Manager for the Department of Waste Management, Mr. Neville Allen has said that the Territory wide clean up undertaken in December saw the collection of tons of waste.

The initiative was done from December 20 and was extended to December 28 to accommodate holiday clean-up efforts in the Virgin Islands. Bins were strategically placed in various communities, allowing the public easier access for the removal of bulky waste items such as furniture and building debris that are illegal to dump near communal bins.

Mr. Allen said the clean-up initiative takes place every year around Christmas. He however stated that the assistance of community members is also necessary to keep the Territory clean all year-round.

 “I have been getting complaints from sanitation officers about the way persons dispose of garbage, and the wrong concept persons have about the duty of these officers,” Mr. Allen said, adding, “It is the duty of each person to do their part to keep our surroundings clean, and the BVI beautiful”.

The public is reminded that once bins have been removed; dumping of bulky waste at these sites is illegal. Offenders caught dumping in those areas will be fined up to $500 and/or six (6) months imprisonment.

For more information on the disposal of bulky waste, persons may contact the Department of Waste Management at 468-4934 or 468-4935.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates the recovery of human development and quality of life in the British Virgin Islands.