Virginia Beach, VA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Garbage
- Collected weekly
- Recyclables
- Every other week, same day
- Curb deadline
- By 7:00 a.m. on collection day
- Bulky items
- Weekly, by special order only
Summary
Virginia Beach collects household garbage weekly and recyclables every other week on the same collection day, unless the city manager designates a different schedule for an area.
(a)Garbage and household trash accumulated at residences shall be collected by the city one (1) time each week, except when otherwise designated by the city manager or his designee. Oversized household trash, and bulky items such as refrigerators, water heaters and washing machines shall be collected by the city one (1) time each week at the curbside; provided that, the service of collecting these articles shall only be provided when a special order is placed by telephoning the waste management division in advance.(b)Recyclables shall be collected every other week on the same day as waste collection, except when otherwise designated by the city manager or his designee. (Ord. No. 1016, § 17-7(A), (B), 1-14-80; Ord. No. 1198, 7-6-81; Ord. No. 1580, 1-21-86; Ord. No. 1592, 4-7-86; Ord. No. 1957, 5-7-90; Ord. No. 2220, 5-11-93; Ord. No. 2246, 9-28-93; Ord. No. 2450, 6-10-97)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 31-27 sets the residential collection frequency: garbage and household trash go out weekly, and recyclables are picked up every other week on the same day as trash collection, unless the city manager designates a different schedule. Oversized items such as refrigerators, water heaters, and washing machines are also collected weekly at curbside, but only after a resident calls the waste management division to schedule a special pickup in advance. Under § 31-28, receptacles must reach the curb line by 7:00 a.m. on collection day and no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the day before.
Violations & Fines
Putting receptacles out early or leaving them at the curb after pickup violates § 31-28: $25 for a first offense, $50 for each repeat. Other chapter violations are a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 31-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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