During a recent city council meeting, discussions centered around a proposed resolution to place an advisory referendum on the November ballot regarding the reinstatement of a curbside recycling program in Chesapeake. The resolution, presented by the city attorney, aims to gauge public support for imposing a fee to fund the program, which was previously canceled in 2022.

Several speakers voiced their support for the return of curbside recycling, emphasizing its importance for environmental sustainability and community convenience. Mary Lou Burke, a resident, expressed confusion over the need for a referendum to reinstate the program, noting that no such process was required for its removal. She highlighted the challenges faced by residents without access to transportation for recycling.

Stacy Shiflett, representing Kova Recycles, underscored the urgency of the situation, citing the impending closure of a regional waste facility that would significantly increase landfill waste. She criticized the proposed mixed waste processing model, arguing it would diminish recycling efficiency and yield.

Other advocates, including representatives from TFC Recycling, echoed the call for curbside recycling, citing high participation rates and low contamination levels when the program was operational. They argued that a return to curbside service would align with state recycling mandates and improve Chesapeake's recycling rates, which have been declining.

Concerns were raised about the specifics of the proposed fee and the wording of the referendum. Judith Hench suggested that the fee should not be mandatory for all homeowners and emphasized the need for clear guidelines on acceptable materials to avoid contamination issues.

The council is expected to deliberate further on the resolution, with many community members urging a swift decision to allow voters to express their preferences in the upcoming election. The outcome of this referendum could significantly impact Chesapeake's waste management strategy and environmental initiatives moving forward.