Regulations that went into effect in 2001 required Virginia localities to begin reporting information about recycling programs to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).   While participation in recycling programs is voluntary for residents and businesses in Virginia, state law mandates that each local government implement programs to recycle a minimum of 25 percent of the municipal waste generated each year.  Individual localities, or co-ops of localities such as the members of the CVWMA, compare the total amount of solid waste generated in the area to the amount recycled to determine the year’s recycling rate.

The total amount of waste is calculated using a figure from the Environmental Protection Agency, which estimates that each American generates approximately 4.5 pounds of trash everyday, or 1,643 pounds annually. 

Of the estimated 839,000 tons of municipal waste generated in the region in 2004, 45 percent was recycled.   Read the press release about the rate that provides more details.