NOTICE: Changes Made in SPSA Household Hazardous Waste Locations
(06-27-07)

Public Works Department - Waste Management

Recycling

Recycling Program in Chesapeake

Guide to Big Bin Recycling

 

 

Chesapeake City Council voted to implement the improved recycling program in budget year 2009-2010. The advantage of the expanded recycling program is disposing of recyclables costs significantly less than disposing of waste.

Disposing a ton of waste currently costs $170 and is scheduled to increase in coming years, according to SPSA. Recycled materials can be processed for much less.

• Recycling guide for residents who have received the new BIG blue bin >>
  • Big Bin Recyling flyer »
• Recycling guide for residents still using the SMALL blue bin >>

 

Guide to BIG Bin Recyling

Bins will be distributed to citizens in stages during the month of November and early December.

The distribution is as follows:

• Friday routes
• Thursday routes
• Monday routes
• Tuesday routes

We will be rolling out approximately 2,200 carts each day starting the week of November 9 through December.

Each bin has a sticker attached listing items that are acceptable to recycle.

 

Your recycling date will not change! Use the big bin on your next collection day. Not sure which week to place your recyclables out? Call 382-CITY or visit CityofChesapeake.net

 

 

 

Please place your bins
with the lids opening toward
the street with a minimum of
3 feet between each
container and other objects.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the $3 per month waste disposal fee?

Beginning July 1, 2009, Chesapeake residents who have City trash collection will pay $3 per month per household for collection, disposal and recycling. This is to offset the increased SPSA disposal costs and pay for enhanced recycling, which has been requested by citizens for several years.

What are the benefits of recycling?

The $3 waste disposal fee will help pay a portion of the start up and maintenance of the expanded recycling services. There is a financial benefit associated with expanded recycling because disposing of recyclables costs significantly less than disposing of waste.

Disposing a ton of waste currently costs $170 and is scheduled to increase in coming years, according to SPSA. Recycled materials can be processed for much less. Other local cities have seen a 150% increase in tonnage and a 50% increase in participation when the big bins are used, so the savings could be significant.

Recycling also helps save the environment by diverting waste from landfills, and by avoiding use of raw materials.

Who pays the fee?

Only residents with City trash collection. Residents in condos and apartments with private trash collection will not pay the fee.

When will I get a bill?

The fee began in July 2009 and will be billed twice each year, in November and April. You will receive your first bill in November. After that, the fee will be combined with the stormwater fee and real estate tax bill to save money on postage.

How long will I pay this fee?

The City Council approved the fee through June 30, 2011. There are several factors that could affect the need for or amount of the fee. Recycling lowers disposal costs. Chesapeake pays for waste disposal by the ton. Recycling costs less per ton than disposal in the landfill or by burning. The more residents recycle, the less the City pays for waste disposal. We hope every household will recycle to help the environment and to limit increases in disposal.

What about people who cannot afford the fee?

For low and moderate income households which may face financial hardship paying this bill, a relief program has been established. The next application period will be from August 2-October 1, 2010. Contact the Department of Human Services at 382-2000 for information on the Helping Hands 4 U program.

 

Questions? Concerns? Call 382-CITY for more information.

Guide to SMALL Bin Recycling

NOTE to residents: Smaller blue bins may be used UNTIL new big blue bins have been received. Residents may keep the small bin.

Recycling services are provided by Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA).
Curbside recycling is provided every other week in Chesapeake.

Recycling items for SMALL blue bin include:

• aluminum cans
• pie plates and foil
• clear and brown glass
• newspapers
• steel cans
• #1 and #2 plastic bottles