Newport News, VA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Non-residential waste generators
- Required equipment
- Covered dumpster or rigid container
- Also unlawful
- Using another's dumpster without permission
- Enforced by
- Dept. of Public Works
Summary
Newport News requires every business or property that generates non-residential waste to provide its own dumpster or covered rigid container, sized and serviced often enough to keep waste from piling up on the property.
Any person who generates non-residential waste shall provide for the proper collection and disposal of such waste. Such person shall provide dumpsters or other rigid plastic or metal waste containers with tight fitting covers for the deposit of such waste awaiting collection. The number, capacity and collection frequency of such containers shall be sufficient to prevent the occurrence of an accumulation of waste on the property, unsanitary condition or a public nuisance.(b)Waste generated by a business or commercial establishment may not be placed in a city street litter receptacle or authorized containers.(c)No person shall dispose of waste in a non-residential solid waste container not owned or leased by or for that person without the express permission of the owner or lessee of such container. (Ord. No. 6443-07, § 1)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 81).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 19-70, any person generating non-residential waste must furnish dumpsters or other rigid plastic or metal containers with tight-fitting covers, in a number, capacity, and pickup frequency sufficient to prevent an accumulation of waste, an unsanitary condition, or a public nuisance. Businesses may not dump into city street litter cans or another business's dumpster without the owner's permission. The Department of Public Works administers and enforces the chapter.
Violations & Fines
Violation is a Class 4 misdemeanor under § 19-4; using another business's dumpster without permission is a separate violation under § 19-70(c).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Newport News businesses have to provide their own dumpster?
Can a business use a neighboring business's dumpster?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport News
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