5,500 Pounds Collected In Plastic-Free Push

Approximately 5,500 pounds of plastic have been diverted from the Territory’s waste stream so far this month as the Virgin Islands pushes towards an ambitious Plastic Free July recycling target.

The Department of Waste Management and Green VI are challenging residents, businesses and community organisations to recycle 15,000 pounds of plastic by the end of July, more than double the average monthly collection.

The campaign encourages the public to reconsider everyday habits that contribute to plastic pollution, reduce the use of single-use plastics and participate consistently in recycling activities.

Waste Management Director Brian Davis said the early results demonstrate what can be accomplished when residents actively support recycling and waste-reduction efforts.

According to the Government Information Service (GIS), recycling infrastructure is already available, while the continuing partnership between Waste Management and Green VI is expanding opportunities to recover plastics, including material collected through roadside clean-ups.

“The progress made so far is encouraging, but we need the collective effort of the entire community to help us reach this ambitious target and maintain these practices beyond July,” Davis said.

Residents are encouraged to carry reusable water bottles, shopping bags, food containers, cups and utensils, while refusing single-use plastic items whenever suitable alternatives are available.

Green VI Director of Operations Dylan Penn said keeping the Virgin Islands beautiful involves more than maintaining clean beaches. He said it also means protecting the Territory’s health, livelihoods, culture and natural environment.

Waste Management and Green VI are urging the community to build on the progress already achieved and help make July a record-breaking month for plastic recycling through small, consistent actions to reduce, reuse and recycle.