Virginia Beach, VA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection frequency
- Every other week, same day as trash
- Accepted materials
- Paper, glass, plastics #1-7, metal cans
- Contamination
- No hazardous or medical waste in bin
- Penalty
- Class 1 misdemeanor under § 31-3
- Enforced by
- Public Works & Housing/Neighborhood Preservation
Summary
Virginia Beach picks up recyclables every other week on the same day as trash, and only accepts specific paper, glass, plastic, and metal items, not everything goes in the bin.
Recyclables means recyclable items, including, but not limited to, newspaper, cardboard, chipboard, junk mail, and catalog grade papers; clear, green and brown glass bottles and jars; plastic containers #1—#7; aluminum beverage cans, aluminum foil and pie pans and steel/tin food cans.
Refuse means solid waste accumulations consisting of garbage, household trash, vegetative waste, yard trash and business trash as herein defined.
Residential refuse receptacle means a metal or plastic container for refuse, of substantial construction, with a tight-fitting lid, and provided with wheels or handles sufficient for safe and convenient handling for collection at curbside. Except for those areas serviced by automated collection equipment, such receptacles shall have a capacity of not more than thirty-two (32) gallons and a total weight of not more than fifty (50) pounds or an empty weight of not more than ten (10) pounds and shall be kept in serviceable condition at all times. Any areas serviced by automated collection equipment shall use 90- to 120-gallon automated refuse receptacles as approved by the city manager or his designee. Any receptacle which does not meet standards set by the city manager or his designee shall be removed. Exceptions to these requirements may be made by the city manager or his designee.
Resort area includes all real property within the RT-1, RT-2, RT-3 and RT-4 Resort Tourist Districts.
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 Chapter 31 defines what counts: paper and cardboard, clear/green/brown glass bottles and jars, plastic containers #1 through #7, aluminum cans/foil/pie pans, and steel/tin food cans (§ 31-1). Recyclables are collected biweekly on the same day as regular trash pickup (§ 31-27(b)). Households in automated-collection areas must use the city-approved recycling container, and no hazardous waste, medical waste, or other nonrecyclables may go into it (§ 31-26). Public Works and Housing and Neighborhood Preservation administer and enforce the chapter.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 31's collection and container rules is a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 31-3, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine; inspectors and police can issue notices of violation and summonses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is recycling picked up in Virginia Beach?
What plastics can I recycle in Virginia Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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