waste oil tanks
The waste oil facility at Sea Cows Bay opened in April. (Photo: GIS)

Twelve thousand gallons of waste oil will be exported from the territory by the end the month, according to the Department of Waste Management.

The used oil was collected at a Sea Cows Bay facility that opened in April and can store up to 20,000 gallons.

The new system diverts oil from the landfill in Pockwood Pond and reduces fire risks, DWM Director Marcus Solomon said in a Friday press release.

“This is also significant because this positions BVI to do our part to meet global sustainability development goals by repurposing waste material where possible,” he added.

Mr. Solomon also urged the public to help enhance the collection processes.

“We want the public to refrain mixing oil and gas together in the same container as there are separate storage identified for each,” he said.

“We also want small quantities of waste oil from households, small commercial businesses, hotels, restaurants and government organisations to be taken directly to the collection facility Monday to Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.”

Additionally, he asked residents not to dump garbage at the collection facility in Sea Cows Bay.

“Garbage can be placed inside of community dumpsters; it can be discarded using the house-to-house collection programme or taken directly to dumpsites which are located throughout the territory,” he said.