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Henrico County, VA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Program operator
CVWMA (subscription)
County mandate
No mandatory sort ordinance
Stealing recyclables
Class 1 misdemeanor (§ 17-2)
Accepted materials
Glass, cans, paper, plastic bottles
Code section
Henrico County Code §§ 17-1, 17-2

Summary

Henrico's curbside recycling runs through the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA), not the county code. Henrico County Code § 17-2 makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for anyone unauthorized to remove recyclables set out for the county's recycling program.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Henrico County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to remove recyclable material placed in or around a container or at a collection site for recycling by a recycling program authorized by the county. Each unlawful removal of recyclable material constitutes a separate Class 1 misdemeanor.

Full Breakdown

Henrico County Code doesn't impose a mandatory household recycling-sorting mandate; instead, curbside and drop-off recycling in the county is provided through the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA), which residents subscribe to. The code protects that stream: § 17-2 states it is unlawful for any unauthorized person to remove recyclable material placed in or around a container or at a collection site for recycling by a county-authorized program, and each unlawful removal is a separate Class 1 misdemeanor. 'Recyclable material' (§ 17-1) means items such as glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans, steel cans, newspapers, mixed paper, and plastic bottles and jugs placed for a county-authorized recycling program. Set recyclables out per your CVWMA program's guidelines.

Violations & Fines

Scavenging or removing recyclables set out for the authorized program is a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 17-2 (up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine), charged separately for each removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycling mandatory in Henrico County?
No county ordinance mandates household recycling sorting. Curbside/drop-off recycling is offered through CVWMA on a subscription basis; follow your CVWMA program's accepted-materials and set-out rules.
Can someone take cans from my recycling bin in Henrico?
No. § 17-2 makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for an unauthorized person to remove recyclables placed for the county-authorized program, with each removal a separate offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Henrico County

All Henrico County rules

Compare Henrico County to another location·View the Virginia trash & recycling overview

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