Town of Blacksburg Adopted Operating Budget FY 2027

SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING FUND

NARRATIVE

The Solid Waste and Recycling Fund provides for the efficient and environmentally proper disposal of municipal solid waste, provides varied recycling opportunities to all town citizens, enhances the quality and quantity of recyclable materials collected, and promotes waste reduction. FY 2026 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Recycled 13.55 tons of electronics in partnership with the YMCA of Virginia Tech for calendar year 2025. • Completed the Town’s portion of the calendar year 2025 Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Recycling Rate Report to the Montgomery Regional Solid Waste Authority (MRSWA) for inclusion in the regional report. • Managed the curbside refuse and recycling services contract and continued to promote the bi-weekly single stream program throughout the community. • Submitted the emergency debris management plan to DEQ for review. • Administered the Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Permit Program. • Coordinated the operation of the three downtown trash and recycling sites. • Managed E-waste electronics recycling program. • Managed recycling work station at the YMCA for residents to drop off rechargeable batteries, Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs), and ink jet cartridges to fill the void created when MRSWA discontinued this service. Town staff collects, stores, and arranges pick up and/or mail back programs with several reputable recycling vendors for proper disposal. • Submitted application for the DEQ Litter and Recycling Grant. FY 2027 OBJECTIVES • Continue to partner with the YMCA at Virginia Tech to provide convenient opportunities for Blacksburg residents to recycle electronics and batteries. • Continue to work with the contracted solid waste hauler and customers of the Progress Street Lot, Armory Parking Lot, and Church Street Lot refuse and recycling facilities to ensure outstanding customer service for the merchants who utilize these locations. • Continue to assist apartment complex managers/owners in promoting recycling programs. • Submit the Town’s portion of the annual DEQ Recycling Rate Report and provide it to the MRSWA for inclusion in the regional report. • Continue to submit the application for the DEQ Litter and Recycling Grant.

SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING FUND PUBLIC WORKS: Total Annual Revenue Collected Total Annual Revenue Per Units Billed

2024 Actual

2025 Actual

2026 Adopted

2026 Projected

2027 Proposed

$2,645,494

$2,716,419

$2,682,036

$2,682,036

$2,690,620

$34.62

$33.08

$33.20

$33.20

$33.66

5,047

4,300 1,250

5,071

5,071

Solid Waste Tons

4,398

968

926

926

Curbside Recycling Tons

992

17.65%

22.50%

20.31%

20.31%

Recycling Rate

18.28%

159