Trash & Recycling in Norfolk, VA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Norfolk or are thinking about moving there, trash & recycling are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Norfolk has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of trash & recycling, and some of them might surprise you.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Norfolk Waste Management provides once-weekly automated curbside trash collection using city-issued 95-gallon carts. Collection day depends on neighborhood. Carts must be out by 7 AM on collection day and removed within 24 hours.

Key details: Frequency: Once per week. Cart Size: 95 gallons (city-issued). Set Out: By 7 AM, after 5 PM prior day. Retrieval: Within 24 hours. Agency: Norfolk Waste Management.

Leaving carts at the curb past 24 hours: warning then civil penalty. Improper placement resulting in missed pickup is resident responsibility.

Bulk Item Disposal

Norfolk offers twice-weekly bulk waste pickup on yard waste days for items like furniture, appliances, and up to 10 cubic yards of material. Schedule by calling 311 or using MyNorfolk app. No tires, hazardous waste, or construction debris.

Key details: Schedule: Call 311 or MyNorfolk app. Volume Limit: ~10 cubic yards. Set Out: After 5 PM prior, by 7 AM. Prohibited: Tires, paint, concrete, e-waste. Fee: Free for residents.

Placing prohibited items or excess volume may result in non-collection and civil penalties. Illegal dumping carries Class 1 misdemeanor penalties under VA Code 33.2-802.

Recycling Requirements

Norfolks curbside recycling program is operated through SPSA regional partnership with biweekly pickup using 95-gallon blue carts. Single-stream accepting paper, cardboard, metal cans, and plastics #1 and #2. Glass not accepted curbside.

Key details: Schedule: Every other week. Accepted: Paper, cardboard, #1 and #2 plastics, metal. Not Accepted: Glass, bags, foam, #3-#7. Glass: Drop-off only. Operator: SPSA regional.

Contaminated carts may be tagged and left uncollected. Repeat contamination can result in cart removal.

Bin Placement Rules

Norfolk requires carts at curb with 3-foot clearance on all sides for automated arm pickup. Carts must be stored out of public view between collections. Between-collection storage in front yards is prohibited under the property maintenance code.

Key details: Clearance: 3 feet on all sides. Orientation: Handle to house, wheels to street. Storage: Out of public view. Set Out Window: 5 PM prior day to 24 hours after. Enforcement: Neighborhood Quality.

Leaving carts visible from the street between collections can result in property maintenance notices under Norfolk Neighborhood Quality enforcement.

The Bottom Line

Norfolk's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Norfolk is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Norfolk's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.