Seventy three derelict vehicles were removed from Virgin Gorda last weekend as part of a major cleanup campaign. 

A sting operation to curb the improper transportation of waste was conducted last week by the Department of Waste Management and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.

Collection of waste in residential areas in Anegada, will now be done on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of every week.

According to the Department of Waste Management, residents who  wish to have their trash collected are required to place it on the street directly outside their homes by 7:30 a.m. on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s in time for 8:00 a.m. pick up.

Effective today, the incinerator will operate from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.

The extension of the hours of operation is based on the public’s feedback following a six month review conducted by the Department of Waste Management.

Fifty six litter wardens are now fully equipped to carry out their duties and have been collecting their identification cards over the past week.

The Department of Waste Management is encouraging the community to dispose of waste oil safely at the incinerator in Pockwood Pond.

Waste Officer, Mr. Marquese Maduro said the department is requesting that individuals and businesses that generate significant amounts of waste oil are to bring the oil to Pockwood Pond where it can dispose of safely.

Waste oil is defined as any petroleum-based or synthetic oil such as automotive, cooking oil and other lubricants.

The Department of Waste Management is inviting the public to take advantage of its wood chipper, a motor-driven machine used to recycle non-processed wood, like tree trunks and barks, reducing it to smaller woodchips called mulch.

According to Waste Officer Mr. Marquese Maduro, mulch is usually spread over the surface of the soil as a covering. Persons can use it in landscaping and beautification of their surroundings. It is ideal for retaining moisture in the soil. Additionally, it helps to prevent soil erosion and serves as a nutrient for plants.

The Department of Waste Management is asking for a coordinated response from the community in maximizing the potential of the incinerator.

The incinerator which once opened to the public 24 hours a day, experienced technical issues associated with the hours of operation. The new hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. which became effective September 1, 2014.