The City is about to change its refuse collection procedures and require residents to place their household waste inside automated containers. A pilot program to test the new procedures will begin on September 7, in Forest Lakes and on September 11, in Elmwood Landing. This change will not affect current recycling efforts. Residents are encouraged to separate recyclable materials such as newspapers, cans, bottles, and plastics to reduce the volume of waste placed in automated containers. Recycled yard waste should be placed in clear plastic bags and left at the curb.
Households can also reduce the volume of refuse by crushing containers and boxes.
The more residents recycle, the greater the savings in disposal fees charged to the City. Chesapeake residents are not billed for refuse collection. Prior to the change, residents were allowed to place overflow outside of their containers, and sanitation workers would hand-collect the refuse. Automated container collection has proven to be far more efficient and safer than traditional methods of disposal. Household refuse placed in containers reduces unpleasant odors and problems with pests.