Fauquier County Wins $1K for Plastic Bag Recycling

Fauquier County has been awarded a $1,000 grant in the Plastic Bag Recycling Category.  The KVB grant program focuses greater resources and attention on individual localities throughout the Commonwealth and how they are addressing the issues of litter prevention, recycling, waste reduction, beautification and education.

Fauquier County is a mostly rural community of 651 square miles, hundreds of county roads, approximately 67,000 residents and a focus on its biggest litter problem: plastic bags.  Currently the county schools and numerous retailers serve as collection points for plastic bag recycling.  The success of the school recycling program has grown ten-fold since its inception in 2008.  However, more needs to be done and the County recognizes the need for an adult education campaign with plans to use the grant monies to purchase reusable bags and signage about the importance of creating a litter-free county and that reusable is a better alternative.  Increasing awareness and community participation is the route to success and a county-wide plastic bag recycling and reduction campaign is the road that needs to be traveled.  For more information on Fauquier County or their project, please contact Trish Ethier at 540-347-6811.

KVB provided the opportunity for government, non-profit and/or service organizations in Virginia to apply for one of (30) $1,000 grants in three different categories: 10 grants for plastic bag reduction and recycling, 10 grants for cigarette litter prevention, and 10 grants for community greening and beautification.  These grants are made possible by KVB’s partners, Walmart and Waste Management.

The mission at Keep Virginia Beautiful is to engage and unite Virginians to improve our natural and scenic environment.  Our goals include becoming the leading statewide voice, providing a framework for improved communication and collaboration, cultivating and supporting sustainable programs, and engaging citizens by linking them to volunteer opportunities and information through these 5 impact areas:  Litter Prevention, Waste Reduction, Recycling,Beautification, and Environmental Education.