Press Releases

     

    VIWMA ANNOUNCES 10 A.M. DELAYED OPENING FOR ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 

     

    St.Thomas / St. John District — The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) advises the public and its employees that administrative offices in the St. Thomas and St. John District will have a delayed opening at 10:00 a.m. today, Thursday, October 22, 2026, due to a power outage affecting the district. 

     

    This delayed opening applies to administrative offices only. All other VIWMA departments and operational personnel are expected to report to work and continue operations as normally scheduled.

     

    The delayed opening will allow additional time for the power situation to be assessed and administrative office operations to resume. 

     

    Members of the public planning to conduct business at VIWMA's St. Thomas and St. John administrative offices are encouraged to plan accordingly.

     

    VIWMA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary through its official communication channels. The authority appreciates the public’s patience, cooperation, and understanding as a territory navigates this disruption.

     

    For more information, 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., call 340-712-4962 for St. Croix or 340-715-9100 for St. Thomas, and stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.

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    10-22-2026

     

    VIWMA ADVISES PUBLIC OF POTENTIAL SEWER OVERFLOWS DUE TO DISTRICT-WIDE POWER OUTAGE ON ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN

     

    St. Thomas / St. John District — The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) advises the public that sewer system overflows may occur in areas of St. Thomas as a result of 

    the ongoing district-wide power outage affecting the island.

     

    The power disruption has impacted operations at the Long Bay and Cancryn wastewater pump stations, where elevated wastewater levels have been reported. As a result, residents may experience sewage overflows from manholes and other areas within the affected sewer system.

     

    VIWMA's Wastewater Division is monitoring the situation and will continue assessing reported flows while power restoration efforts are underway.

     

    Residents and motorists are strongly advised to avoid contact with standing water, overflowing manholes, and any areas where wastewater may be present. The public is also encouraged to keep children and pets away from potentially affected areas.

     

    Even after power is restored, it may take several hours for wastewater levels to return to normal and for the system to stabilize.

     

    VIWMA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary through its official communication channels.

     

    The Authority appreciates the public's patience, cooperation, and understanding as the Territory navigates this disruption.

     

    For more information, 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., call 340-712-4962 for St. Croix or 340-715-9100 for St. Thomas, and stay connected with VIWMA 

    on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.

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    10-22-2026

     

    VIWMA ADVISES OF POTENTIAL SEWER OVERFLOWS DUE TO POWER OUTAGE IN ST. THOMAS-ST. JOHN DISTRICT 

     

    SSSt. Thomas / St. John, United States Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) advises the public that a power outage affecting the St. Thomas–St. John District may impact wastewater operations, potentially resulting in sewer system overflows in some areas.

     

    The power outage, affecting electrical service provided by the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA), may disrupt the operation of wastewater pump stations and other critical infrastructure.

     

    As a precaution, residents are strongly advised to avoid contact with standing water, flooded areas, or any locations where wastewater may be present. Residents should also keep children and pets away from potentially affected areas until conditions are deemed safe.

     

    VIWMA is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as additional information becomes available and normal operations are restored.

     

    The Authority appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as efforts continue to ensure the safety of residents and the proper functioning of the territory’s wastewater systems.

     

    For more information, please 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.. You can also call 340-712-4962 for St. Croix or 340-715-9100 for St. Thomas. Stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.

     

     

     

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    10-16-2026

     

    VIWMA REINFORCES STANDARDIZED TRASH CART REQUIREMENTS AND PROPER WASTE CONTAINMENT 

     

    SSSU.S. Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) is reinforcing its existing standardized trash cart requirements for residents receiving House-to-House waste collection services on St. Croix and St. Thomas, emphasizing the importance of properly secured lids, safe containers, and responsible household waste disposal.

     

    The standardized trash cart requirement, which took effect June 1, 2026, was established to improve collection efficiency, reduce litter, and protect the safety of residents and sanitation workers.

    Improperly maintained trash carts, including containers with missing or unsecured lids, can contribute to scattered garbage, attract animals and pests, and create unsanitary conditions in surrounding communities. Rusted, damaged, or deteriorating containers can also pose safety risks to collection personnel.

     

    Residents receiving House-to-House collection services should ensure their trash carts meet the following requirements:

    ·         Maximum Capacity: Trash carts must not exceed 64 gallons. There is no minimum size requirement.

