New Bin Questions from Citizens

Where do I take my hazardous waste material (oil, yard chemicals, batteries, paint, etc.)?

Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) has facilities in the area to handle these materials. Find out rules and information about the materials. You can also keep an eye out for our quarterly Chesapeake Recycles Day events that take place throughout the City.

I'm a senior citizen and have trouble handling the blue bin. Is there a smaller size bin?

Citizens can request a 64 gallon or a smaller 35 gallon bin and return the big blue bin at no cost. Call the Customer Contact Center at 382-CITY (2489) to order yours.

If I purchase a second bin, will the City charge an additional fee to pick up both bins?

No, there is no additional cost for picking up more than one recycling bin at this time.

How clean do my cans have to be before I place them in the recycling bin?

In order to prevent odor, a quick rinse to remove the majority of food is all that is needed.

Does TFC offer tours of their facility to the public?

Yes. TFC offers both tours and speakers who can attend your civic league meeting or other community event. Tours are limited to small groups and adults. For more information contact TFC at 757-543-5766.

Is there someone I can talk to about the program?

Yes. Citizens can email recycle@cityofchesapeake.net or call our Customer Contact Center at 757-382-CITY (2489).

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 (2489) to purchase. Cost is $42.00, including tax.

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

At this time there are no plans to change to weekly collection. Rest assured we'll share any information on collection changes with residents if and when the time comes.

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

No. 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!