Chesapeake City Council discusses return to recycling

Chesapeake — Months after street recycling services in Chesapeake ended, causing much outrage in the community, the city council this week discussed the possibility of bringing them back.

But city officials say the new model of providing city drop-off recycling sites, in addition to relying on the private sector to provide paid recycling services, has been more successful than expected. I’m here.

The city ended its street recycling program in June as a cost-saving measure to fund other priorities, such as pay raises for public safety workers. Prior to that, Chesapeake was the only city in Hampton Roads that offered free recycling services.

Deputy Mayor John de Trique attempted a last-minute vote to continue roadside services by imposing a $15 fee on residents and lowering property tax rates, but the vote was 5-4. failed with

Residents can visit one of the city’s seven public drop-off locations, or Pay for one of four subscription-based services. The city estimates it has collected 245 tons of recyclables from collection sites since July, with more than 3,000 residents using the $12-$20 monthly subscription service.

In a work session with city councilors on Tuesday, Mayor Chris Price and Public Works Director Bob Sawley said current options are more cost effective because they produce less garbage pollution and significantly reduce the cost of running the city. He said that a clean recycling system was realized. This is about a third of the city’s previous recycling contract.

Sorey said between July and September, the city spent about $365,000 on maintaining and operating the drop off points and renting additional trucks. In contrast, a previous deal cost the city $1.1 million in the same period, Price said.

“Between the monitoring we are doing at collection points and the vigilance of private subscription-based services that follow, we are confident that the recycling stream will be much cleaner than our previous curbside recycling services,” he said. Said.

[ Nearly all the blue bins have been emptied, and Chesapeake’s recycling fiasco is coming to an end ]

City Councilman Ella Ward asked about options for reopening street services. Price estimates it will cost $4.5 million a year to restart and continue to serve. And with little to no revenue generated to cover costs, Price said returning to curbside would require new taxes and fees, cuts to other services, or a combination of both. I was.

He added that the city should request contract proposals and give time to return to recycling on the streets if the council decides to do so again.

Price also said the city will continue to monitor regional and national trends in the industry and seek out additional recyclers.

The City will host a community forum called “The State of Recycling” on October 26th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at ForKids Inc. Local environmental groups and organizations, such as Chesapeake Recycles, participate in panel discussions with residents. recycling service.

Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com