Chesterfield County announces new composting sites to enhance recycling efforts

The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 25, 2025, focused on significant updates regarding environmental stewardship initiatives, particularly in recycling and composting efforts.

During the meeting, officials highlighted the success of recent recycling programs, noting that the county has collected approximately 12,650 tons of recyclable materials in the past nine months, surpassing last year's total of 10,400 tons for the same period. This increase is attributed to enhanced community participation and the introduction of express lanes at convenience centers, which have significantly reduced wait times for residents.

The county has also expanded its community recycling centers at seven parks, with increased container counts and regular pickups to ensure cleanliness and accessibility. The positive feedback from the community indicates strong support for these initiatives.

A key announcement was the upcoming implementation of composting sites at the county's northern and southern convenience centers. This program aims to divert compostable materials from landfills, potentially reducing solid waste by up to 50%. The composting bins will be designed to minimize spillage and maintain cleanliness, with operations expected to begin by August.

Board members discussed the importance of collaboration with local gardening programs to educate residents about composting at home. Concerns were raised regarding accessibility for senior citizens using recycling centers, particularly the difficulty in lifting lids on recycling containers. Board members acknowledged these issues and expressed a commitment to finding solutions.

Overall, the meeting underscored Chesterfield County's ongoing commitment to enhancing environmental stewardship through innovative recycling and composting programs, fostering community engagement, and addressing accessibility challenges for all residents.