By Katie Cullipher, Principal Environmental Education Planner
Hampton Roads communities are joining forces through askHRgreen.org to reduce waste and tackle recycling contamination head-on. On March 31, askHRgreen.org launched the “Feet on the Street” cart-tagging recycling project—an initiative to improve the quality of recycling in single-stream curbside recycling carts by providing residents with personalized, real-time recycling education and feedback. The project includes approximately 32,000 households in James City County, Newport News, Norfolk, Suffolk, York County, and Virginia Beach.
The “Feet on the Street” initiative is just one part of a comprehensive three-year project being implemented by askHRgreen.org through a $1.9 million EPA Recycling Education and Outreach Grant awarded to the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. The program is designed to tackle common recycling pitfalls by having a team of trained community-based observers visit neighborhoods on collection days. They will review residents’ recycling carts and offer tailored feedback on how to reduce contamination, ensuring that only appropriate materials are recycled. This hands-on approach not only helps residents learn about recycling in Hampton Roads, but also enhances the efficiency of local recycling programs by boosting the quality, viability, and safety of the materials collected.
In tandem with “Feet on the Street,” askHRgreen.org has launched the Waste Wizard online tool to help residents easily access local recycling and waste disposal information. Over the coming months, residents can expect additional resources—including educational cart stickers, enhanced convenience center signage, and targeted communications—designed to simplify recycling for everyone.
Everyone can contribute to this regional effort to recycle right. To learn more about the “Feet on the Street” project and other waste reduction, recycling, and waste disposal programs in Hampton Roads, visit askHRgreen.org/recycle.