    ·         Two Handles: Each cart must have two sturdy handles to allow for safe handling and collection.

    ·         Properly Fitted Lid: Carts should have secure lids that close completely to prevent garbage from escaping.

    ·         Proper Waste Containment: Household garbage should be placed in securely tied bags inside the cart.

    ·         Safe Condition: Carts should be kept clean and free of damage, rust, and deterioration.

     

    Wheels are preferred for ease of movement but are not required.

     

    Collection crews may refuse to empty carts that do not meet VIWMA's established standards. Residents with non-compliant containers may be notified directly by collection contractors or Solid Waste personnel. Residents with noncompliant trash carts will also receive a notification sticker identifying the issue and advising them of the need to bring their carts into compliance with VIWMA’s requirements.


    Approved 64-Gallon Trash Carts Available for Purchase

     

    To support residents in meeting these requirements, VIWMA continues to offer approved 64-gallon trash carts for purchase on St. Croix and St. Thomas.

     

     

     

    Carts are available for $75 each, with a discounted price of $70 for senior citizens presenting a valid Senior Citizen Identification Card. Purchases are limited to two carts per household, while supplies last.

     

     

     

    St. Croix

     

    Anguilla Landfill Scale House

     

    ·         Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

     

    ·         Saturday: 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

     

     

     

    Estate Glynn Office

     

    ·         Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

    Senior citizen delivery is available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. by appointment, arranged at the time of purchase.

     

     

     

    St. Thomas

     

    Bovoni Business Center, Bay 4

     

    ·         Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

    Senior citizen delivery is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. by appointment, arranged at the time of purchase.

     

     

     

    Accepted payment methods include Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards, business checks, and money orders. Cash, personal checks, American Express, and Discover cards are not accepted.

     

     

     

    Residents are not required to purchase carts directly from VIWMA. Approved standardized carts may also be purchased from local retailers, including ACE Hardware and Home Depot, provided they meet the Authority's requirements.

     

     

     

    VIWMA encourages residents to regularly inspect their trash carts, secure their lids, and properly bag household waste. These simple practices help prevent litter, promote cleaner neighborhoods, and support safer, more efficient waste collection.

     

     

     

    The Authority thanks residents for their continued cooperation and partnership as we work together to improve waste management services and Preserve Paradise.

     

     

    For more information, 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.,';document.getElementById('cloak3fc8d14b590f754ac5c8a0e2ec9b57c6').innerHTML += ''+addy_text3fc8d14b590f754ac5c8a0e2ec9b57c6+'<\/a>'; call 340-712-4962 for St. Croix or 340-715-9100 for St. Thomas, and stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.

     

     

     

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    10-19-2026

     

    VIWMA THANKS COMMUNITY  AS REGULAR WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES RESUME ON ST. THOMAS

     

    StSt. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) announces that regular waste collection services on St. Thomas have resumed as of Friday, October 9, 2026, following recent service delays that resulted in waste accumulation at several bin sites across the island.

     

    Collection efforts have focused on removing accumulated waste, clearing affected bin sites, and returning to regular collection schedules. The Authority extends its sincere appreciation to our community for your patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout these efforts. 

     

    VIWMA also recognizes the dedication of its Solid Waste Division, Environmental Enforcement and Safety teams, contractors, and government partners, including the Department of Public Works, who provided critical assistance during the cleanup efforts. Crews worked extended hours, including evenings and through challenging weather conditions, to address affected locations and improve conditions for residents. 

     

    “We recognize the inconvenience these delays have caused and sincerely thank the community for its patience and understanding,” stated VIWMA Executive Director Hannibal “Mike” Ware. “We are especially grateful to our hardworking employees and partners whose dedication and teamwork helped us navigate these challenges. Their commitment to serving our community has not gone unnoticed.” 

     

    As regular collection services resume, VIWMA remains focused on improving service reliability, strengthening operational coordination, and providing timely updates to residents regarding any changes that may affect waste collection. 

    For more information, 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., call 340-712-4962 for St. Croix or 340-715-9100 for St. Thomas, and stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.

     

     

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    10-09-2026

    © 2026 Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority. All Rights Reserved.

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