Virginia Beach, VA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 31-6
- Bulk container size
- 4 to 8 cubic yards
- Resort zone rule
- Bulk or mobile container required
- Who's responsible
- Owner, manager or occupant
Summary
Virginia Beach commercial establishments must supply their own refuse containers, and resort-zone businesses must use a bulk or mobile container under City Code § 31-6.
The owner, manager or occupant of any commercial establishment shall be responsible for the collection or handling of solid waste originating from their commercial property. Said owner, manager or occupant of the commercial establishment shall provide refuse receptacles for the commercial establishment, and shall maintain such receptacles and place them for collection in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Owners, managers or occupants of commercial establishments in the resort collection zone shall provide either a bulk or mobile container for said commercial establishments and shall maintain such container and place it for collection in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The city manager or his designee may authorize the use of a refuse receptacle other than a bulk or mobile container in the resort collection zone only in such cases where the nature of the business or the size, or physical constraints of the commercial property renders the use or placement of a bulk or mobile container impossible or impracticable. All containers shall at all times be clean, neat and in a good state of repair. Cleaning up materials spilled from containers when emptying shall be the responsibility of the private contractor or the property owner, manager or occupant. No refuse shall be placed adjacent to any bulk or mobile container or refuse receptacle. The owner, manager or occupant of any establishment for which a
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 § 31-6 puts container duty on the business: the owner, manager or occupant of any commercial establishment must furnish, maintain and place refuse receptacles for collection. In the resort collection zone, businesses must use a bulk container (a covered, mechanically-emptied metal unit of 4 to 8 cubic yards per § 31-1) or a mobile container, not a smaller can, unless the city manager's designee waives that for a site too small to fit one. Containers must stay clean and in good repair, spilled material is the business's cleanup job, and any required screening enclosure must be kept neat and functional. No refuse may be piled next to the container itself.
Violations & Fines
Civil and criminal enforcement runs through City Code Chapter 31's general penalty provisions; a business that skips required containers, lets one sit dirty or damaged, or dumps refuse beside it is in violation of § 31-6 and can be cited by the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Virginia Beach business need a dumpster?
Who cleans up spills from a business dumpster?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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