With the return of curbside recycling just on the horizon, Suffolk residents are getting excited — and even volunteering to help sign their neighbors up for the service.

“I really feel in my heart of hearts it’s the right thing to do,” said Michelle Frickanisce, a North Suffolk area resident who was among the first to sign up for curbside recycling. TFC Recycling recently contracted with the city to provide curbside recycling in a 95-gallon bin similar to the ones already in use in neighboring cities. The service will not begin, however, until at least 3,000 people have signed up. Only 860 have signed up so far, but the company plans sign-up drives at local groceries and retailers this weekend through March.

Frickanisce and her husband, Mike, have six children. Not only does recycling help their family use less resources, but it teaches their children about responsible behavior, Frickanisce said.

“Not only do we utilize a lot of resources in the world, we generate a lot of trash,” Frickanisce said. “It’s a huge lesson to [our children] to get them involved.”

The fee — $12 per month — is nominal compared to the many benefits, Frickanisce said.

“It’s a win-win,” she said. “We’re more than willing to pay if they would come get it.”

Frickanisce’s neighbor, Gina Dygert, described how recycling is “mandatory” where she was raised in upstate New York.

“To me, it’s like I cannot throw [recyclables] away,” she said. “I want the planet to be here for our kids.”

Frickanisce volunteered to help TFC Recycling sign up new recyclers at future events, which begin this weekend. The company still is searching for volunteers — church groups, Boy and Girl Scout troops, other groups or individuals — to volunteer to help at the sign-up booths. To volunteer, call 338-7731.

Residents can visit www.tfcrecycling.com/suffolk or click the link on the city’s Web site, www.suffolk.va.us, to sign up. They will not be asked for payment information right away, but will be contacted for their information once 3,000 people have signed up.

Those without Internet access can call 543-5766 to register, or visit one of the following sign-up events:

Harris Teeter at Marketplace at Harbour View

Jan. 30

Feb. 13

Feb. 20

March 6

March 20

Farm Fresh on Main Street

Jan. 23

Feb. 6

Feb. 27

March 6

March 20

Farm Fresh on Bridge Road

Jan. 24

Feb. 7

Feb. 28

March 7

March 21

Wal-Mart on N. Main Street

Jan. 30

Feb. 6

Feb. 13