Recycling Program in Chesapeake

CURBSIDE RECYCLING UPDATE

Frequently Asked Questions

At their March 8 meeting, City Council reaffirmed their decision to end the current model of government-funded curbside recycling in Chesapeake, effective June 30, 2022. While reiterating their support for the value of recycling, Council expressed confidence in the ability of the private sector to provide choices for our residents, and in our residents’ ability to choose whether or not such a service is worth purchasing.

To facilitate this change, Council directed the City Manager to provide residents with information on private companies available to offer subscription-based recycling services. This information will be provided as companies are identified. Additionally, for those residents that are either unable to pay for private services, or who choose not to do so, Council directed the City Manager to establish recycling drop-off sites at locations around the City.

This decision was based on the need to address core services. Transitioning recycling to the private sector gives our residents the option to choose whether or not to participate and to determine what type and level of recycling best fits their individual needs. Savings resulting from this change will allow the City to better focus financial resources on its core waste management services, including weekly trash collection and bulk waste collection, as well as address staffing shortages in areas such as Police, Fire, and 911.

Under the new model, residents will be able to contract for recycling collection with a private company, bring their recyclables to a drop-off site, or choose not to recycle and place all of their waste in the automated trash bins, at their discretion. Information on available private firms for recycling, and the locations and hours for drop-off sites, will be posted to the City website and social media once confirmed.

The City’s current curbside recycling contract extends through June 30 and no changes to service are expected until that time. As such, residents should continue to use their blue curbside recycle bins as usual until the end of June. Once the current program ends, residents will be advised on the disposition for the blue recycling containers.

We’ll post updates on the City’s website or you can text “ChesUpdates” to 888-777 to receive texts when updates are available.

City Council Work Session on Recycling

When is my recycling day?
Use our interactive map to find your recycling week. 

What is recyclable?

We've got it all spelled out for you here.

Battery Disposal Alert:

All battery types are prohibited in residential, commercial and industrial recycling streams being processed at TFC Recycling facilities. Do not place batteries of any type in your blue curbside recycling bin, brown curbside standard waste bin, or in any municipal or common area recycling or waste receptacles! Batteries placed into recycling streams have resulted in fires and serious damage to recycling facilities and hardware, and could present serious danger to recycling center staff. Chesapeake residents can safely dispose of batteries at a SPSA Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility or during an event where SPSA receives waste items, such as Chesapeake Recycles Day.

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.

How to order a recycling bin:

Need your first recycling bin? Call 757-382-CITY (2489)

As the curbside recycling program is slated to end on June 30, 2022, the City of Chesapeake is no longer accepting orders for second blue recycling bins. Residents who currently have a blue recycling bin may use it as a second trash bin beginning July 1, 2022.

Live in an area with no recycling?

If you live in an apartment or condominium complex that does not offer recycling, you can bring your recyclables to the TFC Recycling drop-off site at 1958 Diamond Hill Road. There is a spot on the right-hand side of the road, before the gate, where the public is welcome to drop their recyclables. Then contact your complex's management office and ask them to offer recycling!

Electronics, plastic bags, and batteries

Items that cannot go into the blue bin may be recyclable elsewhere. The Public Works Department and the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department offer quarterly Chesapeake Recycles Day events to help you properly dispose of electronics, plastic bags, sensitive documents that need shredding and household hazardous waste. Visit our Chesapeake Recycles Day webpage for more information. There are also year-round options for you:

• Plastic Bags: A local grocery store
• Electronics: A thrift store or electronics store
• Hazardous Waste: SPSA (see below)

You can also use Earth911.com to search for local businesses that recycle a variety of different items. Just put in the item you want to recycle and your zip code and see what pops up!

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste materials cannot go in the recycling bin or in the regular garbage can. They must be disposed of properly at one of the 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.

Learn more from askHRgreen!

As a region-wide public service initiative, askHRgreen.org educates, engages and motivates citizens to make good environmental choices here in Hampton Roads. Check out these informative educational materials and resources about recycling in our community:

• Recycling Lookup Tool, Chesapeake: https://askhrgreen.org/gtk-gtd/recycling-lookup/chesapeake/ 
• Journey of Recycling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqaWu4DdiEg 
• How to Avoid Contamination: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L80LnU6_zs 
• How to Recycle Right: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfxuYfXEDzA 
• Recycling Thin Plastics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzclokR-i1A