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Roanoke, VA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Recycling container cap
96 gallons unless city manager authorizes more
Bin size
22 gallons or less, city-owned
Only recyclables allowed
§ 14.1-15(b)
Banned contaminants
Food waste, plastic bags, styrofoam, scrap metal
Default penalty
Class 4 misdemeanor, § 14.1-56

Summary

Roanoke defines what counts as recyclable by city-manager regulation, requires recyclables to go only in a city-issued recycling container capped at 96 gallons, and bars a long list of contaminants, including food waste, plastic bags and styrofoam, from that container.

Recyclables shall mean those items identified in regulations promulgated by the city manager as recyclable and acceptable to the city for recycling. ... Recycling container shall mean an automated collection container or bin which is provided by or through the city. A recycling container shall not be larger than ninety-six (96) gallons, unless authorized by the city manager. ... Except in the central business district, any owner or occupant of any dwelling unit, business, commercial establishment, institution, or other location who sets out any recyclables for collection shall place such recyclables in a recycling container, or as otherwise provided. Only recyclables shall be placed in a recycling container. ... The above sections notwithstanding, no refuse, brush, bulk items, lawn rakings, food waste, plastic toys, scrap metal, plastic packaging, plastic bags or styrofoam shall be placed into a recycling container for collection by any person.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 94 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

1-1, recyclables are whatever items the city manager promulgates by regulation as recyclable and acceptable to the city for recycling, and a recycling container is defined as an automated collection container or bin provided by or through the city, capped at 96 gallons unless the city manager authorizes a larger one. 1-15(b) requires any owner or occupant outside the central business district who sets out recyclables for collection to place them in a recycling container, or as otherwise provided by the department, and states that only recyclables shall be placed in a recycling container.

1-21(c), which lists what may never go into a recycling container: refuse, brush, bulk items, lawn rakings, food waste, plastic toys, scrap metal, plastic packaging, plastic bags and styrofoam are all barred, notwithstanding any other section of the chapter. 1-21(c) regardless of what else the manager's regulations allow.

Violations & Fines

Placing prohibited items such as food waste, plastic bags, styrofoam, scrap metal or bulk items in a recycling container violates § 14.1-21(c). Solid waste chapter violations default to a Class 4 misdemeanor under § 14.1-56 unless another penalty is specified, and repeated contamination can lead to a recycling container not being serviced until it is corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I put in my Roanoke recycling container?
Only items the city manager has designated as recyclable under § 14.1-1 may go in a recycling container, and § 14.1-15(b) limits the container to recyclables only. Section 14.1-21(c) separately bars refuse, brush, bulk items, lawn rakings, food waste, plastic toys, scrap metal, plastic packaging, plastic bags and styrofoam from that same container, no matter what else applies.
How big is the recycling container the city provides?
City Code § 14.1-1 defines a recycling container as an automated collection container or bin provided by or through the city, and caps it at 96 gallons unless the city manager authorizes a larger one. A smaller recycling bin is separately capped at 22 gallons under the same section.
What happens if I contaminate my recycling with trash?
Section 14.1-21(c) makes it unlawful to place refuse, food waste, plastic bags, styrofoam or several other materials into a recycling container regardless of other provisions in the chapter. Chapter violations default to a Class 4 misdemeanor under § 14.1-56, and a contaminated container can go unserviced until it is corrected.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Roanoke

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Roanoke rules

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