Recycling effort gains momentum
Several years ago, a group of well-intentioned St. Johnians tried to start an island-wide glass recycling program. They even bought a glass pulverizing machine.
For mostly logistical reasons, the program never got off the ground.
But a new effort to collect aluminum cans, which can be recycled on St. Thomas, is off to a much better start.
“A pilot project in Coral Bay was successful using a home-made wood bin, and so we decided to build more,” says Paul Devine of the St. John Community Foundation, which is helping with the effort. “Dave Carlson [Carlson Construction] and his staff donated time and materials for the bins. Paradise lumber donated the wood. Recycling group members donated time and the bins were completed by the end of September.”
There are now a total of eight recycling bins around the island, including Connections, Marketplace and Mongoose Junction. (They don’t yet have permission to put them in the most logical place…next to dumpsters.)
The group is now in the process of joining the Recycling Association of the Virgin Islands, and meets a couple of times a month. Feel free to volunteer. Next meeting: Oct. 20, 7 p.m. at the St. John Community Foundation office on the third floor at Marketplace.
As for that glass pulverizing machine? “A deal to set it up at the Westin fizzled,” Paul says. “It still sits in a container on Westin land.”
October 8th, 2008 08:15
That’s quite an undertaking! Good for them. I will do my part while I’m there.
October 8th, 2008 10:08
It seemed very odd to my wife and me while we were there that was no organized recycling program. With such limited resources, one would think recycling, reducing, and reusing would be Holy Writ in the VI
October 8th, 2008 10:14
This has been needed for some time. It is a no-brainer to recycle on an island! I have a bad feeling that cigarette buts and other crap will end up in that bin more than cans, though.
October 8th, 2008 10:26
its about time! Its astounding how much change could happen in regards to recycling and clean energy production in USVI. The need for recycling is greatest in a place like this..limited area for landfill and a chance to keep the materials on-island for reuse rather than importing (if the entire recycling process is located at home). great to see it get rolling on my favorite island!
October 8th, 2008 18:45
It has always been such a shame to take our garbage to the dumpsters in big plastic bags…90% of which is recyclable. I’ve always cringed at the sight of what’s in those dumpsters, including our gargage. We will definitely participate in any efforts to recycle when we are in the islands. Finally!
October 8th, 2008 20:58
Every year when we visit, it kills me to put plastic bottles and daily newspapers in the trash. We recycle practically everything possible where we live in New Jersey. Our children are also “programed” to save the environment and recycle daily even in the schools. Best of luck! I was impressed when I visited the Friend of the Virgin Island store this summer – some wonderful “recycled” ideas! Keep up the good work!