RECYCLING REPORTING WHY IT’S STILL IMPORTANT Virginia Recycling Association November 8, 2012 Charlottesville, VA

VRA opposed the legislation The SWPU reports are the sole source of data. This information is critical to business interests. Localities also need this information for planning and budgetary purposes.

It’s all we have If localities do not report their tonnages to DEQ, aggregate numbers for the state cannot be generated. Having a state-level recycling rate—and a good one—distinguishes Virginia. Loss of this figure will be a detriment to all our efforts.

Businesses want to know A wide variety of products and industries rely on a supply of recycled feedstock. In 2011, VRA was aware of two instances where interested parties requested state-wide recycling data. Out-of-date information would not have been valuable to these businesses.

You need this information, too Analyze the success of programs, project budgets, and estimate future service needs. Prices for recycling commodities are posted on the markets on a weekly basis.

Why you should report to DEQ Besides the reasons we’ve already discussed… You’re likely collecting this information, anyway. Every ton is still getting counted because one way or another, money is exchanging hands. Why not go ahead and report it to DEQ?

Challenges to reporting Staff time Extra information needed …?

How to successfully report your data VRA assistance? What can we do to help? DEQ assistance? We’ll hear from Steve Coe in a few minutes. Your friends and neighbors Email the VRA listserv!

“You’re only as good as the numbers you collect.” A program with no numbers to back it up is in a position of weakness, no matter how popular, successful, or beneficial it actually is. “You’re only as good as the numbers you collect.”