility.

The Green Waste section is scheduled to reopen on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 a.m., when normal operations will resume.

VIWMA appreciates the community’s cooperation and understanding as crews work to enhance service reliability and improve site conditions.

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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06-03-2026

VIWMA NOTIFIES COMMUNITY OF BOVONI SCALEHOUSE/ LANDFILL AND MANDAHL CONVENIENCE CENTER TEMPORARY CLOSURE

(St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands) — The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) is informing the community that the Bovoni Scalehouse/ Landfill, as well as the Mandahl Convenience Center, will be temporarily closed on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for a mandatory all-staff meeting.

Operations will resume promptly at 10:30 a.m.

VIWMA apologizes for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause and appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as the Authority conducts this important staff engagement.

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05-27-2026

VIWMA STRENGTHENS ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS AT BIN SITES TERRITORY-WIDE

(U.S. Virgin Islands) — The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) is strengthening enforcement efforts at bin sites across the Territory as part of its ongoing commitment to improving accountability, protecting public resources, and maintaining clean and safe communities.

This initiative reflects VIWMA’s broader focus on operational integrity and responsible waste management. Through enhanced enforcement strategies, the Authority is improving its ability to identify violations, respond to concerns efficiently, and ensure that public waste disposal areas are used appropriately.

Illegal dumping and misuse of public bin sites remain a serious environmental, operational, and public health concern throughout the Territory. Improper disposal practices contribute to overflowing sites, infrastructure damage, increased cleanup costs, pest activity, and environmental degradation. Individuals caught engaging in illegal dumping or misuse of bin sites may be subject to fines of up to $1,000, penalties, or additional enforcement actions in accordance with Virgin Islands law.

To help maintain safe and accessible bin sites, VIWMA reminds residents and businesses of the following disposal guidelines:

DO:

· Dispose of household waste in designated bins only

· Break down cardboard boxes and bulky materials before disposal

· Secure trash bags properly to reduce litter and pest activity

· Follow all posted signage and disposal instructions at each location

· Report overflowing bins, illegal dumping, or maintenance concerns promptly

DO NOT:

· Dispose of hazardous materials, including chemicals, batteries, paints, oils, or medical waste

· Leave trash outside of bins or on the ground

· Dump construction debris, appliances, furniture, tires, or bulk waste

· Use residential bin sites for commercial disposal purposes

· Engage in illegal dumping or vandalism at any VIWMA facility or bin site

To further support proper disposal practices, VIWMA will coordinate the collection of white goods/scrap metal and bulk waste at the Anguilla Landfill and the Cotton Valley bin site on St. Croix, the Nazareth and Cancryn bin sites on St. Thomas, and at the Pine Peace and Coral Bay bin sites on St. John on the second weekend of each month beginning July 2026. The scheduled time is from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but it is subject to change due to weather conditions.

As part of its commitment to strengthening community partnerships and enhancing waste management services throughout the Territory, VIWMA has coordinated and will continue to coordinate quarterly bulk waste collections at designated bin sites. Residents are encouraged to follow posted schedules and placement guidelines to ensure safe and efficient collection.

Both convenience centers will accept residential white goods and scrap metal, including refrigerators, stoves, and other household appliances, during the first and third weeks of each month. Bulk waste items, such as mattresses, tables, and couches, will be accepted during the second and fourth weeks of each month. Mandahl Convenience Center will continue operating on its regular schedule, Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Peter’s Rest Convenience Center will operate Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

On holidays, the convenience centers are open from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Residents are encouraged to follow posted schedules and placement guidelines to ensure safe and efficient collection.

VIWMA would like to take this opportunity to remind the business community that tire dealers are responsible for contracting and arranging the proper removal and off-island disposal of used tires. Tires are not permitted at residential bin sites, and improper disposal will result in enforcement action. Maintaining clean and functional bin sites is a shared community responsibility and a partnership between the Authority, residents, businesses, and waste haulers. By working together, we can improve service delivery, protect the environment, and preserve the natural beauty of the Territory.

The Authority encourages everyone to take an active role in keeping bin sites clean and compliant. Let us work collectively to keep our islands clean, safe, and sustainable.

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06-03-2026

VIWMA ADVISES OF 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 mechanical 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.

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05-26-2026

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