Richmond, VA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Richmond City Code § 23-42
- Recycling fee
- $2.99 per month, per residential unit
- Billed
- On the monthly water bill
- Companion fee
- $23.75/month solid waste transfer charge
- Elderly/disabled exemption
- Via Director of Finance, tied to § 26-364/365
- Renter recert deadline
- March 15 annually
Summary
Richmond charges every eligible residential water customer $2.99 a month for curbside recycling under Richmond City Code § 23-42(b), billed on the water bill alongside a $23.75 monthly solid waste transfer fee. Elderly and disabled homeowners and qualifying renters can apply to the Director of Finance for an exemption from both charges.
(a)A fee for the transfer of solid waste to the landfill in the amount of $23.75 per month shall be charged against all water customers of the City, with the exception of City, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, State, and Federal customers... (b)A fee for recycling activities in the amount of $2.99 per month shall be charged against all residential water customers of the City, with the exception of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, who are located within the municipal City limits. Any residential water customer of the City with a building eligible for curbside recycle service containing multiple dwelling units shall be charged a recycle fee of $2.99 for each such dwelling unit. Such recycle fee shall be included as a part of the monthly water bill.(c)The landfill and recycling fees imposed under this section shall not apply to any elderly or disabled person who has qualified for tax relief under Section 26-364 or 26-365.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
Recycling in Richmond runs through the same billing structure as trash collection under Richmond City Code § 23-42. 99 for each unit. 75-per-month solid waste transfer fee on top for customers who receive City refuse collection, so a typical single-family water bill in the City carries both charges together. Because both fees ride on the water account, § 23-42(a) also allows the City to disconnect water service for nonpayment of the landfill fee, using the same procedures used for unpaid water charges generally. The section carves out real exemptions rather than leaving relief to policy: any elderly or disabled owner who already qualifies for real estate tax relief under § 26-364 or § 26-365 is automatically exempt from both the landfill and recycling fees, and an owner who missed the tax-relief deadline can still apply directly to the Director of Finance.
Elderly or disabled renters can qualify too if they meet the same income and net-worth tests, have a lease of at least 12 months, the unit is their sole residence with a valid certificate of occupancy, and the water account is in their own name. Renter exemptions must be recertified with the Director of Finance by March 15 every year or they lapse.
Violations & Fines
Section 23-42(a) does not fine a customer for nonpayment; instead it authorizes the City to disconnect water service using the same nonpayment procedures that apply to unpaid water bills. An exemption granted under § 23-42 becomes void immediately if the qualifying owner or renter stops living at the property or otherwise falls out of compliance, and a renter's exemption is not transferable to a new tenant at the address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does curbside recycling cost in Richmond?
Can I get out of paying the Richmond recycling fee?
What happens if I don't pay the recycling and landfill fees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richmond
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