The Solid Waste Department is urging private truckers and waste disposal contractors to sort bulky waste items.

Speaking during a GIS Radio Report, Senior Executive Officer, Mr. Neville Allen explained the reasons for this request. “Non combustible bulky waste items such as metal, concrete and glass cannot be burned by the new incinerator machine and will damage the equipment and shorten its lifespan.”

According to the officer the new machine has a capacity of 100 tonnes and was commissioned in September. With proper care and maintenance, its expected lifespan is ten years.

Mr. Allen added, “If bulky waste items such as metal, concrete or glass are mixed with commercial or regular household waste and loaded into the machinery, the incinerator will malfunction and must be shut down for repairs. The waste accumulated during the down-time then becomes a public health hazard as it creates an ideal breeding environment for rodents.”

The Senior Executive Officer advised, “Combustible bulky waste items such as wooden pallets and yard waste can be burnt; however, all items must be sorted on arrival at the incinerator plant facility so that incinerator plant officials can easily determine what can be burned, reused or recycled.”

The department is requesting all private truckers and contractors to follow the new procedures and sort their bulky waste items to ensure the lifespan of the new incinerator. Truckers and private contractors are also asked to exercise patience, cooperate with incinerator plant officials and to offload the sorted bulky waste in the areas identified at the facility.

In the New Year, the department will continue its bulky waste public awareness efforts with a special bulky waste campaign targeting truckers and private contractors.

The Solid Waste Department of the Ministry of Health and Social Development is responsible for the collection and disposal of community solid waste, as well as the promotion of proper waste disposal practices in the Virgin Islands.

The office is located on the fourth floor of the Old Administration Building on Main Street and can be contacted at telephone 494-6245.