James City Clean County Commission (JC4)
What is JC4?
Established in 1979, the James City Clean County Commission (JC4) is a coalition of local volunteers appointed by the Board of Supervisors. They are dedicated to promoting recycling, litter control, providing environmental education, and helping to coordinate County beautification projects. Meetings are held monthly, the third Thursday, 6:00 p.m., at the James City/Williamsburg Community Center. If you interested in becoming a commissioner, feel free to come to one of our meetings and pick up an application.
Who is on the JC4?
Peg Boarman, Alan Bennett, Jennifer Privette--JCC's Recycling Beautification Coordinator, Charles Loundermon, Charlene Talcott, and Will Barnes
JC4 Programs:
Adopt-A-Spot - JC4's Adopt-A-Spot program is proof that environmental stewardship is not only important to the community but also fun for those involved. Individuals, organizations, and business may all adopt a designated area for a period of at least one year. Over that time, group members meet to keep their spot clean, litter free, and beautiful. Not only do the volunteers receive a sign acknowledging their commitment, the fruit of their labor is immediately visible and appreciated by the entire community.
Spring Cleanup - JC4's original program, Spring Cleanup, has been helping citizens create a cleaner community for over 20 years. In that time, local volunteers have removed over two million pounds of trash from County roadsides and illegal dump sites. On select Saturdays in April, volunteers give their time and energy to collect trash in areas where it would have otherwise polluted the environment. With help from residents across the County, Spring Clean-Up has been a continual success and allows the community to truly create a cleaner, more beautiful landscape. (Spring Cleanup Form)
Waste Chase - Did you ever wonder where your drinking water comes from? Did you ever wonder where your trash, recyclables, tires, leaves, and bulk waste go? Find out what happens to them and how you can get involved on the Waste Chase. This fun and informative tour includes a visit to the first mainland farm operated by the settlers of Jamestown Island, a tour of a wastewater treatment plant, and a look at the JCC model well facility. Participants will learn about the processes of recycling and disposal of solid waste, as well as the ongoing struggle to maintain green space in James City County. And lunch is on us! Members of the JC4 and 25 County residents during the Waste Chase, an annual environmental tour of theCounty. The group is having lunch at Eastern State Hospital, an example of a local business with an outstanding pollution prevention program.
The Jim Robertson Award
The Jim Robertson Environmental Award, sponsored by JC4 in conjunction with the James City Ruritan Club, was established in memory of Jim Robertson. Mr. Robertson served as a Clean County Commissioner for more than 20 years, organizing countless beautification projects throughout the community. The scholarships are awarded annually to students that are developing the same appreciation of our environment and who volunteer to preserve the beauty of our natural landscape.
Business Recognition
JC4 is a cosponsor of the Virginia Peninsula Clean Business Forum. Quarterly meetings are held to bring attendees up to date on techniques and programs to enhance the visual environment of the community and to inform business and industry of available resources. Awards are presented to four local businesses for outstanding environmental stewardship and beautification efforts. JC4 hosts one of the four breakfast meetings and awards program each year on a rotational basis with Hampton, Newport News and York County. You are welcome to attend!
Also Look For JC4
In your schools, at Earth Day celebrations, at the County Fair, and at other community events. If you would like information regarding environmental stewardship in James City County, or if you would like a JC4 representative to speak at your school or event, contact the Commission through the Recycling Office at 259-9850.
Recycling
As part of the JC4's mission to promote a healthy, beautiful environment, we are strong advocates for recycling and efficient waste management. Everyone should recycle in the interest of conserving the finite natural resources of the Earth and to protect the environment for future generations. James City County provides both curbside recycling and convenience center recycling services to the residents of the County. It is to the advantage of all residents to make use of the services provided. By not using the recycling program, citizens spend unnecessary amounts of extra money on disposal of recyclable items as solid waste. Not only is this waste not reused, but it actually costs the individual citizen more to throw it away! So, recycling is not only a good thing to do - it's economical as well!