Much lip service has been paid in recent months to regional government cooperation. Area localities are now putting some action to their words.

A request for proposals on joint recycling services in Franklin, Southampton County and Isle of Wight County is excellent news for taxpayers in all three localities. With the Southeastern Service Public Service Authority getting out of the recycling business soon, local governments are smart to begin pursuing their options. A regional recycling service is likely to be much more efficient than if each locality went its own way.

Cooperation on recycling could be a good precursor to a joint approach on solid waste management when the sun sets on SPSA in 2018.