Solid Waste and Recycling
The recycling rate in the Hampton Roads region has dropped significantly since 2006 and is now just the 5th highest in the state.
Why is This Important?
Landfills are associated with odors, risks to air and water quality, and increased traffic by heavy trucks loaded with landfill-bound waste. Unless properly constructed, maintained, and monitored over a long period of time, landfills can leak highly contaminated leachate into the groundwater and emit numerous and sometimes dangerous air pollutants.
One method for lessening the need for landfills is recycling. Recycling not only reduces the amount of solid waste and its negative properties, but manufacturing with recycled materials also saves energy compared to producing the same material from scratch.
How is Hampton Roads Doing?
After hitting a peak of 44.8
percent in 2006, the
base recycling rate (without credits) in Hampton Roads has generally continued to decline; in 2010 it was at 27.3
percent. The decline is due at least in part to the elimination of recycling services by the Southeastern Public Service Authority, although some services are still available directly through local municipalities (see right column for links).
Since 2006, localities have been eligible to receive up to five additional credits for solid waste reused, non-municipal solid waste recycled, recycling residues, and source reduction programs. When these credits are included, the recycling rate in the Hampton Roads region rises to 32.3 percent -- fifth highest in the state and trailing the state average of 39.5 percent.
What Influences Solid Waste?
Reducing solid waste levels requires commitment from individuals, corporations, and the government. In the last few decades, greater emphasis has been placed on protecting the sustainability of natural resources, preventing contamination of the environment, and reducing excess garbage.
Data Definitions and Sources
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Annual Solid Waste Reports
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Recycling
Recycling: The Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission, Southern Crater Region, and Virginia Peninsula Public Service Authority covered counties that were in different regions. These agencies were assigned to regions with the most number of counties in common.
Recycling Rate with Credits: The Virginia rate was adjusted for the 5% maximum percentage allowed for credits to the base recycling rate calculated by a solid waste planning unit.
See the Data Sources and Updates Calendar for a detailed list of the data resources used for indicator measures on Hampton Roads Performs.
