Virgin Islands Recycling Partnership
Download Document: Solid Waste Integrated Plan: April 25, 2011

The integrated solid waste management options outlined in this document were formulated as a result of an intensive and collaborative citizen participation process started in the Spring of 2010 through the Virgin Islands Recycling Partnership (VIRP). The overall goal of this process is to develop a Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) program for the Virgin Islands, one that will help solve the solid waste crisis, but that will also work to improve the economy of the islands.

The VIRP was formed by the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Regional Administrator, Judith Enck, and has been facilitated by Mark Lichtenstein, Principal Investigator of the Environmental Finance Center (EFC), located at Syracuse University. The Syracuse EFC is independent from the US EPA; but since 1993, it has been charged with serving governments, communities, organizations, and citizens of EPA's Region 2, which includes the US Virgin Islands. Lichtenstein also serves as President of the National Recycling Coalition, Inc, is an experienced solid waste management and recycling practitioner, and has extensive citizen participation and facilitation expertise. He complied this document.

Status of Recycle Center in Anna's Hope
Updated 11-15-11

BGC has an agreement in place with the new operator! Primary impediment is that new electrical wiring and 3-phase 600A switch was vandalized. We are seeking donations to remedy this situation.

The Recycling Association (RAVI) helped write and manage two grants to fund the Boys & Girls Club Recycle Center in Anna’s Hope.

Project purpose per the 2009 grant applications: To purchase new equipment, make equipment repairs, and clean up the Boys and Girls Club Recycling Center so that it may re-open and serve the entire St. Croix community by recycling non-ferrous metals including aluminum cans.

• Boys & Girls Club deposited $38,625.00 from VIWMA CEG on 11/03/09.
• Boys & Girls Club deposited $35,000.00 from Diageo on 12-31-09.
• Boys & Girls Club deposited a $5000 donation from Hovensa on 3-24-10

The four major expenses that funding contributed to include:

• $35,775.00 fora 50:1 can densifier with in-line sorter. Equipment is in storage and is ready to be delivered.
• $27,000.00 for building / site renovation.
• $4,039.00 for electrical supplies and labor.
• $3,675.00 for site cleanup (brush and fence removal).

Additional expenses have also been incurred for paint, equipment rental, clean-up supplies, banner, volunteer lunches, water etc.

Work completed to date includes:

• Clearing of brush and old fencing
• Erection of new fence
• Replacement of all roofing and installation of a 5’ perimeter top sheet metal cap
• Installation of new electrical boxes, conduit, and corner lighting
• Cleaning and painting of the building exterior and all interior spaces.
• Purchase and delivery of new can densifer with in-line magnetic sorter.
• Multiple press events have included separate check presentations by VIWMA and Diageo, plus a variety of community clean-up days.
• Prior to the site being complete, the original operator said he could no longer be the BGC operator.  RAVI then got approval from BGC to write and issue an RFP for an operator.
• RAVI leadership has evaluated the RFP responses and made a recommendation to BGC.
• Recommended operator and BGC have entered into an agreement and the operator has access to the site
  

Next Steps:

• Electrical wiring and 3-phase switch was stolen by vandals at the site. Aprox $5000 in electrical supplies is being sought to remedy the problem.
• BGC / RAVI works with operator to determine opening date, delivery/installation of densifier.
• RAVI works with operator to provide marketing assistance for signage, ads, public education etc.
• RAVI continues to develop funding sources to market the Recycle Center.