New Big Blue Bins
past updates

Wondering what your neighbors are recycling?
We've found someone who is ALMOST perfect.

Jerry tries to explain why bottle tops can't be recycled.
Tammy doesn't help.

See Jerry's secret for getting more in your bin.

Your big bin recycling bin doesn't come with a Tammy.
Know what you can recycle.

Can you recycle cardboard?
You bet! Hear it from Jerry.

What about yard waste?
Nope. That doesn't go in your big blue bin.
Public Works Department - Waste Management
Recycling Program in Chesapeake

The cost of disposing of a ton of waste is scheduled to increase in coming years, according to SPSA.
Recycled materials can be
processed
for much less.
Guide to BIG Bin Recyling
Recycling & Fees
Weekly Schedules
If you are new to the recycling program, use the Property QuickSearch or call 382-CITY to determine if you are on a Week A or Week B recycling schedule.
Holiday Schedules
Remember, trash collection dates can change.
Click here for the holiday recycling schedule.
Your recycling date
will not change!Use the big bin on
your next collection day.Not sure which week to place your recyclables out?
Call 382-CITY or visit CityofChesapeake.net
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.
What Gets Recycled? 
| YES | WHAT ELECTRONIC ITEMS CAN BE RECYCLED? e-Waste Recycling Event April 24, 2010 |
NO |
|
Gift Wrapping Paper Paper bags Glass jars & bottles Tin or steel cans Cardboard Telephone books Junk mail Magazines & catalogs Newspapers & inserts Office paper & file folders Aluminum cans, Plastic bottles & containers - #1 and #2 Cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, etc. |
Gift Ribbon and Bows Garbage Styrofoam Electronics Food waste Light bulbs Ceramics or dishes Plastic grocery bags Motor oil containers Window glass or mirrors Hazardous waste containers Yard waste |
|
*Items should be clean, & all caps removed |
||
Each bin has a sticker attached to the lid
listing items
that are acceptable to recycle.
Click here to see full size image of sticker.
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 to purchase. Cost is $65.00 plus tax.
How did citizens do with the new bins the first month? Is it going to make an impact on the amount of trash going to the landfill?
We are compiling a detailed report to share with residents, but we collected 860 TONS of recycling in December, which wasn't even a complete monthly cycle. YES this is making a difference compared to what SPSA collected in the small bins.
Will recycling ever be changed to every week, instead of every other week pick-up?
At this time we are focused on rolling out the initial program. It will take a year for data collection at which time we will analyze the program efficiency. Rest assured we'll share any information on collection changes with residents if and when the time comes.
Our neighborhood has a Civic League meeting each month. Can someone come and talk about recycling?
We'd love to! Our Big Blue Bin team and TFC Recycling, the company that picks up the recycling, would be happy to visit. Just call Tammy Barry, Public Information Specialist, at (757) 382-6983 to arrange a date/time. Also, material is available via email for your newsletters or neighborhood flyers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the $3 per month waste disposal fee?
Beginning July 1, 2009, Chesapeake residents who have City trash collection will pay $3 per month per household for collection, disposal and recycling. This is to offset the increased SPSA disposal costs and pay for enhanced recycling, which has been requested by citizens for several years.
What are the benefits of recycling?
The $3 waste disposal fee will help pay a portion of the start up and maintenance of the expanded recycling services. There is a financial benefit associated with expanded recycling because disposing of recyclables costs significantly less than disposing of waste.
Disposing a ton of waste currently costs $170 and is scheduled to increase in coming years, according to SPSA. Recycled materials can be processed for much less. Other local cities have seen a 150% increase in tonnage and a 50% increase in participation when the big bins are used, so the savings could be significant.
Recycling also helps save the environment by diverting waste from landfills, and by avoiding use of raw materials.
Who pays the fee?
Only residents with City trash collection. Residents in condos and apartments with private trash collection will not pay the fee.
When will I get a bill?
The fee began in July 2009 and will be billed twice each year, in November and April. You will receive your first bill in November. After that, the fee will be combined with the stormwater fee and real estate tax bill to save money on postage.
How long will I pay this fee?
The City Council approved the fee through June 30, 2011. There are several factors that could affect the need for or amount of the fee. Recycling lowers disposal costs. Chesapeake pays for waste disposal by the ton. Recycling costs less per ton than disposal in the landfill or by burning. The more residents recycle, the less the City pays for waste disposal. We hope every household will recycle to help the environment and to limit increases in disposal.
What about people who cannot afford the fee?
For low and moderate income households which may face financial hardship paying this bill, a relief program has been established. The next application period will be from August 2-October 1, 2010. Contact the Department of Human Services at 382-2000 for information on the Helping Hands 4 U program.
Find out about how to SAFELY dispose of HAZARDOUS WASTE
& other types of materials.
Rules for Waste Disposal
City of Chesapeake, Virginia


