PUBLIC NOTICE
VIRGIN ISLANDS WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
PROPOSAL FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FEE
WORKING TOWARD A CLEANER, HEALTHIER VIRGIN ISLANDS
For years, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority has been working to improve the Territory’s solid waste program and infrastructure, implementing house-to-house garbage collection, cleaner bin sites, new convenience centers, and modern recycling programs.
However, under the current financial structure, the Authority does not have the resources to build and maintain the solid waste and recycling systems that the community needs and deserves.
To continue improving while keeping communities clean, healthy, and beautiful for generations to come, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority is requesting approval from the Public Services Commission to implement a residential Solid Waste Management Fee, as authorized under V.I.C. Title 29, Ch. 8A.
WHAT’S BEING PROPOSED
The proposed fee is $19.95 per month per residential utility customer, to be collected as a line item on monthly WAPA utility bills.
The fee would apply to all residential utility customers and is based on a cost-of-service study that detailed revenue and equipment needs through 2045.
The Authority’s annual waste collection costs are over $16 million. The new fee would help cover a portion of the costs needed to maintain and improve solid waste services. An additional Preserving Paradise Environmental Stewardship Fee of $3 per occupied hotel/short-term rental room night, along with a continued General Fund contribution, would cover the remaining revenue requirements.
IMPROVING AND GROWING
Benefits of the proposed fee include:
Financial sustainability and revenue consistency to support long-term generational investments.
Fleet modernization for improved air quality, service delivery, and driver safety.
Investment in recycling and landfill diversion.
Improved maintenance and modernization of bin sites and convenience centers.
Enhanced enforcement to reduce illegal dumping.
Protection of public health, the environment, and the economy.
IF THE FEE IS NOT APPROVED
Aging equipment and service disruptions: Without reliable funding, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority cannot replace aging collection vehicles and equipment on schedule, increasing the risk of breakdowns, missed pickups, and extended gaps in service.
Reduced collection frequency: Funding shortfalls could mean less frequent garbage pickup or suspended service in parts of the Territory.
Threat to public health: Underfunded solid waste services create serious public health consequences, including increased pests and rodents, contaminated runoff, unpleasant odors, and a greater risk of exposure to harmful environmental conditions in communities.
PUBLIC HEARING
A public hearing on the proposed fee will be scheduled by the Public Services Commission. Details on the date, time, and location will be published in advance.
Residents are encouraged to attend and provide testimony.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
VIWMA Communication Division
7410 Estate Bovoni Bay 2
St. Thomas, VI 00802
Email: [email protected]
