06/15/2019
Answers to a few frequently asked questions about changes to curbside recycling:
What can we recycle in the cart?
• Plastic bottles and jugs including water bottles, milk jugs (but not milk cartons), sports drink bottles, laundry detergent containers, shampoo bottles and any other plastic container with a neck. This does include #1 and #2 plastics but those numbers on the bottoms of containers can be misleading and were created by the plastics industry to identify the chemical compounds that the materials are made of. The best way for consumers to recycle correctly it to pay attention to the shape. Do not crush.
• All mixed paper – including newspaper, junk mail, phone books and office paper. Shredded paper is not allowed in the curbside cart with one exception- if the shredded paper is in long strips (i.e. not crosscut into short strips or confetti) it can be placed in a paper bag and put into the curbside recycling cart. Otherwise it needs to be disposed of in the regular trash.
• All cardboard – including corrugated cardboard, cereal boxes (bags inside removed) and cardboard packaging. Bubble wrap and Styrofoam are not recyclable. Remove tape from boxes.
• Metal cans – including steel cans, aluminum cans, clean aluminum foil and aluminum pans. Do not crush.
• Glass bottles and jars – no mirrors, vases, plate glass.
Unfortunately many of the items that were going into carts were not supposed to go in there in the first place (on average 25% of what we put in our cart is not recyclable). “Wishful recycling” clogs up the waste stream, breaks equipment and makes recycling more expensive. When in doubt, throw it out.
Why can’t we recycle yogurt cups and other items marked #3- #7?
Unfortunately the chemical makeup of these items lead them to be unmarketable to the manufacturers that are making new items out of recycled materials. Many Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) have been accepting these items for the past few years, but unfortunately there just isn't a market for them and so they sit in bales on the MRF property waiting for a buyer.
What if I can’t fit everything into my cart?
In an effort to keep costs low, curbside collection is automated and the driver does not get out of the truck. Items left beside or underneath the recycling carts will not be picked up. Only cardboard stacked on top of the cart will be included in the pick-up. Residents can also put additional items in a box on top of the cart as long as it can safely remain on/in the cart while it is being lifted into the truck.
What if I want a smaller or larger cart?
Once the new cart is delivered, call the County at 757-253-6700. All carts are $7 per month regardless of size.
What about Convenience Centers?
Residents can continue to recycle at the convenience centers for free, but materials need to be sorted before drop off. https://jamescitycountyva.gov/2459/Convenience-Centers
Who owns the carts?
County Waste (a private contractor, not James City County) owns the old carts. TFC (the new contractor) owns the new carts.
What if my old cart is picked up and I haven’t received my new cart yet?
It should only be a couple of days, but if you find yourself cartless, keep your recycling in bags and then empty the bags into the new cart when it arrives. There is a chance that the new cart will arrive before the old one is removed.
Why do I have to wait until July 1 to opt out?
The priority right now is to get the carts delivered and in place in time for the July 1 launch of the new program. The County is still covering costs for all households currently enrolled in the program until Sept. 30, so there is no cost to the resident for the new cart until Oct. 1. If you feel that you must opt out before July 1, please call 757-253-6700.
Have other questions? Call 757-253-6700. Thank you for your patience as we transition to the new program.
