Recycling in Chesapeake

A variety of recycling options are available to Chesapeake residents. Learn more about the transition away from curbside collection on our FAQ page.

Residential Drop-Off Recycling   

Residential drop-off recycling sites are open now. The drop-off program will start basic and will gradually grow as we determine the best way to accomplish our recycling goals. Success of the residential drop-off recycling sites depends on everyone in the community using them properly and responsibly. Learn everything you need to know about the City's new drop-off service and sites.

Subscription-Based Recycling

As the name implies, this is a service where private citizens will contract with a private recycling provider(s) to collect and transport recycled goods to a commercial recycling center. All collections will take place on private property, and as such, will not utilize the blue bins that citizens are accustomed to. Pricing will be as agreed upon by the subscriber and service provider, much like a cable TV subscription.  Learn more about subscription-based recycling.

Proper Disposal of Other Items

Many items that cannot be recycled in the traditional way, through subscription services or drop-off sites, can sometimes be recycled in other ways. Chesapeake Recycles Day events are held throughout the year to help you properly dispose of electronics, plastic bags, sensitive documents that need shredding, and household hazardous waste. There are also year-round options for proper disposal of the following:

  • Plastic Bags: A local grocery store. Look for the bins at the entrance to the store. These bags are often turned into composite wood material.
  • Electronics: Goodwill stores will accept most electronics and will recycle broken items using the Dell Reconnect Program (PDF).
  • Household Hazardous Waste: Hazardous waste materials cannot go to the recycling sites or in the regular trash bin. They must be disposed of properly at one of the Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) transfer stations or at one of our quarterly Chesapeake Recycles Day events. To learn more about what constitutes hazardous waste and how to dispose of it, visit the SPSA website.

Recycling for Chesapeake Animal Services

Chesapeake Animal Services collects aluminum cans year-round for recycling. Their recycling efforts earn them money that goes directly to the CAS Medical Fund, helping to pay for additional surgeries and treatments for their animals. Donate your aluminum cans any time by bringing them to 2100 Military Highway and place them in the trailer in the parking lot.