Solid waste management and recycling are among the most prominent issues faced by local governments in the Commonwealth. Recognizing this, the 1992 General Assembly enacted House Joint Resolution 85, asking the Department of Waste Management to appoint a committee, aided by the Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, to study means of encouraging local governments and public service authorities to consider utilization of the private sector in these service areas.

The committee consisted of nine members and met four times during the summer and fall of 1992. These meetings involved a high level of public participation, and the opinions of those representing citizen groups, business associations, and local government were presented at length. Substantial research was performed, and many representatives from local governments, solid waste public service authorities, and recycling and solid waste management companies were interviewed in the course of this study. After discussion, debate, and compromise concerning the issues, this interim report was prepared to present the views of the committee.

The committee believes that its activities have contributed to improved understanding and cooperation between the public and private sectors in the areas of solid waste management and recycling, and hopes that it will have the opportunity to continue its work in 1993.