Recycling and Economic Development in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia encourages recycling through technical
assistance, recycling tax credits, and educational and program grants to local governments
administered through the Department of Environmental Quality, and economic development
activities coordinated by the Department of Business Assistance.
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
In 1989, Virginians were challenged by the General Assembly to achieve a state-wide recycling goal of 25% by 1995, and successfully exceeded the mandate in 1993 with a calculated state-wide recycling rate of 33%. Since 1995, the state's calculated recycling rate has exceeded its 25% goal. Localities are required to submit annual recycling rate reports to DEQ by April 30 for the preceding calendar year. The recycling goal remains at 25% for all localities with populations exceeding 100 persons per square mile. All others must meet a 15% recycling rate.
Recycling activities in the Commonwealth are supported by a staff of four (4) at DEQ. For information on these programs, contact the following:
Division of Environmental Enhancement
Michael P. Murphy, Director
(804) 698-4003
mpmurphy@deq.virginia.gov
Office of Pollution Prevention
G. Stephen Coe, Recycling Programs Manager
(804) 698-4029
gscoe@deq.virginia.gov
Office of Environmental Education
Sheila M. Barnett, Litter & Recycling Grants Coordinator
(804) 698-4055
Waste Tire Management Program
R. Allen Lassiter, Jr., Manager
(804) 698-4215
arlassiter@deq.virginia.gov
or visit the Virginia DEQ web page
State funding for recycling is part of the Litter Prevention and Recycling Grants Program at DEQ, supported by litter and recycling taxes collected from businesses each year. Annual collections are approximately $1.6 million, which the General Assembly directs DEQ to distribute as follows: 90% to localities for their litter prevention and recycling programs; 5% for state-wide and/or regional litter and recycling outreach projects; and 5% to DEQ for administrative costs.
Recycling Trends -- Recycling Rates by Calendar Year
- 1991 -- 19.7%
- 1993 -- 33.4%
- 1995 -- 35%
- (no reporting was required from 1996 through 2000)
- 2001 -- 37.8%
- 2002 -- 36.8%
- 2003 -- 30.3%
- 2004 -- 29.8%
- 2005 -- 32.2%
- 2006 -- 38.4%
- 2007 -- 38.5%
Other Recycling Information
Economic Development Activities
The Virginia Department of Business Assistance offers financing programs, workforce
training programs, and consulting services to businesses operating in Virginia, including
those in recycling industries. The Department of Business Assistance operates the Virginia
Business Information Center, the starting point for all inquiries about doing business in
Virginia. The Center can be reached toll-free at 1-866-248-8814 or by email at vbic@dba.virginia.gov
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership assists both national and
international companies interested in locating new facilities in Virginia.
For business information, contact the Virginia Economic Development Partnership web site.
Internet Resources
Virginia Home Page
Virginia Department of Business Assistance
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality |
