The Problem of Waste on Islands

The problem of ‘waste’ on islands:

Islands have a limiting constraint of having little land available for landfill. This is especially true across the BVI – with its’ rolling terrain, making landfill engineering difficult and expensive in this topography.

The BVI has seen a three-fold increase in waste volumes over the last decade with waste within the territory being either dumped or incinerated. No recycling facilities are currently in place, however, plans are underway to develop a recycling system for the BVI. Three unlined dumpsites are currently in operation (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada) with open burning a common practice. One transfer station exists on Jost van Dyke and open burning has ceased on this island.