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Improper dumping of electronics poses a fire risk- DWM

Residents of the Virgin Islands have been urged to be especially mindful of how they discard items such as mobile phones, laptops, LCD screens, modems, and video game consoles as many of these devices contain lithium batteries, which pose a fire risk when disposed of improperly. Photo: envlogs.com
Residents of the Virgin Islands have been urged to be especially mindful of how they discard items such as mobile phones, laptops, LCD screens, modems, and video game consoles as many of these devices contain lithium batteries, which pose a fire risk when disposed of improperly. Photo: envlogs.com
POCKWOOD POND, Tortola, VI- The Department of Waste Management (DWM) has reported that there has been a recent increase in unsafe dumping practices and is urging the public to properly dispose of their electronics.

The Acting Director of the Department of Waste Management, Mr Ahdan K. Doward, said while the department routinely reminds residents about safe disposal, they must be especially mindful of how they discard items such as mobile phones, laptops, LCD screens, modems, and video game consoles as many of these devices contain lithium batteries, which pose a fire risk when disposed of improperly.

“After collection, electronics are landfilled separately to reduce hazards,” Mr. Doward explained, adding, “Our long-term vision is to partner with markets that can buy back certain electronic items and recycle them on an industrial scale,” Mr Doward stated in a Government Information Service (GIS) press release on June 11, 2025.

'Take electronic items directly to Pockwood Pond Dumpsite'

The Acting Director added that the department continues to explore responsible and sustainable waste management options for the Virgin Islands and that proper disposal of electronic waste plays a vital role in keeping the Territory clean, green, and pristine.

To that end, Mr Doward is reminding residents to take electronic items directly to the Pockwood Pond Dumpsite. He said items may also be placed in a clearly separated bag next to a community recycling bin. Businesses are reminded that they are required to dump waste directly at the Pockwood Pond facility.

Members of the public are also encouraged to report improper dumping and stay up to date with proper disposal guidelines by following the Department of Waste Management’s official Facebook page.

Persons found illegally dumping face a $150 fine.

9 Responses to “Improper dumping of electronics poses a fire risk- DWM”

  • hmm (12/06/2025, 12:03) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Maybe this question is due to my ignorance on trash disposal but I thought them say they not burning trash down there any more. If that's true then how is there a fire risk for electronics in one landfill and not the other?
    • Just a little info (12/06/2025, 15:17) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Lithium batteries do not need to be burning to pose a fire risk. Below are several ways in which they can potentially ignite: Ageing and Degradation: Over time, the internal components of lithium batteries deteriorate, increasing the likelihood of failure and fire. Short Circuits: Both internal and external short circuits can cause a rapid discharge of energy, generating intense heat that may lead to ignition. Physical Damage: Crushing, puncturing, or dropping a battery can compromise its internal structure, potentially resulting in a short circuit and subsequent fire.
    • @hmmm (12/06/2025, 17:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Batteries can naturally catch on fire on their own. Batteries may become damaged from sitting in the heat, being dropped from high places, being put under pressure by being buried under tons of garbage, etc. Once damaged, batteries may begin to swell. If you have a device with a swollen battery that's a time bomb waiting to go off. Lithium (the main components of many batteries) is highly reactive and highly explosive. Lithium fires can burn for days or weeks and are extremely difficult to put out and require an exorbitant amount of water; more so than say, a gasoline fire. This is why battery recycling is so important. Batteries cannot and should not be mixed with regular trash.
  • Truck boii (12/06/2025, 12:16) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    The public still wouldn't care becuz what they dam stupid to even understand that green bins around the islands is mainly for dumping of house garbage, sometimes when we, us garbage truck collectors pick up the bins them.weduz find:
    Used Oil in the bins
    Vehicle parts
    Construction materials
    Old TV's Flat-screens that are no longer in use
    Old Gas
    Paints
    And the worst of them all Big bags of food filled with gravy and more oil and etc.
    I goin speak on the behalf of my garbage truck collectors brothers that it's really annoying for us to be goin thru alot of hard work and pure back pain and we still doesn't get anything good from them. Becuz I too does work on the garbage truck in the afternoon
  • COME ONdumping is out of controll (12/06/2025, 13:48) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Residents and visitors please do not act like the residents and visitors of the USVI. St Thomas
    They do not care. the illegal dumping is out of control. The USVI is dirty and not Beautiful at al.l
  • Not burning short term option (12/06/2025, 14:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    There’s going to be a fire down there at sometime this just looks like an attempt to say it’s the public’s fault, you can’t just keep burying it on that slope and think nothing is going to happen, so they’re going to have to set light to it soon and then it’s going to be a massive both underground and open fire possibly tumbling down the slope and they know it!
  • NAHU (12/06/2025, 15:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    SO, WE FROM VG AND ANEGADA GOTTA BRING OUR STUFF TO POCKWOOD POND?
  • Ah boy (12/06/2025, 18:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well tell the department for waste management to stop telling people to throw their electronical items in the bin when people call them to ask for disposal advice!!
  • BuzzBvi (13/06/2025, 09:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    An incinerator would also make things catch fire in a controlled and orderly manner, but we don't have one of those so there is no danger that the Department of Waste Management will deal with waste properly or efficiently.

    But the fires and toxic smoke that have plagued us and the USVI from Pockwood Pond can now clearly be blamed on the VI public.

    Nicely done.

    Minister Walwyn when you have time can you ask again about the incinerator.


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