Study shows 10 percent drop in Virginia waste imports

A new report form the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality reveals that in 2005, the state’s imports of solid waste fell 9.8 percent to 7 million tons. The 762,000-ton drop represents the first time the rate has declined since 2000. Governor Timothy M, Kaine and DEQ officials, while pleased, were unable to attribute the decline to any one factor, thought a decrease in storm debris is thought to have played a role. Despite the new figures, Virginia continues to trail only Pennsylvania as the second largest recipient of out-of-state waste.