Augusta County provides recycling for citizens of Augusta County. Recycling locations are scattered through out the County at ten locations including the Landfill. Currently mixed paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum and steel (bi-metal) are accepted at all locations. No recyclables are dumped at the landfill unless the containers are contaminated with trash to the extent items can’t be recycled. This very seldom happens.
Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro are required to maintain a minimum recycling rate of 25% by the State of Virginia. In 2015, Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro’s recycling rate was 43.74%, up 3.14% from the previous year.
Citizens are encouraged to recycle. Recycling reduces the amount of solid waste entering the landfill. In turn, this reduces landfill costs as well as extends the life of the landfill. Once our landfill is full we will need to find additional land for a new facility.
Unfortunately, recycling has a price tag. Containers are hauled to a recycling company in Fishersville where items are dumped. The company bales the recyclables and ships items to their manufacturing facilities or sells to another buyer.
The County does receive some revenue from various recyclables, but it does not offset the costs for hauling. In order to generate the maximum revenue possible it is important to place only the items allowed in the bins.
The Board of Supervisors appoints a citizen from their district to service on the County’s Recycling Committee. Members serve a four year term. The duties of this Committee are to review monthly recycling tonnages, education, special projects and organize and hold the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event.