Local app being developed to push major recycling initiative
Eco-Friendly Wooden Recycling Bin installed on Virgin Gorda. (photo provided)
An electronic application is being developed to support a major recycling programme that is being pushed in the territory.
One of the app’s functions will be to assist residents in locating recycle bins that will be placed across the territory.
A team from the Department of Waste Management – the agency spearheading the recycling programme – is developing the app, which will be usable on devices such as cellular phones, tablets, and computers.
Meanwhile, the recycling programme first kicked off with a pilot programme prior to the 2017 hurricanes that destroyed recycle bins that were already installed.
The programme began on the sister islands of Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. The waste management, therefore, has begun its reintroduction on Virgin Gorda with the intention of expanding to other sections of the territory.
“The bins have been placed in various locations including Valley Day, Top Dog and Pinch a Penny. The programme is expected to extend to more places throughout the island and eventually throughout the territory. The bins vary in size to accommodate individuals and families and are designed with compartments for aluminium cans, plastics and glass,” the Waste Management Department said.
Department head Greg Massicote said, “once placed in the compartments, recyclables will be collected and taken to the local recyclers to be transformed or exported out of the territory.”
“This sends a message about how serious we are about waste diversions and recycling in the Virgin Islands,” he added.
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Glad to see this. Hope it takes off.
Great stuff. For sure this will all be a good thing for the territory. Once the work is done to develop the app and the infrastructure, the real work begins. We all have a huge part to play in this, at home and at work. If our waste is suitable for recycling or reuse here then we MUST take the time to separate it from other trash and make sure it gets to the appropriate bins. The very future of our beautiful islands depends on everyone’s participation.
It’s about time….let’s hope it’s not just a publicity stunt by DWM and the public get behind this initiative
Can you give more guidance on the types of recyclables please? Is it all glass or just bottles, what colours? What about snack bags, cling wrap, plastic bags, black plastic, bubble wrap, tetrapaks?