VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach will soon see a change in their curbside recycling when the city's recycling contract ends come summer 2024, but before that city officials are asking residents for feedback on the program.
The city's recycling contract with Tidewater Fibre ends June 30, 2024, so city officials are asking residents to take a survey to identify their priorities when it comes to the recycling services offered.
In a press release, the city said, "Changes in the global commodities market have led to increased costs in recycling operations." With these costs in mind, city officials say they will use the survey results to decide on a recycling program that meets residents' priorities and how to fund it.
There are four options currently under consideration:
- Maintain the same services but increase residents' monthly costs.
- Eliminate curbside recycling and increase the number of drop-off recycling centers in the city.
- Develop an opt-in/opt-out program for residents
- Seek residents' own suggestions
The survey, which features 17 questions, is open from Monday, Oct. 2 to Friday, Nov. 17.
There are currently 125,000 residents using the curbside recycling service, with city leaders telling 13News Now they're anticipating an increase in those services.
"This is an opportunity for residents to tell us what they want moving forward," said Virginia Beach Recycling Coordinator Kristi Rines.
Option four is a chance for residents to suggest something new.
"If you have been to another country and saw it done well over there, give us that idea," Rines said. "Because maybe it is something we are not aware of."
Information on the city’s website said curbside services per month per home costs about $2.93, which could almost double in a new contract with TFC.
TFC Recycling President Michael Benedetto said inflation has driven up costs, but he hopes people believe the curbside convenience is worth the increase.
He said the company has served Virginia Beach residents since the 1980s.
“We are hoping residents really understand this is an efficient and effective service that is provided," Benedetto said. "It is very reasonable. About the price of a Starbucks coffee to have a truck come to your house 26 times a year, more than twice a month, to pick up your recycling for you.”
Rines said she’s also reminding people to recycle right. A presentation on the city website said in August, trash made up 43% of what people put in their blue bins.
"Paper, bottles, cans," Rines said. "Probably the easiest way to remember it.”
The survey closes on Friday, November 17.
Residents are encouraged to read over the project and overview of the state of recycling in Virginia Beach. Additional details on the city's recycling program can be found online here. Residents who prefer a paper copy of the survey can make that request by calling 757-385-4679.