Managing waste efficiently is crucial for maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of Virginia Beach. For residents, understanding the available services and proper procedures can ensure that household waste is disposed of responsibly and sustainably. Whether it’s regular trash, recycling, or bulky items, knowing how to navigate the waste management system in the city can help you play a part in reducing environmental impact.
In Virginia Beach, regular household waste and recycling collection are part of a comprehensive curbside service. You can find options to dispose of yard debris, request bulky item pickup, and even address missed collections through their online tools. Understanding what can and cannot go in your carts is essential to make the most of these services. For larger disposal needs, consider
local dumpster rentals for efficient waste management without cluttering your space.
If you’re dealing with significant waste from a home renovation or major cleanout, a
dumpster rental in Virginia Beach, VA is tailored for these larger projects. Such options provide flexibility, allowing you to dispose of substantial waste quantities at your convenience.
Key Takeaways
- Efficient waste management helps maintain Virginia Beach’s cleanliness and beauty.
- Utilize curbside service options for household, yard, and bulky waste collection.
- Consider dumpster rentals for large-scale waste disposal needs.

Waste Management Infrastructure
Effective waste management in Virginia Beach is supported by advanced infrastructure, including resource recovery centers and meticulously managed trash carts. These facilities and tools ensure efficient collection and disposal, as well as provide residents with reliable options for handling larger volumes of waste.
Resource Recovery Centers
Resource recovery centers in Virginia Beach play a crucial role in recycling and waste management. They are strategically located to allow easy access for residents to dispose of recyclables and other materials responsibly. These centers contribute to sustainability efforts by converting waste into usable resources, thereby reducing landfill burdens.
A key facility is the Landfill & Resource Recovery Center on Jake Sears Road, which operates Monday through Friday. It serves as a drop-off location for various types of waste, ensuring materials are sorted and processed appropriately. You can find more about this at the
City of Virginia Beach website.
Inventory and Maintenance of Trash Carts
Trash carts are essential for the weekly curbside collection service. Each cart is a 95-gallon container that can be purchased from the Public Works Waste Management Group for a fee. These carts are durable and designed to withstand regular use.
It’s advisable to label your cart with your address as a preventive measure against loss or misplacement. Routine maintenance and inventory checks ensure that carts remain in good condition and are promptly replaced or repaired when needed. More details can be found on the
Curbside Services page.
Dumpster Rentals for Bulk Waste
For larger volumes of waste,
renting a dumpster in Virginia Beach might be a suitable option. When undertaking significant cleaning projects or home renovations, dumpsters allow for the disposal of bulk waste efficiently. They come in various sizes to accommodate different types of waste, making them versatile for both residential and commercial projects.
You must schedule a rental and follow local guidelines to ensure the dumpster is placed and used correctly. By doing so, you significantly simplify the disposal process and contribute to effective waste management in the city.
Household Waste Collection Services
In Virginia Beach, efficient waste management services aim to ensure that household waste is collected promptly and sustainably. Understanding the key features, including regular schedules and curbside guidelines, is essential for effective participation in waste collection.
Regular Trash Pick-Up Schedules
Your regular
virginia beach trash pick-up schedule is an essential part of maintaining a tidy community. Typically, this collection occurs once a week, though the specific day of pick-up varies based on your location. You can easily find your trash pick-up day by entering your address in the city’s
Trash and Recycling Lookup tool. This tool not only helps you identify your scheduled day but also includes holiday changes. Residents are encouraged to ensure their trash is securely placed in appropriate containers to facilitate the smooth collection of waste.
Curbside Service Guidelines
Curbside service guidelines are critical for maintaining efficient and effective waste collection. Ensure your trash and recycling carts are placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day. Place the carts with the handles facing your house and keep them clear of obstacles such as parked cars or trees. If you need assistance bringing your cart to the curb, contact customer service for support. For larger amounts of waste, consider utilizing a
home dumpster rental for disposal. This option is particularly useful for events or home renovations in Virginia Beach, ensuring that larger volumes of waste are handled responsibly and conveniently.
Recycling Program

