York County residents are facing a significant change in their waste management services as the Board of Supervisors announced the termination of its curbside recycling contract with TFC. This decision, which affects York County, James City County, Williamsburg, and Pecosun, has left many residents frustrated and confused about their recycling options.

During the October 7, 2025, meeting, board members expressed their dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled, citing a lack of communication and clarity regarding the contract's management. One board member voiced strong concerns, stating that the abrupt cancellation of the recycling service was an overreaction and poorly managed. The board acknowledged that financial discrepancies had contributed to the decision, with the cost of the recycling contract reaching approximately $1.3 million, despite only 65% of households participating in the service.

As of October 1, curbside recycling has ceased, and residents are advised to continue placing their recycling bins out for collection until the end of the month. However, these bins will be emptied as trash, not recycled. After October 31, residents will need to hold onto their recycling containers until a new service is established. The board is currently exploring options for resuming recycling, with discussions ongoing about potential contracts with other waste management companies.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to utilize local recycling centers, including those in James City County, where they can drop off recyclable materials. The board has also set up a hotline to address residents' questions and concerns, receiving about 50 calls daily regarding the changes.

The board's commitment to finding a solution is evident, but the timeline for reinstating curbside recycling remains uncertain, with expectations that it could take several months to finalize a new contract. As the community navigates this transition, the board emphasizes the importance of recycling and is working diligently to restore services that meet residents' needs.