The Disposal of Solid Wastes Study Commission was created under House Bill No. 157 in order to continue studies begun in 1968 by the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council. Its nine members were appointed by the Governor, and the Commission was asked to report on its findings and recommendations by November, 1972. The second paragraph of House Bill No. 157 outlines the scope of the assignment.

"The Commission shall study all matters relating to the disposal of solid wastes and shall consider especially various systems of solid wastes disposal which could be employed by several counties, cities or any combination thereof on a regional basis, including the cost and possible methods of financing such systems; and further, the zoning of areas of land as wastes disposal sites which could be purchased at moderate costs and continued for waste disposal sites several years into the future."

Additionally, Senate Resolution No. 13 of 1972 directed the Commission to "study the feasibility and desirability of using returnable or non-disposable containers as an effective solid waste control measure."

Throughout the period of its study and deliberations, the Commission consulted with different State agencies involved in environmental activities. These included the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Governor's Council on the Environment, Department of Health, Division of State Planning and Community Affairs and Bureau of Solid Wastes and Vector Control of the State Health Department. The Commission conducted numerous interviews with officials of the Office of Solid Wastes Management in the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Field trips were also arranged and financed through the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In closed sessions, the Commission heard from many experts in the solid wastes field. Two days of public hearings were held on June 22 and July 14, during which city and county officials from throughout Virginia, environmental spokesmen and the public at large were given an opportunity to present their views. The record was kept open for written presentations from anyone concerned with the solid wastes problem.

The Virginia Advisory Legislative Council and the Division of Statutory Research and Drafting made staff and facilities available to carry out this study, Robert B. Cousins, Jr., and G. William White, Jr., being assigned as counsel to assist the members and the Study Commission.