James City County Pilots Opt-in, Subscription-based Trash Pickup Program
Plus, new Grove Convenience Center moves forward with construction schedule
The James City County Department of General Services outlined the major steps underway to improve trash collection and recycling services during a presentation given July 22, 2025 to the County’s Board of Supervisors. The briefing included details about a subscription-based trash service and the construction timeline for a new Grove Convenience Center.
The County’s Solid Waste Director, Bob Dittman, reminded the Board that in 2020, the County commissioned a study by GBB that found trash consolidation could significantly reduce costs and environmental impacts. With a formal consolidation not expected until 2028 due to a required five-year notice, officials are exploring a voluntary opt-in service for underserved areas, particularly Grove and James Terrace.
The proposed service aims to simplify billing by consolidating trash, recycling, and potentially water services into one invoice. Two management options are being considered: a county-led billing system or an expansion of JCSA’s charter to handle trash. While complications exist—such as Grove residents being on Newport News Water—county leaders are evaluating the best customer experience model, with recommendations expected by September.
Grove Convenience Center update
The presentation also updated the Board on the long-awaited Grove Convenience Center, which will feature advanced recycling options and bulk waste collection. With utility disconnections nearly complete, demolition of the existing fire station is expected to proceed in August. Pending an easement agreement with Dominion, construction could begin as early as February 2026, with a grand opening projected for May 2026.
Benefits of consolidation include reducing garbage truck mileage from 6,000 to 2,000 miles per week, cutting down on road wear and litter. While rates may not beat those currently secured by large HOAs—some paying as low as $13/month—the countywide system is expected to offer additional services such as storm debris removal and bulk pickup, enhancing value for residents currently paying higher private rates.
During the Board discussion, members expressed general support for the waste service updates and timeline for the Grove Convenience Center, noting the project appears to be on schedule. Several members emphasized the need for earlier implementation of the proposed opt-in trash collection, particularly in underserved areas like Grove and James Terrace.
Personal experiences were also shared, including positive feedback on a recently negotiated HOA trash contract that significantly lowered monthly costs. Questions followed about whether such HOAs would eventually be included in the countywide service after the required notice period. Environmental concerns emerged as a key issue, with one member highlighting recurring oil leaks from garbage trucks and their potential impact on stormwater and groundwater. This prompted a call for a more unified system to better manage environmental risks and enhance service accountability.
A Williamsburg Independent contributor produced this post using AI tools and these primary source:
Agenda - James City County Board of Supervisors Business Meeting - July 22, 2025
Video - James City County Board of Supervisors Business Meeting - July 22, 2025
Agenda - James City County Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting - April 08, 2025