Recent news highlights plastic pollution challenges in Virginia and gives insight on the work being done, as well as what more be done. This article notes 60% to 80% of trash in Earth’s oceans comes from our behavior on land and while this is absolutely true, there are intricacies at work when looking at plastic, and waste in general, problems. The most current research uses only 2% of this trash as being litter (including illegal dumping). If this is true, where does this other trash come from? And why, after almost 40 years of cleanups in Fairfax County, is trash persistent in the natural environment?

Bar graph showing how many trash cans service condos, compared to equivalent number of single-family homes. Credit: Emily Foppe

Mismanaged waste from industry and insufficient solid waste infrastructure is to blame. What does this problem look like in Virginia, to have insufficient solid waste management and infrastructure? You can look at any number of apartments, townhomes, and condos in Fairfax County to find evidence of a blatantly broken system. Based on information from a local condo facility, these condos receive 75% decreased waste service compared to single family homes in Fairfax County (see graphic). Insufficient service leads to improper disposal of trash– piling up of trash bags around dumpsters, which attracts nuisance wildlife. Wildlife then rips open bags, and viola! Trash is now free to wash into local waterways. Similarly, in Northwestern Fairfax county, condo residents are told to pile up in bags on storm drains on trash day (see photo). With these examples, we see how systems are currenting failing people, rather than people failing to do their part.

Trash piled up on trash day in Fairfax County, right next to storm drain that leads directly into close-by stream. Photo Credit: Emily Foppe

Waste collection inequity of service in Fairfax County is evident after a day out in local, urban waterways. Trash is a reality and it has to go somewhere! Improved solid waste management and infrastructure are necessary to address waste in our waterways. Limiting our use of plastic products and community clean ups are a positive step in the right direction, but many products necessary for daily life are, literally, wrapped in plastic. 

Solving waste problems, like waste itself, is messy and one size does not fit all. In addition to messaging and necessary legislation to decrease the amount of waste generated in the first place, we need to look critically at the existing infrastructure. Waste systems have not been adapting with change for decades and we see evidence of this in our local waterways and oceans. Tackling waste pollution must involve creative opportunities for better waste handling processes for residential and commercial properties.

 Katie Register, the author of the article mentioned above, raised great points, particularly regarding necessary legislation and the shortcomings of Virginia’s Litter Tax. Moreover, her work with Clean Virginia Waterways and research with Longwood universities is instrumental to plastic pollution mitigation progress. Check out some of their great work to arm yourself with knowledge this summer!