Public Works Department - Waste Management

Recycling Program in Chesapeake

The cost of disposing of a ton of waste is scheduled to increase in coming years, according to SPSA.

Recycled materials can be
processed for much less.

 

 

Guide to BIG Bin Recyling

Recycling & Fees

• Big Bin User Questions
• Waste Disposal Fee - FAQs
  

Weekly Schedules

If you are new to the recycling program, use the Property QuickSearch or call 382-CITY to determine if you are on a Week A or Week B recycling schedule.

      Week A schedule

      Week B schedule

Holiday Schedules

Remember, trash collection dates can change.
Click here for the holiday recycling schedule.

Where to place bin on collection day

 

 

 

 

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

What Gets Recycled?

Big Bin User Questions:

I have been filling my bin up quickly. Can I buy another bin?

Good for you! As you have seen, so many materials that we use daily are recyclable. Keep in mind that smashing cans, plastic and cardboard will give you more room in your bin. However, if you still want a second bin, you can call 382-CITY to purchase. Cost is $65.00 plus tax.

How did citizens do with the new bins the first month? Is it going to make an impact on the amount of trash going to the landfill?

We are compiling a detailed report to share with residents, but we collected 860 TONS of recycling in December, which wasn't even a complete monthly cycle. YES this is making a difference compared to what SPSA collected in the small bins.

Will recycling ever be changed to every week, instead of every other week pick-up?

At this time we are focused on rolling out the initial program. It will take a year for data collection at which time we will analyze the program efficiency. Rest assured we'll share any information on collection changes with residents if and when the time comes.

Our neighborhood has a Civic League meeting each month. Can someone come and talk about recycling?

We'd love to! Our Big Blue Bin team and TFC Recycling, the company that picks up the recycling, would be happy to visit. Just call Tammy Barry, Public Information Specialist, at (757) 382-6983 to arrange a date/time. Also, material is available via email for your newsletters or neighborhood flyers.

Do I have to remove the staples when I recycle my magazines? What about envelopes and pasta boxes that have plastic windows in them?

Twenty-five years ago, you would have been advised to keep staples and plastic windows out of the recycling bin. But these days, paper mills are more than equipped to handle these common interlopers. Note that plastic bags inside food boxes should still be taken out and placed in the regular trash bin.

How bad is it to throw the greasy pizza box in the recycling bin?

As much as we'd like to say it's ok, it's not! For one thing, it means increased costs at the sorting facility. Baled paper can sit for weeks before it gets pulped-plenty of time for any food particles to spoil and rot, making life highly unpleasant for the workers. Greases and oils can be tough to remove completely. Whether or not that's going to be a problem depends on what the mill is making-a bit of grease won't be a big deal if the end product is brown grocery bags or tissue paper, but it could easily ruin a batch of white office paper. So, please toss the box in the regular trash bin.

What should I do with old books? Can they be recycled?

Yes, but not through your curbside program. Please donate your paperback books to your local library or thrift store where they will be recycled by another reader!

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.

 

Find out about how to SAFELY dispose of HAZARDOUS WASTE
& other types of materials.

Rules for Waste Disposal