James City County Changes in Curbside Recycling — What You Need to Know

If you live in James City County (or nearby in Williamsburg, York County, Poquoson), there’s a shift coming in how recycling is handled. As of Sept. 30, 2025, the curbside recycling contract with Tidewater Fibre Corporation (TFC) will end due to performance issues. 

Let’s break down what this means for your household, your neighborhood, and life around Williamsburg VA.

What’s Changing

• The Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority (VPPSA) voted to terminate the contract with TFC, citing noncompliance and unresolved issues.
  
  
• TFC will stop providing curbside service in James City County, York County, Williamsburg, and Poquoson.
  
  
• Current recycling service continues through Sept. 30, 2025.
  
  
• After that date, don’t add recyclables to your cart — they won’t be collected.
  
  
• Residents should use Convenience Centers for drop-off recycling until a new provider is selected.
  
  
• If no replacement provider is secured in time, reimbursements will be issued for the Oct–Dec 2025 billing period.
  
  

Why It Matters

1. Service Disruption & Habit Changes
   No one wants to be caught off guard. People used to automatic curbside pickup will now have to adjust — storing recyclables until drop-off, mapping out convenience centers, or awaiting updates.
2. Customer Trust & Accountability
   Terminating a contract midstream reflects significant performance concerns. It signals that local authorities and residents demand reliable service and accountability from providers.
3. Community & Property Relevance
   These kinds of infrastructure and service shifts impact neighborhoods’ attractiveness. When public services are consistent and responsive, it enhances the quality of life — a factor that influences homebuyers and local pride.
4. Potential Financial Impacts
   Refunds are on the table if no new provider is in place. Meanwhile, the county will need to negotiate and transition quickly to avoid long gaps.

What To Keep an Eye On

• Official announcements of the new recycling provider
  
  
• How long the transition period lasts
  
  
• Updates from convenience centers: hours, capacity, locations
  
  
• How the refund process will work
  
  
• How neighboring counties handle the same changes — lessons learned or shared plans
  
  

What Residents Should Do Now

1. Continue putting recyclables out only until Sept. 30
   
   
2. After that, hold onto your items until you can drop them off
   
   
3. Know where your nearest Convenience Center is located
   
   
4. Stay tuned for county announcements and updates via their website
   
   
5. Reach out with questions — the county has provided a hotline (757‑253‑6700) and email contact.
   
   

How This Connects to Moving, Real Estate & Local Life

If you're looking to move into James City County, Williamsburg, Yorktown, or Pike near, changes like these matter. Reliable municipal services, responsive governance, and stable infrastructure all speak to neighborhood livability.

When people evaluate homes, they don’t just look at square footage — they look at community, practicality, and how well local services function. If your future neighborhood has gaps in trash, recycling, or other services, that’s something to factor in.

👉 Curious how local service changes like this might affect property value or community appeal? DM me or text 757‑870‑1902.
– Jackie Berberabe, a Williamsburg real estate agent and proud military spouse

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