News Summary
Following the termination of the contract between the Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority and Tidewater Fibre Corporation, Peninsula residents are experiencing disruptions in their curbside recycling services. Effective October 1, residents of York County and James City County will need to rely on drop-off recycling centers, while some areas, such as Poquoson and Williamsburg, have secured emergency contracts for continued service. The contract termination was prompted by TFC’s performance deficiencies. As municipalities work on securing new providers, residents are urged to stay informed about developments.
Peninsula residents are facing disruptions in curbside recycling services following the termination of the contract between the Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority (VPPSA) and Tidewater Fibre Corporation (TFC), which takes effect on September 30.
The VPPSA Board of Directors made the decision on September 23, citing “significant performance deficiencies” in TFC’s service. As a result, starting October 1, York County and James City County will not have an active curbside recycling contract, instructing residents instead to utilize drop-off recycling centers.
Service Continuity for Some Areas
Despite the disruptions, not all residents will be affected. The City of Poquoson has signed an emergency contract with TFC, allowing residents to continue their recycling services uninterrupted through the end of November. In addition, Williamsburg has arranged for Republic Services to take over recycling operations beginning October 1, retaining the same schedule as garbage pickups.
Reasons Behind Contract Termination
VPPSA outlined multiple performance issues with TFC as reasons for the contract termination. These included missing records, incidents of property damage without notification to residents, and a failure to meet customer service performance standards, as evidenced by a high rate of missed collections.
TFC’s Response
TFC has responded to the contract termination by accusing VPPSA of imposing unreasonable scrutiny and demands that exceed the terms of their contract. The company has claimed that VPPSA began withholding payments starting in January 2025, which they argue has placed significant financial strain on their operations. In contrast, VPPSA asserts that TFC has not provided satisfactory documentation to confirm billing accuracy, leading to disputes.
Future Plans and Guidance for Residents
In light of the disruptions, James City County is actively seeking a new provider for curbside recycling services. Residents have been informed to hold onto their recycling carts while information about new contracts is finalized. If a new provider cannot be secured, the county plans to issue refunds for fees collected from October 1 to December 31.
Residents of York County are being directed to use the Recycling Convenience Center at York County Waste Management, which is open Monday through Saturday. Additionally, drop-off centers in James City County are available for residents needing to recycle.
Existing Resources for Drop-Off Recycling
Both York and James City counties have convenience centers where residents can drop off recyclables during this transitional period. Poquon’s Public Works Department is overseeing the emergency contract with TFC to maintain recycling services until the end of November, ensuring that residents in that area continue to have access to curbside recycling.
Williamsburg residents will see their recycling collections continue every other week, aligning with their existing garbage collection schedule, providing a seamless transition for household waste management.
Conclusion
The termination of the recycling contract has left some Peninsula residents temporarily without curbside services, but efforts are in place to ensure continued access through emergency contracts and alternative drop-off centers. As municipalities work on securing new contracts, residents are encouraged to remain informed about updates on recycling services in their areas.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: VPPSA Terminates Curbside Recycling Contract
- WTKR: Peninsula Residents Scramble After Recycling Contract Ends
- 13News Now: Virginia Cities Adapt Recycling Plans
- Daily Press: Recycling Provider Launches Subscription Service
- WAVY: VPPSA Ends Curbside Recycling Contract with TFC
- Wikipedia: Recycling
- Google Search: Recycling Programs
- Google Scholar: Recycling Services
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Recycling
- Google News: Recycling Contract Termination
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
