Virginia Beach is joining communities worldwide in promoting environmental sustainability with the recognition of Zero Waste Awareness Week during the first full week of September. The initiative, which began in the United Kingdom in 2008, encourages reducing, reusing, and recycling to minimize waste.
Following a 2023 Virginia Beach City Council resolution and a designation by the Virginia General Assembly, the Commonwealth now officially observes Zero Waste Awareness Week each year, starting in 2025. The Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission (VBCCC) led the effort, advocating for waste reduction and public awareness programs.
The resolutions encourage residents to:
- Refuse products that create excessive or non-recyclable waste.
- Reduce dependence on single-use items.
- Reuse, recycle, or repurpose materials whenever possible.