Virginia Beach offers a comprehensive recycling program designed to make it easy for residents to contribute to environmental sustainability. You can participate by adhering to guidelines on what materials are accepted and understanding the local recycling collection schedule.
Accepted Recyclable Materials
The Virginia Beach recycling program accepts a variety of materials to ensure effective waste management. Paper products like newspapers, magazines, and cardboard are widely accepted. You can also recycle plastic containers labeled with any of the numbers 1 through 7, ensuring that they are rinsed and free of food residue. Metals, including aluminum and steel cans, are also recyclable, along with glass bottles and jars.
Avoid placing non-recyclable items like plastic bags, styrofoam, and greasy pizza boxes in the recycling bin to prevent contamination. The
City of Virginia Beach provides detailed resources to clarify what items can and cannot be recycled.
Recycling Collection Schedule
Virginia Beach implements a structured recycling collection schedule to streamline the process for residents. Collection is typically held every two weeks, with specific days assigned based on your address. Using the
Trash and Recycling Lookup tool, you can find out exactly when your recycling will be picked up.
Having your recyclables ready by 7 a.m. on the designated collection day ensures efficient pickup service. You may consider alternatives like renting dumpsters for larger waste disposal needs, especially during home renovations or large cleanouts, ensuring that the waste is handled responsibly.
Yard and Organic Waste
Managing yard and organic waste in Virginia Beach involves efficient collection services and practices like composting and mulching. These methods ensure that your waste is handled properly, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Yard Waste Collection
In Virginia Beach, yard waste such as tree limbs, leaves, and grass trimmings is collected as part of the city’s curbside services. You need to ensure that tree limbs are less than 6 inches in diameter for proper collection. If you have larger amounts of waste, consider
renting a dumpster, with options available for weekend rentals to accommodate extensive cleanup projects.
For regular collection, place yard waste in appropriate containers. Clearly label these containers with your address to avoid any confusion. Proper separation of waste is crucial for effective collection and recycling processes. More details about yard waste collection can be found on the
Yard Debris Pick-up & Rental Containers page.
Mulching and Composting
Composting and mulching offer environmentally friendly solutions for managing organic waste. Composting involves using leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps to create nutrient-rich soil. This process reduces landfill use and provides a sustainable way to enhance your garden’s health. Consider setting up a compost bin in your backyard for easy access.
Mulching is another beneficial practice where you use organic materials like leaves or grass clippings as a ground cover. This helps retain moisture in the soil, suppresses weed growth, and adds nutrients back into the ground. Both composting and mulching contribute to sustainable gardening practices and help reduce the overall environmental impact of waste management.
Contact and Communication

Effective communication and streamlined customer service play crucial roles in managing waste efficiently in Virginia Beach. By staying informed about whom to contact and how, you can better navigate waste disposal and recycling services.
Customer Service and Inquiries
For inquiries related to waste management in Virginia Beach, contacting the appropriate department is important. You can reach the Waste Management Customer Service staff by phone at (757) 385-4650. Alternatively, emailing for assistance could be an efficient way to address concerns or questions.
It’s crucial to notify customer service promptly if there is a service miss to ensure swift follow-up actions. Moreover, if you have special waste disposal needs, it may be beneficial to arrange for those services directly through
Waste Management – Virginia Beach.
Information Dissemination Practices
Efficient dissemination of information regarding waste collection schedules and regulations helps keep communities informed and compliant. Residents in Virginia Beach can find their specific trash and recycling pickup days using the
Trash & Recycling lookup functionality online.
For bigger disposal projects, such as large amounts of waste or debris, you may consider renting a dumpster. This method is practical for home renovations or large clean-ups, ensuring proper disposal while adhering to local regulations. Access to real-time updates via the VBgov Map, including interactive tools, provides further ease in managing waste effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
These queries focus on the logistics and contact information for waste management services in Virginia Beach, such as garbage and recycling schedules, bulk item pickups, and employment opportunities.
What is the schedule for garbage pickup in Virginia Beach?
Garbage pickup in Virginia Beach is scheduled weekly. You can find the specific day for your location by visiting the city’s official resources or using their
Trash and Recycling Lookup tool.
How can I request a bulk item pickup in Virginia Beach?
To request a bulk item pickup, contact the Waste Management office through their website or call the customer service number at 757-385-4650. You can also email them for assistance or visit their
bulky item collection page for more information.
Who do I contact for missed recycling collection in Virginia Beach?
If your recycling collection is missed, report the issue before noon the following day by contacting Waste Management at 757-385-4650 or emailing them. Additional details are available on the
City of Virginia Beach’s recycling page.
What are the current job openings in the Virginia Beach waste management department?
For information on current job openings, check the City of Virginia Beach’s official job listings on their website. This is the most reliable source for updates and available positions.
How often is yard waste collected in Virginia Beach?
Yard waste is collected on a weekly basis in Virginia Beach, generally on the same day as your regular garbage pickup. Be sure to follow the collection guidelines provided by the city for proper disposal.
What is the recycling collection schedule for Virginia Beach?
The recycling schedule usually coincides with your garbage collection day but can vary. To find the exact schedule for your address, use the city’s
Trash and Recycling Lookup.
How can you get rid of larger amounts of waste by using a dumpster rental in Virginia Beach?
If you have a large amount of waste to dispose of, consider
renting a residential dumpster. This option is ideal for home renovations or large cleanouts. Be sure to follow local guidelines and regulations when coordinating such a service with a rental company.