What is recycling? True recycling is a series of activities by which materials ready to be discarded are instead separated from the waste stream, collected, sorted, processed, and converted into new materials and then used in the production of new products. Collecting and processing secondary materials, manufacturing recycled-content products, and then purchasing recycled products creates a circle or loop that ensures the overall success and value of recycling. Visit the following web site for Frequently Asked Questions about the environmental value of recycling:
http://www.epa.gov/region4/recycle/faqs.htm.
Locality recycling programs are geared to the collection of recyclable materials, and then to the directing of these materials to the markets via public or private processing or brokering systems. Types of collection systems include drop-off containers, manned or un-manned convenience centers, and curbside collection programs. Key to the success of any program is on-going promotion of recycling as an environmental and community asset, with all sectors contributing to the diversion of recyclable materials from the waste stream.
Virginia's Solid Waste Management Regulations defined "recycling" as "any process whereby material which would otherwise be solid waste is used or reused, or prepared for use or reuse, as an ingredient in an industrial process to make a product, or as an effective substitute for a commercial product."
In Virginia recyclable materials from the municipal solid waste streams include: paper (newspapers, corrugated cardboard, Kraft paper, high-grade office paper, mixed paperf), metal (ferrous scrap, non-ferrous scrap, aluminum, tin cans), plastics, glass, yard waste (composted or mulched), waste wood, textiles, waste tires, used oil-oil filters-antifreeze, auto bodies (Department of Motor Vehicles' Abandoned Vehicle Program), construction waste, demolition waste, debris waste, batteries, ash and non-industrial sludges (composted).
National Trends
A national goal of 35 percent recycling by the Year 2010 was issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (For additional background information on EPA's analysis of the 35 percent recycling goal see Recycling.For the Future: Consider the Benefits at www.ofee.gov)
Virginia Recycling Initiatives and Organizations
In 1989, the Virginia General Assembly adopted legislation that established a 25% recycling rate target for communities, which was modified in 2006 as the General Assembly established a two-tiered recycling mandate of 15% and 25% (effective July 1, 2006). Individual localities or solid waste planning units/regions with population densities of less than 100 persons per square mile or with unemployment rates 50% above the state's average unemployment rate qualify for the 15% mandated level; all others are charged to meet the 25% recycling rate.
Other initiatives include a recycling equipment tax credit, waste tire end-user reimbursements, non-competitive grants for localities, and establishment of the Virginia Litter Control and Recycling Fund Advisory Board and the Virginia Recycling Markets Development Council. Information about litter prevention and recycling efforts in your locality may be obtained from your local program manager identified in the Litter Prevention and Recycling Program Managers list.
Virginia Trends
Virginia's statewide recycling rate for Calendar Year 2010 was 40.5%. The CY 2010 and previous annual recycling rate reports can be viewed by clicking on the links below. This calculated rate was derived from recycling rate data submitted by Virginia localities to DEQ as required by regulations (9VAC-20-130-120 B&C). CY 2010 reporting resulted in all 71 Solid Waste Planning Units (SWPUs) once again meeting their mandated recycling rate. Rates and recycling information for previous years are as follows:
- CY 1991 - 19.7%
- CY 1993 - 33.4%
- CY 1995 - 35%
- CY 1997 - 1999 (reporting not required)
- CY 2000 - 32.87% (Voluntary Survey - 63.69% of Localities Reporting)
- CY 2001 - 37.78%
- CY 2002 - 36.75%
- CY 2003 - 30.3%
- CY 2004 - 29.8%
- CY 2005 - 32.2%
- CY 2006 - 38.4%
- CY 2007 - 38.5%
- CY 2008 - 38.5%
- CY 2009 - 38.6%
- CY 2010 - 40.5%
Recycling Rate Reports
For reports from 2002-2005, please contact Steve Coe.