Youngkin’s order, titled “recognizing the value of recycling and waste reduction,” also directed his administration to take several steps to encourage recycling at state agencies and in the state parks system. It directed two state agencies to work with “large-scale suppliers of food” to identify ways to reduce food waste. And it directed a task force to examine ways to encourage new “recycling-related” businesses to locate in Virginia. “We need to conserve our natural resources, reduce the amount of recyclable materials and waste that goes into landfills, and promote new clean energy jobs here in Virginia,” the order said.
The Coalition for Consumer Choices — a group representing businesses, retailers, manufacturers and others who opposed Northam’s ban — announced its support for Youngkin’s order. The group said Northam’s order would have been costly and reduced choices for healthy and safely packaged food products.