News Summary
The Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority has decided to terminate its curbside recycling contract with Tidewater Fibre Corporation due to significant performance deficiencies. This decision will affect local residents in several areas including James City County and Williamsburg. While some municipalities have already arranged alternative services, others are exploring options and advising residents accordingly. VPPSA expressed its commitment to responsible waste management as they seek new solutions.
WILLIAMSBURG — The Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority (VPPSA) Board of Directors has voted to terminate its curbside recycling contract with Tidewater Fibre Corporation (TFC), effective September 30, 2025. This decision arises from “significant performance deficiencies” reported by VPPSA regarding TFC’s service delivery in the region.
The termination of this contract will impact local residents in James City County, York County, the City of Williamsburg, and the City of Poquoson. TFC has been providing curbside recycling services in these areas since December 2018, and the decision to end the contract follows multiple notices of non-compliance issued by VPPSA.
In February 2025, VPPSA alerted TFC to several compliance issues, including missing records, inaccurate billing, inadequate customer service, and improper cleanup after spills. Despite offering recommendations for compliance, TFC reportedly failed to address these concerns, which ultimately led to the termination decision.
VPPSA Executive Director Jennifer Wheeler noted the authority’s commitment to responsible waste diversion and expressed gratitude for the community’s patience during this transition period. Each affected locality has announced distinct plans for their recycling services following the contract termination:
- Williamsburg: Residents will experience no disruptions in their curbside recycling schedule. Beginning October 1, Republic Services will take over and collect recycling on the same day as garbage (Monday/Tuesday, every other week).
- James City County: Local officials are exploring alternative solutions and have asked residents to hold onto their recycling carts until further notice. If no solution is found, there is a possibility of refunds for curbside recycling payments.
- York County: Officials are actively seeking alternatives. Residents are advised to place their recycling containers out for regular trash collection in October. However, from November 1, there will be no pickups until a new recycling solution is arranged.
- Poquoson: Residents can drop off recyclables at the Public Works Compound on designated dates (September 26-27 and October 3-4). Home pickup services will continue for those enrolled in back-door services.
VPPSA remains committed to finding new solutions focused on compliance to serve the affected communities effectively. The contract with TFC was initially signed in December 2018 and had been amended as recently as December 2023.
As the regional waste authority, VPPSA serves multiple municipalities, including the City of Hampton and the counties of Mathews, Middlesex, Essex, King and Queen, and King William, and seeks to ensure that recycling services meet community expectations and compliance standards.
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Additional Resources
- WY Daily: VPPSA Terminates Curbside Recycling Contract
- Wikipedia: Recycling
- WAVY: VPPSA Ends Curbside Recycling Contract
- Google Search: Curbside Recycling News
- Daily Press: Virginia Peninsula’s Public Service Authority Terminates Recycling Contract
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Recycling
- Live 5 News: New Permit Granted for Problematic Recycling Plant
- Google News: Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority
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.
