The Southeastern Public Service Authority recommends that the city switch to an automated collection system using 90-gallon bins. The automated system – in which the bins are mechanically lifted and emptied into trucks – would increase participation and make it possible for additional materials to be collected, like magazines and cardboard, said John S. Hadfield, executive director of SPSA.
Waste for five South Hampton Roads cities and two counties is collected by SPSA.
The other two options are to continue the existing biweekly curbside system that uses 18-gallon bins, or to eliminate curbside recycling and just have drop-off points throughout the city.
The City Council could take action on the issue Feb. 25, said Anne F. Odell, deputy city manager.
While the automated, curbside program is the most expensive, SPSA recommends phasing it in so the city's overall waste collection costs do not increase, Hadfield said.
SPSA expects its per-ton garbage fees to go down next year, so those savings could be applied to recycling. Also, garbage fees would be further reduced because more waste would end up in recycling bins.
"The automated system could save the city and taxpayers big money,'' said Councilman W. Joe Newman. "We need a more effective and user-friendly system for the citizens.''
Chesapeake residents do not pay a direct fee for garbage collection and recycling. The city, however, pays SPSA about $6.1 million a year for trash collection and $656,000 for recycling.
Virginia Beach has used an automated recycling system for several years, Hadfield said. Norfolk and Franklin have committed to switching to the automated system, he said. - The Virginian-Pilot