Richmond's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Richmond, Virginia, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Recycling Requirements

Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) provides biweekly curbside recycling to Richmond residents using 95-gallon blue carts. Single-stream program accepts paper, cardboard, plastic bottles 1-2 and 5, metal cans, and glass.

Key details: Provider: CVWMA single-stream. Frequency: Biweekly. Cart: 95-gal blue. Plastics: Numbers 1, 2, 5. Glass: Purple bin drop-off preferred.

Contamination or wishcycling: no direct fine but cart may be tagged and left. Repeat contamination may result in service suspension.

Bin Placement Rules

Supercans must be placed at the curb with handles facing the house, 3 feet from obstructions (cars, mailboxes, poles), and with at least 3 feet between cans. Place on the same side of street as residence.

Key details: Handle Direction: Facing house. Clearance: 3 ft from obstructions. Between Cans: 3 ft minimum. Retrieve By: Day after collection. Alley Pickup: Some properties.

Leaving cans at curb past collection day: $50 civil penalty. Repeated violations: $100. Blocking sidewalk with cans may trigger ADA complaint.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Richmond Department of Public Works provides weekly curbside trash collection using 95-gallon city-issued Supercans. Collection days assigned by route. Set out no earlier than 4 PM day before; remove cans by end of collection day.

Key details: Pickup: Weekly curbside. Container: City-issued 95-gal Supercan. Set Out: After 4 PM day before. Remove By: End of collection day. Code: Richmond Code Chapter 38.

Setting cans out early or leaving cans curbside past pickup: warning then $50 fine. Overfilled cans (lid not closing) may not be serviced.

Bulk Item Disposal

Richmond provides monthly bulk and brush collection on regularly scheduled day. Items include furniture, appliances (freon removed), mattresses, and yard waste bundles. Request via RVA311 at least 48 hours before scheduled day.

Key details: Schedule: Monthly by route. Request: RVA311 48+ hours prior. Max Volume: 6 cubic yards. Freon: Certification required. HHW: Convenience Center only.

Placing bulk early or excess volume: $100 illegal dumping fine under City Code 38-54. Construction debris placed for bulk: $250.

The Bottom Line

Richmond'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 Richmond is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Richmond's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.