The need to study the problems of solid waste management in Virginia with particular emphasis on the causes, collection, and disposal was acknowledged during the 1973 General Assembly by the passage of Senate Bill No. 856. This legislation, introduced by Senator Stanley C. Walker, created the Commission to study and advise upon the Disposal of Solid Wastes. During the 1976 Session of the General Assembly, the name of the Commission was changed to the Solid Waste Commission in Senate Bill No. 383.

The members of the Commission as of July 1, 1979, are: Dr. Robert F. Testin, Richmond; William M. Beck, Jr., Norfolk; Callis H. Atkins, Ruckersville; R. E. Dorer , Virginia Beach; Ernest C. Edwards, Jr. , Chase City; Joseph M. Guiffre, Alexandria; Delegate Joan S. Jones, Lynchburg; Jonathan Murdoch-Kitt, Richmond; Edward T. DiBerto, Virginia Beach; William T. Reed, Manakin-Sabot; Delegate Richard L. Saslaw, Annandale; Delegate George W. Grayson, Williamsburg; Delegate Bernard G. Barrow, Virginia Beach; Senator Joseph v. Gartlan, Jr., Fairfax Co.; and Senator Stanley C. Walker, Norfolk. Mr. William M. Amrhein has been retained as counsel to the Commission. Mrs. Susan G. Dull of the Division of Legislative Services served as staff to the Commission.