Jeremy Hart

Ryan Stewart

After a successful practice run, a Christiansburg curbside recycling company says it is ready to launch its full-time service.

Jeremy Hart, co-founder of Valley Curbside Recycling, said he was pleased with the Cardboard Cruise that took place Dec. 31.

"We were able to collect about 600 pounds of cardboard," Hart said.

The Cardboard Cruise was a trial run for the company founded by Hart and friend Ryan Stewart. Residents had the opportunity to receive a free curbside cardboard collection, giving Hart and Stewart an opportunity to gauge their needs and the public an opportunity to dispose of cardboard accumulated from the holiday.

They plan to launch their recycling service to about 200 homes near Christiansburg High School on Feb. 4. Those hoping to sign up can visit RecycleNRV.com to see a list of the streets served.

The price is $15 per month for a three-month subscription, $14 for a six-month subscription and $12.50 for a year subscription. Hart said the database is up and running, so subscribers will soon be able to manage their accounts online and make payments by credit card and other online payment systems.

"Really, logistically all we're waiting on now is the bins," Hart said.

Hart said the blue 18-gallon recycling bins have been ordered and will include the Valley Curbside Recycling logo to make it easily identifiable to their driver, who was recently hired. Bins will cost residents $20 unless they sign up for a year of service. Extra bins after the first purchase are $10.

Hart and Stewart purchased a blue Dodge Ram van converted for cargo, which had been used by Blacksburg Baptist Church the past several years.

The two launched a "Name That Van" contest, in which the winning entrant would not only have his or her idea chosen but would also receive a free six-month subscription. It hasn't gone exactly as they had hoped.

"We may have had eight or 10 [submissions], most were from family members," Hart said. He is currently deciding whether to extend the deadline, which was Monday.

Hart said despite the chilly, snowy and windy weather Dec. 31, they took time to talk with some residents during the Cardboard Cruise.

Residents "went out of their way. They made it a point to stop us, so that was neat to see," Hart said.

Christiansburg Town Councilman Henry Showalter, who had brought the idea of curbside recycling in the town before council, made it a point to tag along for the cruise and, accompanied by his son, offered his help.

"He was out there the entire time in the cold and the wind. He enjoyed that. He got into it, so we weren't going to stop him," Hart said.

Hart also said Director of Engineering and Public Works Wayne Nelson has been "awesome to work with," by giving advice on logistical matters of collections.

"We just wanted to support their program for this effort and help assure that they're going to be successful," Nelson said.

Nelson said he appreciates Hart and Stewart providing this type of service and respects their creativity.

"I think it's a good example of free thinking, ingenuity and free enterprise," Nelson said.

Hart, a real estate agent, said he hopes to succeed in this venture but doesn't want it to feel so much like work.

"This is a legitimate business, but we want to have fun with it. We want people to get involved and have fun with it with us," he said.