$3.9 Million in Recycling Improvements Set for 2025-2026 Rollout by the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (VA)

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Efforts to expand recycling programs across the Northern Shenandoah Valley are steadily advancing. Residents will likely see increased recycling services across the region starting in the summer. The $3.9 million comes from the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant, which aims to improve recycling access, enhance infrastructure and reduce landfill waste. While residents may not yet see visible changes, Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (NSVRC) Senior Planner Amanda Kerns explained that critical behind-the-scenes work is underway.

The effort has been guided by the Solid Waste Management Technical Committee (SWMTC), which oversees the region’s solid waste initiatives. Comprised of local waste management and public works representatives, the SWMTC played a key role in identifying the projects funded by the grant and continues to provide oversight and strategic direction. “These steps take time and may move a little slowly, but by being thoughtful and methodical, we ensure that when things are implemented, they work properly,” Kerns said.

Much of the time so far has been spent meeting the grant’s conditions. The funds must comply with federal requirements before they can be spent, Kerns said. The SWIFR grant includes strict federal guidelines requiring all materials and equipment to be manufactured in the United States. This has required revisions to requests for proposals (RFPs) and additional approvals before contracts can be finalized. “We are still receiving final guidance from the federal level on how to properly advertise for and ensure compliance with these standards,” Kerns said.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com