The State of Recycling
The survey is closed for comments, however, the educational materials and survey results remain available. Public input on this project was used by the City Council on May 14, 2024, to keep curbside recycling and increase the monthly fee by $3.05 in the approved FY 24-25 budget. Thanks to everyone who participated in this project.
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May 15, 2024, update: Virginia Beach City Council approved the FY24-25 Revised Budget with an increase of $3.05 per month in the Waste Collection Fee for those who receive curbside service to cover the additional costs of recycling.
February 21, 2024, update: City Councilmembers received a briefing yesterday from Public Works and Communications on the current state of recycling, the results of the public engagement survey, an update on the Request for Proposal for recycling services and Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) operations. The survey results can be viewed on the survey tab. A copy of the briefing has been added to the Documents section and the briefing can be viewed online.
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Change is coming! The City's recycling contract with Tidewater Fibre (TFC Recycling) will expire on June 30, 2024. City leaders are seeking residents' input on how to manage the recycling program. The Leaders will use the feedback to inform policy decisions and help determine the funding allocation for recycling in the proposed FY24-25 budget.
This project provided educational information on the State of Recycling and contains the following sections:
Phases
Survey Results
1. Do you live in Virginia Beach? [#223312]
3. What is your primary residence type? (Choose one) [#223314]
4. How many people are full-time members of your household? (Choose one) [#223315]
When answering the following question, please think of your household as a whole. [#223316]
6. Do you currently pay for or receive curbside recycling collection from the City of Virginia Beach at your home? (Choose one) [#223317]
7. How often does your household put out recycling for curbside collection? [#223318]
Other: Please fill in [#223318]
When answering the following questions, please think of yourself as an individual. [#223319]
9. How often do you use a recycling drop-off location in Virginia Beach? (Choose one) [#223320]
10. How satisfied are you with the recycling drop-off on West Neck Road? (Choose one) [#223321]
11. How satisfied are you with the recycling drop-off at the City Landfill? (Choose one) [#223322]
12. Please select your level of agreement with the statements using the following scale: Recycling saves me money. [#223325]
12. Please select your level of agreement with the statements using the following scale: I want to be socially responsible. [#223326]
12. Please select your level of agreement with the statements using the following scale: I want other people to think of me as socially responsible. [#223327]
12. Please select your level of agreement with the statements using the following scale: I find recycling to be a pleasant activity. [#223328]
12. Please select your level of agreement with the statements using the following scale: I think recycling is expected of me. [#223329]
12. Please select your level of agreement with the statements using the following scale: Recycling is good for the environment. [#223330]
12. Please select your level of agreement with the statements using the following scale: Recycling reduces materials in the landfill. [#223331]
13. Please select your level of agreement with the following statements:: Recycling does not benefit me personally. [#223333]
13. Please select your level of agreement with the following statements:: Recycling does not benefit the community. [#223334]
13. Please select your level of agreement with the following statements:: It is difficult to know which items can be recycled. [#223335]
13. Please select your level of agreement with the following statements:: Recycling takes too much time. [#223336]
13. Please select your level of agreement with the following statements:: I do not have enough items to make recycling worthwhile. [#223337]
13. Please select your level of agreement with the following statements:: It's too difficult to find room for temporary storage of recyclable items. [#223338]
Comments: 14. Is there anything else that the City of Virginia Beach could do to help increase your level of recycling? (Click the Comment button when finished.) [#223339]
Most respondents expressed concerns about the effectiveness and clarity of current recycling systems, with frequent mentions of confusion over what can and cannot be recycled [e.g.. Many highlighted the lack of standardized guidelines and inconsistent information across regions, leading to mistakes and frustration. Several people called for better education and clearer labeling on packaging to help consumers recycle correctly.
A recurring theme was skepticism about where recyclables actually end up, with some doubting that materials are truly recycled and mentioning reports of recyclables being sent to landfill or overseas [e.g.. Respondents also noted that local infrastructure and collection services vary widely, affecting participation and outcomes.
Some comments suggested incentives or penalties to encourage proper recycling, while others advocated for systemic changes such as reducing packaging waste at the source and improving product design for recyclability. A few respondents shared positive experiences with community initiatives or local improvements, but these were less common.
Overall, the most common points were confusion about recycling rules, doubts about the actual impact of recycling efforts, and calls for clearer communication and stronger systems.
15. How important do you think it is to have curbside recycling services as part of Virginia Beach waste management services? (Choose one) [#223340]
16. Please rank the following options for changes to the Virginia Beach recycling program, with 1 being your most favorable choice and 3 being your least favorable choice. (Drag and drop your choices to your preferred order and then select "Confirm Priorities" to lock in your choices.) [#223341]
1 - Option 1: Same services, but at an increased cost. All households that receive curbside services will pay the increased fees. | 2 - Option 3: Develop an opt-in/opt-out recycling program. Households can opt in/opt out of curbside pickup. Cost would be determined by the number of households that opt in, with the cost paid by all households that pay the waste management fee. | 3 - Option 2: Eliminate curbside collection and increase the number of convenience centers. Five additional recycling centers could be developed at a cost of about $400,000 each, with the cost paid from the waste management fee paid by households. | |
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1 | 0% | 0% | 0% |
2 | 0% | 0% | 0% |
3 | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Comments: 16b. If you have a comment or suggestion about an alternative recycling program, please share your comments below. (When complete, hit the Comment button to submit.) [#223342]
Most respondents expressed concerns about the effectiveness and clarity of current recycling systems, with frequent mentions of confusion over what can and cannot be recycled, inconsistent guidelines, and lack of public education. Several highlighted issues with contamination in recycling bins and the need for better labeling and instructions [e.g.. Many participants called for improved infrastructure, such as more accessible recycling points and standardized processes across regions.
A recurring theme was skepticism about where recyclables actually end up, with some doubting that materials are truly recycled and mentioning reports of recyclables being sent to landfill or overseas. Comments often suggested increased transparency and accountability from waste management authorities.
Respondents also discussed the importance of reducing waste at the source, with suggestions for more incentives for reuse and reduction, and calls for manufacturers to use less packaging and more recyclable materials. Some mentioned the need for stronger government policies and enforcement.
A minority of responses included positive feedback about local initiatives or improvements, but these were outweighed by concerns and calls for action. Comments from other users echoed these points, often agreeing on the need for clearer communication and more robust recycling systems.