The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality recently released the Calendar Year 2010 Annual Recycling Rate Report. The Town of Vinton with an approved rate of 51.8% ranked 7th...
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality recently released the Calendar Year 2010 Annual Recycling Rate Report. The Town of Vinton with an approved rate of 51.8% ranked 7th in the Commonwealth amongst 71 Solid Waste Planning Units, which represent 324 cities, towns, and counties.
The state average rate for 2010 is 40.5% and the rate within the Roanoke Area is 37.7%, so the town’s rate of 51.8% continues to be well above both averages. This is the third time in the past four years that Vinton placed in the top ten statewide and the fifth consecutive year placing in the top 15 statewide. Commendable for a small town.
Town residents participating in the curbside recycling program total about 2,016 households. The satellite recycling center at Lake Drive Plaza results in 100 tons of waste being diverted from the landfill annually. Many businesses and industries within the town have active and dynamic programs. The combined efforts of Vinton citizens, businesses, and Public Works staff enables the town to achieve and maintain excellent performance. Recycling has three major advantages. First, it diverts waste from the landfill resulting in operation & maintenance cost savings over the life of the landfill. Second, recycled materials have value and the town is reimbursed based upon the market value of materials recycled. Third, using recycled material in the manufacture of new products reduces the quantity of virgin material required, which helps to contain cost to the consumer and preserve precious natural resources.
Recycling is always a good practice. Right now, there is an added incentive courtesy of the Coca-Cola Company and the Kroger Corporation who are sponsoring the regional Recycle & Win promotional event. Residents who participate in curbside recycling have a chance to win a $50 Kroger Gift Card through April 30, 2012. Please call Vinton Public Works at (540) 983-0646 to join the recycling team and a container will be delivered to your residence at no charge to you. Increased citizen participation enables the town to improve its recycling rate, which in turn benefits the environment and future generations of citizens. Recycling is a “Win-Win” proposition.
