Staying in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a little different than vacationing on the mainland—and that’s part of the charm. From island time to island systems, we like to help our guests understand how things work locally so everyone can enjoy a smooth, stress-free stay.
One area that often surprises visitors is trash disposal, especially during checkout.
Trash in the USVI: How It Works
Unlike many places in the mainland U.S., there is no curbside trash pickup at individual homes here in the USVI. Instead, the islands use designated public dumpsters, commonly referred to as “the dump.”
You’ll notice that these dumpsters are conveniently located along main roads—often on the way into town, to the beach, or near popular routes guests already travel during their stay.
Our Friendly Request (But Not a Requirement)
If you happen to have a full trash bag and are already heading into town or out for the day, we truly appreciate it if you can drop the bag at a nearby dumpster along the way.
That said, we want to be very clear:
- This is not required
- We understand many guests have rental cars, packed schedules, and early departures
- We do not expect guests to go out of their way, especially on checkout day
What We Ask You Not to Do
The one important request we do have is please do not leave trash bags outside the villa.
Leaving trash outdoors—especially overnight—can attract:
- Mongooses
- Other animals
- Bugs and insects
Keeping trash secured helps protect the property, the surrounding environment, and your fellow guests.
Checking Out Made Easy
When checking out:
- It’s perfectly okay to leave trash inside the designated trash area if you weren’t able to take it with you
- We completely understand travel logistics and timing
- Our housekeeping team will handle the rest
Thank You for Respecting Island Living
We truly appreciate our guests for being mindful of local systems and helping us care for our villas and the beautiful island environment. A little understanding goes a long way—and it helps keep your vacation experience (and the next guest’s) as pleasant as possible.
If you ever have questions during your stay, the TLC Villas team is always happy to help.
Welcome to island living—we’re so glad you’re here.