Recycling in Chesapeake

The City of Chesapeake has canceled its curbside recycling contract. A variety of new recycling options, from subscription-based home pickup to recycling drop-off sites, are now available.  Learn more about the transition away from curbside collection on our FAQ page.

Subscription-Based Recycling Collection

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. 

If you choose to subscribe, your first step is to contact the vendor of your choice to learn about their particular system. They will provide instructions and resources to allow for the collection of recyclables in accordance with their program (e.g., Recyclops provides customers with bags to place recyclables in, and Recyclops staff collect the bags from your property on your collection day.) Please note that recycling collection schedules will be determined by your subscription provider of choice, and may not align with your City-scheduled trash collection day. 

Current subscription-based recycling providers include:

Happy Planet Recycling

Recyclops

TFC Recycling

For food waste and other organics: Tidewater Compost

If you are a company interested in providing subscription-based recycling services in the City of Chesapeake, please email Mr. Greg Martin, Waste Management Administrator or call 757-382-3439. Alternately, use the interest form to provide staff with the necessary information to get started. To apply for consideration of entering a franchise agreement with the City of Chesapeake in order to conduct business in the City rights-of-way, please complete the Curbside Franchise Agreement form (PDF) and email to Greg Martin.

Residential Drop-Off Recycling Sites

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. Here's everything you need to know about this new City service. 

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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.

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.