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PROGRAMS: Solid Waste Management
Solid wastes in the USVI are regulated under authorities provided by Title
19 V.I.C., Chapter 56 Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations, pursuant
to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). A federal law
applying to all states and territories in the nation, RCRA was enacted by
the U.S. Congress in 1976, as an amendment to the 1965 Solid Waste
Disposal Act (SWDA).
The mission of the DPNR/DEP Solid Waste Management Program
is to protect the health, safety and well being of the public, and to
preserve and improve the quality of the environment for all living things.
The DPNR/DEP
Solid Waste Management Program and assigned personnel are responsible for
regulating storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste in the USVI.
Major accountabilities include but are not limited to:
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Regulatory compliance monitoring and enforcement
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Issuance of solid waste disposal permits
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Review and approval of waste management plans and
specifications
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Investigation of complaints pertaining to improper
disposal and/or management of solid and hazardous wastes, and
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Inspection of
waste management facilities and disposal sites.
DPNR/DEP Solid
Waste personnel also conduct public awareness campaigns and outreach
activities for the USVI community, provide technical assistance to
regulated businesses, and educational programs covering various waste
management related topics. Many of these activities are developed and
presented in coordination and/or collaboration with the USVI Department of
Public Works, USVI Department of Health, US EPA and other local and
national organizations.
Definitions
& Authorities
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2000 St. Croix
Waste Sort Project
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Under USVI
laws and regulations, solid waste is defined as any trash, rubbish
(combustible or noncombustible, garbage, refuse, offal, filth,
bottles, glass, crockery, cans, cartons, scrap metal, junked vehicles,
appliances or hardware, brush, waste soil, rock, construction
materials, animal carcasses, sludge from a waste treatment plant or
air pollution control facility, or any unsanitary or offensive
material or discarded matter, or parts or portions thereof, or any
industrial, commercial, mining, agricultural or other waste which is
not subject to point source discharge permits.
In addition
to regulatory responsibility for solid waste, the DPNR/DEP’s Solid
Waste Program responsibilities extend to management of special wastes,
wastes defined as “hazardous waste” under local and/or federal laws
and regulations, including human and animal medical waste.
Special
wastes refers to items that require special or separate handling, such
as household hazardous wastes, bulky wastes, tires and used oil.
Solid waste
is a hazardous waste if it is not excluded by regulation (40 CFR
261.4) and if it is listed (261.30) as a hazardous waste, is a waste
mixture containing one or more listed hazardous wastes, or exhibits
one or more characteristics of hazardous waste (i.e., ignitability,
corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity) (40 CFR 261.21 to 261.24). Medical
wastes in the USVI are classified as hazardous wastes.
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Municipal Solid
Waste 2000 National
Waste Generation
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The
DPNR/DEP’s regulatory authorities apply to waste management and waste
disposal operators, generators and transporters of hazardous waste,
used oil, medical and other wastes.
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Related Links
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Tips For Consumer
Waste Reduction
Reduce
Whenever possible buy bulk or concentrated
products to reduce packaging. Examples include concentrated fruit juice,
laundry detergent, etc.
Reduce toxic waste by purchasing paints,
pesticides and other hazardous materials only in the quantities needed, or
by sharing leftovers.
Buy products made from recycled materials.
Many bottles, cans, cereal boxes, containers, and cartons are made from
recycled material.
Reuse
Select reusable products. Sturdy,
washable utensils, tableware, cloth napkins, and dishcloths can be used
many times.
Reuse newspaper, boxes, shipping "peanuts,"
and "bubble wrap" to ship packages.
Choose furniture, sports equipment, toys and
tools that will stand the test of time. Take unwanted items to
charitable groups, sell them, or give them away to those who can use them.
Recycle
Buy recyclable goods….Then remember to
recycle; i.e., paper, glass, certain plastics, metals, etc.
Take car batteries, antifreeze, and motor oil
to participating recycling centers, and “Do It Yourselfers” (DIY)
Collection Centers (used oil).
Learn how to make compost---food scraps and
yard waste can become natural soil conditioners.
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