Recycling Barriers Study

Overview

Project Overview

Recycling is one of the simplest ways we can reduce waste and protect our environment. But it only works if people can actually do it. With local landfills reaching capacity, it’s more important than ever. PlanRVA is studying barriers to recycling so we can make recycling easier, reduce waste, and create a more sustainable future for our region.

There are several potential factors that can make recycling difficult or impossible:

Limited knowledge of solid waste practices
Confusion and myths about recycling
Insufficient or inconsistent information from sources of authority
Service availability and accessibility

How?

We will research and talk directly to communities about their thoughts and experiences around recycling. There won't be a one-size-all solution; People in different community and housing types will experience different experiences when it comes to recycling. The barriers faced by an individual living in a multi-story apartment complex in downtown Richmond may be drastically different than those of a family living in rural Charles City, for example.

We will look for trends and commonalities in experiences, knowledge, and behavior between people living in different housing structures and community types.

The end result will be a recommendations report that will guide improvements aimed at helping people recycle with more success.

Who?

PlanRVA is leading the study and is working in close partnership with the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA), which is the public service body that implements solid waste management and recycling programs for our region.

Why?

Regional landfills are filling up fast, and they can be detrimental to public health and wellbeing. No one likes to live near them! Recycling as much as possible can help relieve the pressure on existing landfills and delay the point at which new ones might need to be created.

This study will support Air Quality Plan Measure W1: Decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills. Recycling supports a circular economy and reduces emissions generated by creating new products from raw materials.