Virginia center would support recycling and penalize illegal dumping

The Center would plan statewide recycling work and support local and regional recycling infrastructure. The plan would cover recyclable materials, including tires and mattresses, and set measurable waste-reduction goals. The Center's guidance would not be enforceable unless adopted through regulations. The first statewide plan is due by October 1, 2026, with a new plan every five years after that.

The Center would use a state fund to offer grants, loans, cost-sharing, loan guarantees, and technical help. Eligible recipients include local and regional governments, public-private partnerships, certified voluntary programs, recycling businesses, nonprofits, and colleges conducting pilot projects. The Center would prioritize projects that address tire and mattress stockpiles, illegal dumping, limited recycling access, and underserved areas. Awards depend on money being available in the fund.

Private groups could apply to the Center to certify voluntary recycling programs. Manufacturers, retailers, recyclers, trade groups, nonprofits, coalitions, and other private groups could apply. Applications would need a plan, measurable goals, reporting methods, outreach, and identified partners. Participation would remain voluntary. Certification could qualify a program for fund support, but would not guarantee an award.

The Center, the Department, or participating localities could assess civil fines for specified conduct. Dumping penalties would cover tires, mattresses, bulky waste, and other priority materials placed in unauthorized locations, including in or where they are likely to enter state waters. A separate fine would apply to knowingly misrepresenting a product's recycling status or program coverage. A person would need to knowingly dump covered materials or falsely claim that a product is recycled, recyclable, or handled through a certified program. Fines would be higher for a second or later violation. Localities could adopt ordinances to enforce dumping penalties. Fine money would go to cleanup, recycling infrastructure, and related enforcement.