VIWMA Proposes $53.6M Budget, New Waste Fee to Address Failing Infrastructure

The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority is requesting a $53.6 million budget for fiscal year 2026, including a proposed solid waste fee on residents that could generate as much as $9.8 million, to address aging sewer systems, landfill capacity, and ongoing waste management challenges across the territory.

The hearing before the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance revealed VIWMA’s financial struggles, including $19 million the agency owes to vendors and underfunded operations. Interim Executive Director Darryl Griffith emphasized the need for new fees and investments, stating, “We are confident these projects will deliver lasting benefits to the environment, the economy and communities.”

VIWMA projects it will generate $3.5 million in tipping fees for 2025, up from $2.7 million collected in 2024. As of June, the year-to-date total tipping fees stand at $2.3 million. Currently, the tipping fee is set at $7.50 per cubic yard, which converts to about $5.06 per ton, significantly lower than the U.S. national average municipal solid waste tipping fee of $53.72 per ton in 2020 — meaning VIWMA’s fees are roughly 90% below average, according to Monday’s testimony.

Because tipping fees alone do not cover the full cost of waste management services, VIWMA has formally requested approval from the Public Services Commission for a new solid waste collection, disposal, and maintenance fee. This fee is intended to cover the costs of comprehensive garbage collection services across the territory, including house-to-house pickups, bin site maintenance, convenience centers, public housing, government buildings, school garbage collection, and transportation to landfills.