A recycling and waste diversion programme is being introduced in schools across the Territory.

The Department of Waste Management (DWM) is undertaking this initiative in an effort to promote and educate students on the importance of recycling.

The programme was introduced in some schools on Virgin Gorda, and was recently piloted at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School.

A team from the Department of Waste Management visited the school on December 5 and held a session with the students on the proper use of the recycling bins that were placed at the school. The students were also encouraged to utilise the bins through the singing of songs. Bruce the Mongoose was present at the event and promoted sorting of waste products. He also encouraged the students to develop recycling habits.

Manager at the Department of Waste Management, Mr. Greg Massicote said that waste diversion is a very important component of Waste Management’s strategy as noncombustible waste continues to hamper the department.

Mr. Massicote said, “Non-combustible waste is mixed with combustible waste and enters the incinerator when processing, which causes damage to the incinerator.  Additionally, non-combustible waste takes up valuable space on the department’s dumpsite.”

The waste manager stated that in countries like the BVI where there is limited land available for landfill sites, waste diversion becomes top priority at some point. 

He added, “Therefore, it is imperative that we do as much as we can now to not only extend the life of both the incinerator and the various dumpsites, but to also eventually reduce our dependency on these types of waste management practices.”

The Department of Waste Management will continue its recycling efforts in schools and representatives from these institutions are encouraged to participate by contacting the department at 468-4987 for more information.

The Department of Waste Management is committed to ensuring that the natural beauty of the Territory is enhanced by utilising state of the art waste management technology to ensure timely collection, disposal, and where possible, the recycling of waste.