Roanoke, VA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- 96-gal container limit
- 200 pounds of solid waste
- 32-gal container limit
- 100 pounds of solid waste
- Recycling bin limit
- 60 pounds; automated 250 pounds
- Clearance required
- 5 feet from structures, trees, vehicles
- Lid orientation
- Must open away from the street
Summary
Roanoke caps automated collection containers by gallon size and weight and requires carts to sit as close as possible to the street in front of the originating property, five feet clear of trees, shrubs and structures, with lids facing away from the street so traffic is not blocked.
An automated collection container shall not exceed the following weights when containing solid waste: ninety-six (96) gallon (two hundred (200) pounds), sixty-four (64) gallon (one hundred twenty-five (125) pounds), and thirty-two (32) gallon (one hundred (100) pounds). ... Except as otherwise provided, any person placing solid waste to be removed by an authorized person under this article shall place the solid waste as close as possible to the public street in the front of the principal structure on the property from which the solid waste originated, not in front of an adjoining property. Solid waste set out for collection shall have at least five (5) feet clearance from all vines, trees, shrubs, vehicles, buildings or other structures, on all sides. Automated collection containers and recyclable containers shall be placed so that the lid opens away from the street and shall be placed so that traffic is not impeded.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 94 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
1-15(d) sets maximum weights by container size: a 96-gallon container may hold up to 200 pounds, a 64-gallon container up to 125 pounds, and a 32-gallon container up to 100 pounds of solid waste. The same section caps recycling containers at 60 pounds for bins and 250 pounds for automated containers. 1-16(a): except as otherwise provided, anyone setting out solid waste for collection must place it as close as possible to the public street in front of the principal structure on the property where it originated, never in front of a neighboring property, with at least five feet of clearance on all sides from vines, trees, shrubs, vehicles, buildings or other structures.
Automated collection containers and recyclable containers must be placed so the lid opens away from the street and positioned so they do not impede traffic; bulk items and bagged refuse may not be set beside or inside public litter receptacles. 1-16(d) lets a physically unable resident apply for physically challenged service with a physician's certification, good for a renewable twelve-month term, when no one in the household can move a container to the curb or alley.
Violations & Fines
A cart placed in violation of § 14.1-18's timing rules draws a written notice affixed to the container under § 14.1-24(a); after three notices in a year, the city manager imposes a $25 civil penalty for each further violation. General chapter violations default to a Class 4 misdemeanor under § 14.1-56 where no specific penalty is stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can I put in my Roanoke trash cart?
Where exactly do I have to place my cart for pickup?
Can I get help if I can't move my cart to the curb?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Roanoke
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