SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): In its final report submitted in late-2022, the Virginia Waste Diversion & Recycling Task Force has called for increased investment of time and resources towards improved collection of accurate waste and recycling data. It also calls for pursuing new recycling business growth opportunities and implementing necessary changes in policy.

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The report highlights the need for steady and sufficient supply of materials and markets. It urges state agencies to source more goods with higher recycled content. The state must establish a recycling business assistance center to help businesses gain access to funding opportunities and market research.

The task force recommends setting up of a state trust that would help both public and private entities pay for capital expenses. In addition, a recycling workforce development program could play an important role in imparting industry skills to workers and help them gain certifications.

Lastly, the task force proposes to make the litter tax proportional to business size and make the maximum fees higher. However, the task force was unable to reach a consensus on adopting bottle bill.