GLASS, PLASTIC AND METAL CONTAINERS TEAM
VIRGIN ISLANDS RECYCLING PARTNERSHIP (VIRP)
MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013 10:00 AM
Meeting Conducted at STT VIWMA Office and Via teleconference line
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE VIRP:
- The Virgin Islands Recycling Partnership was created in an effort to establish a
sustainable solid waste strategy—based on an aggressive program of waste reduction,
recycling and composting—and moving toward a sustainable materials economy. The
partnership includes government (at all levels), non-profit organizations, citizens,
environmental groups, and the private sector. The Environmental Finance Center at
Syracuse University (EFC) is using its solid waste management and recycling expertise to
assist in facilitatating the partnership. The VIRP is comprised of commodity-based
teams, including this Glass, Plastics and Metal Containers Team. Learn more.
ATTENDEES:
 Charmin Springer, VI Waste Management Authority
 Jason Porter, Board Member, UVI Green Technology Center; Andela Products, and a
consultant for other organizations
 Keshema Webbe, US Environmental Protection Agency
 Laura Cardoso, Environmental Finance Center at Syracuse University
 Mario Leonard, VI Waste Management Authority, St. Thomas (also often on St. Croix)
 Shaun D., concerned citizen
AGENDA:
- Introduction of new to the team
- Discussion of the potential for Glass Recycling in USVI
- Next meeting
INTRODUCTION OF TEAM MEMBERS:
 James Porter currently works with client on glass recycling and reuse. He is a consultant
for Andela Products as well as various other groups and is a board member of the UVI
Green Technology Center. He sees lots of opportunity for glass recycling in the USVI (as
noted below).
DISCUSSION OF THE POTENTIAL FOR GLASS RECYCLING IN USVI:
Glass Pulverizer located on the property of The Westin Resort on St. John.
The pulverizer was originally purchased bya non-profit (which no longer exists) under a grant,
but has been sitting on this property for approx. 10 years and is essentially ‘up for grabs.’ It is a
$35,000 piece of equipment. It needs an estimated $10,000 - 12,000 in repairs (not including
shipping costs to have it relocated). Porter will send photos of the equipment to the team.
Questions raised:
1) Ownership – Is it currently owned by Barry Devine of IGBA? (EFC will confirm)
2) Management
3) Operation
a. Shaun inquired about energy use and the associated costs of operating
the glass pulverizer? Porter explained the costs and noted that there are
still significants less than importing materials.
Concerns for Glass Recycling. Leonard had the following concerns:
1) Volume. 2 compamies previosuly said that they would need at leave 45,000
metric tons per year in order for their operations to be profitable, however the
USVI produced only approximately 6,500 metric tons annually.
a. Porter recommends that, in this case, equipment should only be used
accordingly. Operational expenses should be compared to the market.
There should be a business model specific to USVI. Ie: If necessary,
operate the pulverizer for only 20 minutes per day
2) Lack of interest. Both private ocmpanies and public works don’t seem to be
interested or aware of glass use.
a. Porter suggested that they should be more informed of these benefits
of using glass aggregate. Glass, for exmaples, out performs other types
of aggregate. It can act as a filter, wards off some insects and doesn’t
need to be replaced when used in landscapes, for example. It can be
used for landscapes, including trails and residential properties. It best
(most valuable) used as a building material. Porter will provide research
and information on the benefits of using glass.
3) Lack of information. There is no information on the current cost of sending
glass materials to the landfill, so that this could be compared to the cost of
recycling. VIWMA will extrapolate and estimate the cost of glass by determining
its percentage of the waste stream and the cost of waste disposal.
NEXT MEETING: TBA
 A representative of Heavy Materials should participate. Leonard shared the contact
information of the General Manager, Greg Morhead, with Porter.
FOLLOW UP ITEMS:
 Porter will send photos of the glass pulverizer located at the Westin Resort to the team.
 EFC will confirm if Barry Devine owns the glass pulverizer.
 Porter will provide research and information on the benefits of using glass.
 VIWMA will estimate the current cost of sending glass materials to the landfill
 Leonard and Porter will invite Heavy Materials to register for the VIRP and/or participate
in the next team meeting.