As a result of changes in the international trade market, the net cost of recycling has increased drastically to the contractors providing curbside pickup services. Because James City County is a community committed to sustainability, we want to:
- Continue to provide this service to our citizens.
- Do our part to improve the quality of our recycling.
- Divert as much waste from our landfills as possible.
The decision was made to not include the increased cost in the County’s FY 2020 budget since all existing revenues (including SB 942) were fully spent on other programs, projects and one-time expenditures and if the money was reallocated to recycling, something else important to the community would have to be removed.
Therefore, as a result of the increased costs, the County curbside recycling program will transition to a fee-based program with a monthly fee of $7 beginning Oct. 1, 2019. The County will continue to pay for the curbside recycling program through Sept. 30.
Billing
The first quarterly bill will be mailed to all current curbside recycling customers mid-August. This bill will cover services Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 and will be due Sept. 16. Households that have not made their payment by Sept. 16 will be removed from the recycling route beginning Oct. 1 and the recycling cart will be retrieved.
Change in Contractor
As part of a regional contract through the Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority (VPPSA), our curbside recycling service will be provided by TFC Recycling beginning July 1.
Old Recycling Carts (gray with green lid)
Your old cart will be collected sometime after the last collection June 17-30. Please leave the empty old cart at the curb after the last collection and it will be removed soon after.
New Recycling Carts (gray with a tan lid)
Your new cart will be delivered sometime between June 15-30. Please use this cart after July 1. The majority of residents will receive a 96 gallon cart, which is the largest size available. Currently, most citizens have 65 gallon carts. Residents who previously requested the smallest size, a 35 gallon cart, will receive a new 35 gallon cart.
Schedule
You will receive a collection calendar with your new recycling cart to remind you of your recycling day. There will be no change to the current schedule.
Accepted Materials
In order to keep recycling costs down, it is important that everyone follow the updated list of accepted recyclables and ONLY put the following items in their cart: plastic bottles and jugs, metal cans, glass bottles and jars, mixed paper and cardboard. Additionally, items left outside the cart will not be collected. Please visit the website for more information.
Opting Out
Beginning July 1, residents who are currently enrolled in the County’s curbside recycling collection service will have the option to opt-out of the program by completing the online form on the County website or by calling 757-253-6700.
Convenience Centers
All three recycling Convenience Centers will continue to accept sorted recyclables at no cost. For more information on accepted materials, please visit the website.
Convenience Centers:
For more information on the County’s recycling program, please visit the website or call 757-253-6700.
Media Contact:
Grace Boone, General Services Director
757-259-4082; grace.boone@jamescitycountyva.gov