Virginia recycling rates continue to decline

More than half of the local jurisdictions in Virginia have failed to meet the state’s 25 percent mandatory recycling rate, according to The Associated Press (AP). Overall, the state recorded a 29.8 percent recycling rate in 2004, the latest year for which data is available, the AP says.

State Sen. Roscoe Reynolds has proposed a bill that would lower Virginia’s recycling goal; however, opponents say that this could discourage recycling efforts. Also, the state is requiring areas that are below the 25 percent rate to explain how they will reach the recycling goal in their solid waste management plans, which the state must approve.