West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP)
The Recycling section was established in 1989 to ensure compliance with the West Virginia Natural Resources Laws ( §22-15A ) The Recycling Section, was transferred from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to the Rehabilitation Environmental action Plan (REAP), of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, in 2005. The Section employs two full time employees and one part time employee. Summer interns help meet additional staffing needs, especially in collecting and compiling data. The Section is responsible for administering the programs (described below) which have been developed and implemented to meet its goals.
The Recycling section also provides support in the areas of public education programs and recycling market development.
All of the following efforts are directed toward achieving the recycling goal of 50% by January 1, 2010
Recycling Assistance Grant Program
The Recycling Assistance Grant Program provides assistance to counties, municipalities and others planning and implementing recycling programs, related public education programs and recycling market efforts. The maximum funding available for a public entity is $200,000 and for a private entity the maximum is $50,000. Applications for Recycling Assistance Grants must be received by the last business day in July.
Litter Control Grant Program
Litter Control Grants are to assist cities, municipalities and commissions with clean up projects. This is a matching fund grant program and the maximum grant is $3,000. Applications must be postmarked by May 31, for consideration in the next grant period.
Developing and Distribution of Recycling Literature
Literature related to recycling and environmental issues is developed and distributed. Specific groups such as schools, businesses and the general public are targeted in an effort to provide information and create awareness about recycling and environmental issues.
Annual Recycling Month Activities
Statewide events are coordinated to support and encourage recycling. There is an event held at the state capitol which is attended by students from many of the local elementary schools.
Statewide Data Collection
The data collection program was implemented so that we can accurately determine our recycling rate. This data also provides comprehensive statewide information that allows us to develop more effective recycling programs and identify the areas that our efforts will have the maximum impact. The members on the Data Collection Team were selected to provide input from a broad range of stakeholders. The team comprises representatives from the following groups.
WV Division of Natural Resources
WV Solid Waste Management Board
WV Chamber of Commerce
WV Waste Haulers/Recyclers Association
WV Public Service Commission
WV Development Office
WV Retailers Association
WV Division of Environmental Protection
Charleston Environmental and Recycling Committee
The State Office Paper Recycling Program
State agencies participate in the WV Public Employees Office Wastepaper Recovery Program, which collects office paper, aluminum/bimetal cans, plastic and corrugated boxes. Any revenue generated by the program is put back into recycling programs. The success of the program is defined by the education and environmental awareness it provides to the participants. The ultimate goal of the program is to help develop the infrastructure and markets in all areas of the state so that every state agency can participate in the program.
Networking/Partnerships
The Recycling Section partnerships and networks with several different groups and organizations to leverage our resources. We are a member of the Mid Atlantic Consortium of Recycling and Economic Development Officials (MACREDO). This organization is comprised of representatives from the states of West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the District of Columbia. This organization identifies, promotes and implements projects and programs that enhance recycling and economic development. MACREDO is funded by and works closely with Region III EPA.
We support the annual conference of the Association of West Virginia Solid Waste Authorities. We co-sponsor with the Recycling Coalition of West Virginia the states observance of America Recycles Day.
We are members of the Mid Atlantic Composting Association (MACA), with members from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington DC. The Association promotes cooperation and exchange of information, research, education, standards and regulations for a sustainable composting industry.
Support is provided to the West Virginia Collegiate Environmental Network (WVCEN) This organization comprises the environmental groups from the states colleges and universities. The purpose of this organization is to facilitate internship opportunities with businesses, state and local governments. These internships allow the students to earn money to help continue their educations as well as provide them with valuable work experience.
If you need additional information please contact the Recycling section at: (304) 926-0499 ext. 1359 or E-Mail at: jhill@wvdep.org
West Virginia Division of Energy
The West Virginia Division of Energy maintains a database on public and private sector retail and end-use recycling markets in West Virginia. The information is revised annually and results are compiled in print and Internet editions of the West Virginia Materials Recycling Directory. The database is also used by the WVDOE and the West Virginia Development Office for economic development activities.
The Directory provides information on commercial/community recycling programs, enduse markets, wood residue users and marketers, motor oil recyclers, computer donation centers and e-cycling. General categories of recycling materials listed in the directory include glass, paper, plastics, steel, aluminum, tires, motor oil, computers and wood residues.
For further information on the Directory please contact:
Bill Willis
Program Coordinator
West Virginia Division of Energy
Bldg. 6, Room 645, State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305
304.558.2234
800.982.3386 (toll-free)
304.558.0362 (fax)
Web site: West Virginia Division of Energy
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