What could be better than finding out your local recycling program is accepting MORE items in the curbside recycling container? Ok, maybe winning the lottery would be better – but it’s still really exciting news for Hampton Roads!
Starting Monday, June 30th, residents of James City County, Poquoson, Williamsburg and York County will kick off a brand new recycling contract with County Waste. Under this new contract, residents will be able to recycle a wide variety of plastic household waste in addition to the usual items we can all recycle like paper, aluminum/tin, glass and plastics #1 and #2 with a neck or a spout. Changes like this highlight the need for residents to know what items are accepted in their specific city or county. Not all recycling programs operate the same way – yes, we know that’s confusing but that’s why you have us! Visit the askHRgreen recycling at home page for the link to your locality’s do’s and don’ts list. For those lucky residents under the County Waste contract, recyclable items now include the following plastic items:
- Bottles and jugs
- Butter tubs
- Yogurt cups
- Lunch meat containers
- Frozen food trays
- Solo beverage cups
- Takeout drink cups
- Clamshell containers (like those used for your favorite produce or bakery item)
- Flower pots
- Buckets
And while this news has everyone at askHRgreen smiling, I must admit I’m also a little bummed out. You see, I don’t live in one of the communities served by the new recycling contract. And I really, really wish I did so I could put more plastic waste in MY recycling container! I’m also pretty jealous that these lucky locals will no longer need to crane their necks or strain their eyes checking for that little recycling number on the bottom of plastic items. For them, if the item is plastic and on the above list – it’s accepted. What a luxury!
For more information about the new recycling contract, check out this great informational video from VPPSA, the Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority. Happy recycling!