Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mr. Anthony McMaster is calling on residents to support efforts to keep the BVI clean and green by properly disposing their bulky waste.

Mr. McMaster in an interview with the Department of Information said that solving the problem of improper waste disposal starts with each individual.

He said, “Most of the residents do not own trucks, so it is obvious that they hire persons with these types of vehicles to dispose of the waste.  If we hire someone to dispose of the waste we must remind them to ensure that the waste is disposed of properly.” 

He said no short cuts should be taken and added, “Truck drivers should not stop by the closest bin or at the nearest dark corner to dump waste.  We need to hold the persons who we engage for services accountable.”

Mr. McMaster said at the end of the day, residents are actually paying for the proper disposal of the waste at the correct venue which is at the Pockwood Pond facility or any other location designated by the Department of Waste Management.

Following the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Department of Waste Management has been battling issues regarding the improper disposal of bulky waste. Of particular concern is the way in which drivers of heavy equipment, especially trucks for hire are disposing of this type of waste.

Bulky waste is dumped indiscriminately and is blocking bins from being emptied. It interferes with traffic, contributes to the proliferation of vector and an unsightly build-up of trash.

Persons are therefore encouraged to take all forms of waste to the Pockwood Pond facility which is opened from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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.