News Summary
The Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority has voted to end its contract with Tidewater Fibre Corporation due to significant performance issues. The termination, effective September 30, 2025, follows numerous complaints, including failures in recycling compliance and inadequate response to spill incidents. Williamsburg seeks a new waste management provider, while other affected counties are exploring alternatives to ensure continued recycling services.
Williamsburg – The Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority (VPPSA) has officially voted to terminate its seven-year contract with Tidewater Fibre Corporation (TFC) due to ongoing performance issues. The termination will take effect on September 30, 2025.
VPPSA’s decision to end the contract stems from what it describes as “significant performance deficiencies” observed in TFC’s service delivery. Among the major issues cited are noncompliance with the recycling agreement, which includes missing records, inaccurate reporting that has led to billing discrepancies, failure to meet established customer service performance standards, and several instances of spills involving recyclables, oil, and vehicle fluids on roadways. Additionally, there have been complaints regarding TFC’s inability to adequately clean up after these spill incidents.
Tidewater Fibre Corporation, based in Chesapeake, Virginia, purports to serve over 600,000 households and approximately 4,000 commercial clients across Virginia and North Carolina. However, the repeated violations have prompted VPPSA to take action in the interest of environmental sustainability and responsible waste diversion.
Residents in areas directly impacted by this decision include those from James City County, York County, Williamsburg, and Poquoson. Williamsburg is actively seeking a new waste management provider and plans to contract with Republic Services for curbside recycling services, which is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025. Williamsburg will maintain its existing bi-weekly recycling collection schedule, which is set for Mondays and Tuesdays.
James City County, on the other hand, is currently exploring alternative recycling solutions and has advised its residents to retain their recycling carts until further information is made available. Curbside recycling customers in James City County will continue to have service until the contract termination date. Residents are urged to discontinue the placement of recyclable items at curbside and utilize convenience centers for drop-off recycling until a new provider is secured.
York County residents can continue utilizing the Recycling Convenience Center located at York County Waste Management, with the additional option to access James City County’s convenience centers for their recycling needs. Poquoson is planning to provide a temporary drop-off location at the Public Works Compound on two weekends: September 26-27 and October 3-4, 2025. Furthermore, Poquoson will maintain pick-up services for residents enrolled in back-door pickup during this transition.
VPPSA has communicated its commitment to rapidly identifying compliant recycling solutions for the communities affected by this contract termination. There is also a possibility of refunds for customers in James City County if a new service provider cannot be secured in a timely manner.
This decision by VPPSA comes after months of efforts to rectify performance issues with Tidewater Fibre Corporation, which included recommendations, a corrective action plan, and proposed amendments to the existing contract that reportedly went unheeded by TFC.
The complexities surrounding waste management and recycling in the Virginia Peninsula highlight ongoing challenges faced by local governments in maintaining effective and environmentally responsible service delivery systems. The eventual goal is to ensure that residents continue to receive reliable recycling services while adhering to standards that align with sustainable practices.
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Additional Resources
- WYD Daily: VPPSA Terminates Curbside Recycling Contract
- Wikipedia: Recycling
- WAVY: VPPSA Ends Curbside Recycling Contract with TFC
- Google Search: Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority
- Pilot Online: Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority Terminates Contract
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Waste Management
- Live 5 News: New Permit Granted for Problematic Recycling Plant
- Google News: Waste Management
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.
