AGENDA DATE: 9/2/2026
TITLE:
Title
2026 Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) Regional Solid Waste Management PlanBODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Receive presentation from TJPDC and staff on the draft 2026-2031 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Dumars, Strother, Mowry, Powers
PRESENTER (S): Isabella O’Brien (TJPDC)
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: : In 1990, the Virginia Department of Waste Management published regulations for the development of Solid Waste Management Plans. The regulations established minimum solid waste management standards and planning requirements applicable to all cities, counties, towns, or designated regions in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) adopted its first plan required under the new regulations in 1991. Amendments to Virginia’s solid waste regulations required that the region submit a new plan in 2004 (the TJSWPU’s was considered finalized by the DEQ in 2006) and update the plan every five years. The current planning unit includes the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, and Greene. Previous plan updates were adopted in 2006 (amended in 2008), 2011, 2016, and 2021. The current update will replace the 2021 Solid Waste Management Plan and establish the region's solid waste management framework through 2046.
The TJPDC maintains the Regional Solid Waste Management Plan and updates the plan on the 5-year cycle through a public process, culminating in adoption by all jurisdictions served. This plan is designed to meet state planning requirements and assist member governments with planning and decision making for solid waste management over the next 20 years. The plan is currently in the final stages of its 2026 review process and contains specific goals and objectives for each jurisdiction within TJPDC has committed to undertake towards meeting the solid waste planning requirements of 9VAC20-130.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure & Placemaking - Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity, and well-being
DISCUSSION: Attachment A presents the recommended Solid Waste Management Plan, while attachment B includes the detailed Implementation Plan with information regarding jurisdictions, local objectives, timeframes and stakeholders for the 2026 update.
The Solid Waste Management Plan is developed through a collaborative regional process led by TJPDC and involving local government staff, waste management professionals, partner agencies, community stakeholders, and the public. For the current update, TJPDC convened a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) representing key stakeholders and local staff to provide guidance throughout plan development. Public engagement activities, including surveys, a community workshop, a public comment period, and local presentations were used to gather community input on waste management priorities, service needs, and the draft plan.
The plan establishes regional goals and locality specific objectives that each locality is responsible for realizing. It evaluates current conditions, forecasts future waste management needs, assesses available infrastructure and disposal capacity, and identifies actions necessary to follow the Commonwealth's solid waste hierarchy, prioritizing source reduction, reuse, and recycling over incineration and landfill disposal.
BUDGET IMPACT: There are no direct costs associated with the Regional Solid Waste Management Plan at this time. The implementation plan does identify future actions for which Albemarle County will need to dedicate resources to support the implementation efforts.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommend that the Board receive the TJPDC presentation and provide feedback, as desired. TJPDC is requesting the Board to approve a resolution at the next meeting adopting the Solid Waste Management Plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - 2026 Solid Waste Management Plan
B - 2026 Regional Implementation Plan