Chesapeake voters have finally had their say on whether to reinstate city-funded curbside recycling. And a majority said no.
The city had Hampton Roads’ only local referendum on the ballot this year. It asked residents whether they would support bringing back curbside service — by adding a new monthly fee of up to $10.
About 62% of voters rejected such a fee, according to preliminary state election results late Tuesday.
But the referendum is non-binding. It’s essentially a survey of citizens’ opinions and does not prompt or prohibit any action by city leaders.
In fact, City Council members have already said they think the question could become moot because of impending changes to waste disposal regionwide.
Chesapeake is currently the only one of Hampton Roads’ seven major cities that does not charge for trash or recycling collection.
The city voted to nix the curbside recycling program in 2021, opting to redirect the $2 million in funding at the time for a public safety pay plan. A passionate group of citizens has been pushing to reverse the decision ever since.
A few years ago, city staff asked the council to consider a waste fee to fund curbside recycling, but members voted against it. If they now pursue reinstating the service, the city doesn’t yet know what the exact price tag would be.
Chesapeake’s wrangling fits into larger discussions around the region as curbside recycling gets more expensive for local governments. Virginia Beach doubled its monthly recycling fee this year after a survey showed residents were willing to pay it.
But on a broader scale, Hampton Roads’ trash is about to get an overhaul.
The Southeastern Public Service Authority, which handles trash for the Southside, is currently deciding on a vendor for its next waste disposal contract.
With space running out at the Regional Landfill in Suffolk, the goal is to find a better long-term solution.
That could include a single-bin approach, meaning residents would no longer separate trash from recycling.
