Annual Local Government Non-Competitive Grants Program

DEQ provides funds for litter prevention and recycling grants to localities under a non-competitive grant program based on population and road miles. These grants have been awarded annually, since 1980, to localities for local litter prevention and recycling program implementation, continuation, and/or expansion. In 2012, $2,164,659 was disbursed among 187 applicants (representing 307 local government programs). Since 1981, Virginia businesses, who pay into a trust fund, have contributed $52,125,651 to the fund to support local government litter control and recycling programs.

To be eligible to receive this annual grant funding, potential recipients must submit the following:

1. Grant Application Form (Must be postmarked by June 30)
2. Performance Report (Local governments are strongly encouraged to submit the Performance Report electronically. The submission deadline is August 1)
3. Accounting Report (Must be postmarked by August 1)

Instructions for completing the application and report are found in the Guidelines for Litter Prevention and Recycling Grants.This document explains the eligibility  requirements, funding process and deadlines that must be met to receive a grant.

Authorization

The Code of Virginia provides for the following annual litter taxes to be collected and deposited in an interest earning account: the Litter Control and Recycling Trust Fund (Fund):

• Litter Tax -- Section 58.1-1707
  $10.00 per year for each location of manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors or retailers of consumer products and an additional $15.00 per year per location where groceries, soft drinks and beer are sold.
• Excise Tax on Soft Drinks -- Section 58.1-1702
  A gross receipts tax on wholesalers.
• Excise Tax on Beer and Wine Coolers -- Section 4.1-236
  2% of the taxes collected go to the Fund.
• Litter Control and Recycling Fund -- Section 10.1-1422.01
  Stipulates that revenues are distributed each year according to the following allocation formula, amended by legislation in 2008 and effective July 1, 2009.

Specific information on the payment of Virginia's Litter Taxes can be obtained by contacting the Customer Service for Businesses Section of the Virginia Department of Taxation at 804.367.8037 or at www.tax.virginia.gov. 

In Fiscal Year 2012 (July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012), the litter taxes generated $1,979,818. The FY 2012 Fund included the following revenues:

Litter Tax =               $  912,581

Soft Drink Tax =      $  190,184

Beer Tax  =              $  877,053                                

Section 10.1-1422.01 of the Code of Virginia Litter Control and Recycling Fund stipulates that revenues are distributed each year according to the following allocation formula, amended by legislation in 2008 and effective July 1, 2009:

• 95% - Local Government Non-competitive Litter Prevention and Recycling Grants to each Virginia locality; and;
• up to 5% to the Department of Environmental Quality to administer the grant program and provide support for the Litter Control and Recycling Fund Advisory Board (Fund Board) . The Fund Board provides recommendations to the Director on grant funding policy for both litter and recycling programs/projects in the Commonwealth.

Grant Program Reporting

At the conclusion of each grant year, the non-competitive grant recipients must submit Performance and Accounting Reports on the activities and expenses for which the grant funds were used. DEQ compiles the information that is submitted by the grant recipients and certified by one of their authorized agents and submits it to the Board for their review and consideration. Prior Performance and Accounting Reports on the non-competitive grant program can be accessed through the following links:

• Performance and Accounting Report - FY 2011
• Performance and Accounting Report - FY 2010

The Litter Control and Fund Advisory Board

The grant programs are governed by the Litter Control and Recycling Fund Advisory Board. The fund board is appointed by the Governor and consists of five members as follows: one representative for each of the three types of entities required to pay the litter taxes, one local litter or recycling coordinator, and one member from the general public. The fund board meets at least twice throughout the year to track the status of the Fund and the progress of the annual grant programs.

Questions about the program may be directed to Steve Coe at 804-698-4029.