Get Involved
If you're interested in having your say about what happens to recycling in Virginia, you've come to the right place!
Become a VRA Member
Members of the Virginia Recycling Association have access to the most comprehensive and current information available on the recycling industry and enjoy the benefits of networking with the leading recycling professionals.
Become a Virginia Recycling Association member if you want to make a difference, and join us in the promoting recycling, and advocating for sustainable practices that will benefit Virginia’s environment, communities, and economy.
Conferences and Meetings
VRA hosts conferences and meetings to provide forums for discussing issues, learning from experts, earning professional credits, and sharing ideas affecting recycling in Virginia.
Education & Training
VRA offers opportunities for both formal and informal education. Experience recycling first hand by touring regional recycling facilities, networking with colleagues and attending training to expand your knowledge and earn certification credentials.
Lunch and Learn Events
These quarterly events offer members a behind the scenes look at regional resource management facilities. This is a great opportunity to really see how recycling works and meet the people that keep our industry going.
Networking
Recycling is constantly changing, and networking gives VRA members the chance to talk to the innovators and decision makers who are helping to shape the future of our industry.
Get Your School Involved in Recycling
Check out some of the ideas for getting your school prepped with a recycling project plan from the list below. Visit our Recycling Activities Page for more ideas!
- Organize general information about your project and how you will implement your ideas.
- Meet with the School Principal to discuss plans for your project.
- Establish a contact person and/or committee.
- If possible, meet with teachers and staff to present the plan and listen to comments and concerns.
- Address the comments and concerns and make any necessary accommodations to carry out the project.
- Provide any necessary resources needed.
- Determine who will help you carry out the plan.
- Create measures to evaluate your success?
- Publicize event.
- Recognize those who participate.
Get Your Community Involved in Recycling
Community recycling is important because it reduces waste destined for a landfill and it conserves resources and energy. You can help your community be a part of the waste reduction effort by starting your own community project. For more inspiration, check out our Recycling Projects Page for getting your community on the green team!
- Organize general information about your project and how you will implement your ideas.
- Before you being your project, meet with local officials if permission is needed.
- Establish a group of volunteers.
- Meet with your team to present the plan and listen to comments and concerns.
- Address the comments and concerns and make any necessary accommodations to carry out the project.
- Determine what resources are needed.
- Make assignments within your team so everyone will know what their responsibilities are and how to carry out the plan.
- Create measures to evaluate your success?
- Publicize event.
- Recognize those who participate.
Recycling Activities
Learn about more recycling activities you can do in your school and community on our Recycling Activities Page!
Recycling Projects
Are you already doing a recycling project with your friends, family, classmates or neighbors? Well the Virginia Recycling Association wants to know more about it! Visit our Recycling Projects page to learn more about how your project can be featured on our website and marketing channels!
Committees
VRA Members have the opportunity to work together on targeted issues that will improve recycling advocacy, training and education in Virginia.
- Awards
- Finance
- Business & Industry
- Membership & Outreach
- Conference
- Policy
- Communications
- Training
Board of Directors
Daniel Baxter
PresidentTeresa Sweeney
Vice-PresidentBilly Basham
TreasurerDan Ciesla
SecretaryQuinn Bernier
Board MemberJarried McFarland
Board MemberLauren Cutlip
Board MemberMichael Neese
Board MemberPrina Chudasama
Ex Officio MemberJulie Phillips
Association ManagerBecome a Sponsor
Our work would not be possible without the support and generosity of our sponsors. To be the voice of Recycling in Virginia, the VRA needs to fund activities that support our members and address important recycling issues within our state.
The VRA has a range of sponsorship plans and activities to meet your budget!
VRA Awards
The VRA honors top recyclers and recycling programs throughout Virginia at our Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Ceremony each Fall.
Nominations are sought from the public and private sector, business, industry, school, government, and non-profit agencies, civic or volunteer organizations and individuals. It is not necessary to be a VRA member to make a nomination or to receive an award but the nominated person or program must be Virginia based.
Winners also receive a complimentary one year VRA membership.