The Clean County Commission met Friday, July 15, 2016 for their monthly meeting where Commissioners and staff discussed the ongoing regional recycling contamination study. Members participated in a recycling audit where materials were sorted by commodity. Results showed that items that do not belong in the curbside recycling bin such as plastic bags, diapers, yard waste, backpacks, food waste, Styrofoam and hangers made up 35% of the materials collected from the Newport News route that was audited. In the coming months similar audits will be conducted on select James City routes to determine what materials our residents are contributing to the recycling contamination stream. This will allow the Commission to prepare appropriate outreach materials to better educate citizens about what belongs in the curbside recycling cart and what does not.
The Commission also discussed the 3rd Annual Litter & Recycling Expo to be held at Warhill Sports Complex in October. The Clean County Commission will showcase the new and improved James City County Parks Recycling Program that will be rolled out over the next 2 years.
The Good Neighbor Environment Grant application will be available on the County website August 1st at http://jamescitycountyva.gov/877/Programs.
The Board of Supervisors appointed Andy Netzel from the Powhatan District to the Clean County Commission and reappointed Peg Boarman and Charles Loundermon. All Commissioners serve 3 year terms.
Fellow Commissioners and County staff recognized the passing of long-time Clean County volunteer, Richard Carmine, and send condolences. Mr. Carmine attended many Clean Business Forum Breakfast meetings over the years and assisted with many of outreach events. Everyone is grateful for his support of the Clean County Commission.
Meetings are generally held on the first Thursday of every month. For more information, contact the Environmental Coordinator at 757-259-5375 or email cleancounty@jamescitycountyva.gov.