The environment is crying out for change, and the recent decision by the Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority (VPPSA) to end its curbside recycling agreement with Tidewater Fibre Corporation (TFC) underscores the urgent need for accountability in waste management.
In Williamsburg, Virginia, the VPPSA's Board of Directors has taken a bold step by voting to terminate the curbside recycling arrangement with TFC, a move that profoundly impacts the residents of James City County, York County, Williamsburg, and Poquoson. This decision, driven by what the VPPSA describes as "significant performance deficiencies," is set to take effect on September 30, 2025.
As highlighted in a press release from the VPPSA, TFC has been responsible for curbside recycling in several areas since December 2018. Despite being alerted to numerous compliance failures and receiving suggestions for improvement from VPPSA back in February 2025, TFC has yet to rectify these issues. And this is where it gets controversial; can a company that fails to uphold its commitments continue to operate in such a critical service?
In a statement released by VPPSA, Executive Director Jennifer Wheeler emphasized the importance of waste diversion as a major step towards reducing landfill waste and promoting environmental sustainability. She acknowledged that ending the contract with TFC might inconvenience residents but assured them that the agency is committed to finding recycling solutions tailored to meet the needs of each community efficiently and responsibly.
Some of the critical performance issues that led to the contract termination include:
* Inaccurate tracking of weights for recyclables and improper record-keeping.
* Failure to maintain essential records for a statutory period of five years.
* Commingling of collection routes, making it impossible to track and report accurate recycling data.
* Discrepancies in the information provided with invoices, resulting in erroneous billing practices.
* Inadequate customer service performance, indicated by a high volume of missed collections—some reported consecutively— and failures to accommodate special service requests.
* Frequent occurrences of collection routes extending beyond regular operational hours, including rollovers to the next day without prior notice.
* Increased incidents of spilled materials, including recyclables and hazardous oil or vehicle fluids.
* Absence of thorough documentation for route sheets, container counts, and address lists.
* Property damage complaints without notice to affected residents.
* Neglect in conducting necessary route audits and comprehensive waste composition studies.
In light of this decision, each of the affected areas has responded. Williamsburg has reassured its residents that their curbside recycling schedule remains uninterrupted. Starting October 1, Republic Services, the current contractor for garbage collection in the city, will also take over curbside recycling. Residents can find more information about this new recycling plan on the city’s official website.
James City County is actively searching for alternative solutions and has requested that residents keep their recycling carts until further notice. Should a suitable solution not be reached, officials are prepared to issue refunds for the payments made for the recycling services covering the period from October 1 to December 31. Further details about their recycling strategy are available online.
York County has communicated that they are looking into alternate solutions as well. In October, residents will have the option to leave their recycling containers out for regular trash collection; however, the contents will be disposed of as trash and not recycled. Starting November 1, pickups will cease until a resolution is found. Comprehensive guidance on York County's recycling plans can also be accessed online.
For those in the city of Poquoson, residents will be allowed to drop off their recyclables at the Public Works Compound on specific dates in late September and early October. Additional information about the recycling options in Poquoson can be found on the city’s website.
Are these changes the wake-up call that local governments need in their approach to waste management? What are your thoughts about holding companies accountable for performance in essential services? Join the discussion in the comments below!
