Hampton council approves $600,000 appropriation to keep curbside recycling running

Ken Thornton, collection system supervisor in Hampton’s Public Works Solid Waste Division, told the council that international and national market changes have driven up the city’s cost to process recyclables and that Tidewater Fiber Corporation has terminated processing services. "We're requesting city council to approve an appropriation of 600,000 from the solid waste retained earnings fund to cover recycling for the remainder of FY 2019," Thornton said during a presentation explaining that Hampton collects about 6,000 tons of recyclables annually and that contamination and weak markets have made the prior, low-cost model unsustainable.

City Manager summarized the fiscal approach, saying retained earnings are the city’s reserve and that using them now could delay replacement of vehicles or other capital needs. "Retained earnings is a fancy way of saying savings account," the manager said, framing the appropriation as a short-term measure while the city explores longer-term options, including public education, service changes, or a possible rate adjustment. The clerk read item 18-336, "resolution appropriating $600,000 for the solid waste unrestricted net position for recycling processing services," and the council voted aye on the motion; the resolution passed without recorded no votes.

Council members asked about contamination, markets, and possible local policy options. Council discussion emphasized public education and stricter enforcement to reduce contaminants in recycling streams; some members noted that municipalities have reduced recycling services elsewhere when markets failed. Thornton and staff said the $600,000 is intended to keep current service levels through the remainder of FY2019 while the city develops FY2020 budget options.