EPA Continues to Collect Hazardous Household Materials in the U.S. Virgin Islands; Announces Upcoming Collection Dates and Locations

Washington, DC  – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S Environmental Protection Agency is working with local governments and residents in St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island, U.S. Virgin Islands to keep hazardous materials out of the environment and minimize the amount of waste going to landfills through household hazardous waste collection events.

“As part of our continuing response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria, we want to protect people and their families from potential dangers of hazardous items such as batteries, motor oil, old paint and pesticides,” said EPA Regional Administrator Pete Lopez. “These items can pose a threat to people and to the environment, so it’s important that they are disposed of properly. EPA’s goal is to help residents protect themselves and their community by separating potentially hazardous products from their regular trash.”

Household hazardous waste includes aerosol cans, household cleaners and chemicals, paint, and electronic items such as computers and televisions. Household hazardous materials also include car and marine batteries, which have become a major concern due to the large volume of batteries being used by residents who are without power. Household hazardous waste should not be thrown out with regular trash as it can contaminate the land, waterways, and groundwater.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands EPA personnel have evaluated and identified collection pad locations for household hazardous waste. Residents should drop off their household hazardous waste at the collection pad location closest to them.

When transporting household hazardous waste to collection sites, residents are being asked to seal containers tightly, and bring their waste in its original container, if possible. If the original container is leaking, or residents are using a different container, they should label the container with its current contents. Products should not be mixed, as it can cause a very dangerous, and sometimes fatal, chemical reaction.