Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Newport News
Trash Day
Trash is collected once per week, Monday through Thursday, based on your assigned neighborhood route.
Recycling
Recycling is collected every other week (assigned to either a Red or Yellow schedule) for blue cart users, and weekly for manual bin users.
Yard Waste
Yard waste and brush are collected bi-weekly on your regular collection day according to your Red or Yellow week schedule.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day (and no earlier than 3:00 PM the day before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Solid waste and recycling fees are charged per week of service and are billed monthly as part of your Newport News Waterworks utility bill.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mobile App, Phone, Mail, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
A Solid Waste Fee Relief program is available for low-income households based on income and household size. Backyard collection assistance is also available for residents with qualifying physical disabilities.
Green Cart Bin (Trash)
All trash must be fully contained inside the green cart with the lid closed securely to prevent spillage. Place at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection day and ensure the cart is clear of vehicles and mailboxes.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food packaging
- ✓Non-recyclable paper and plastics
- ✓General solid waste
Blue Cart Bin (Recycling)
Items should be placed loosely in the blue cart, except for shredded paper. Do not bag recyclables. Carts must be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your assigned Red or Yellow week.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans (rinsed)
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and jars (caps on loosely)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Paper, magazines, and junk mail
- ✓Flattened cardboard (no larger than 3'x3')
- ✓Shredded paper (only if tied in a clear plastic bag)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam packaging and peanuts
- ✕Yard waste and food waste
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires, hangers)
- ✕Window pane glass and ceramics
- ✕Clothing or shoes
Yard Waste Bin
Brush and yard waste are collected bi-weekly alongside bulk waste on your scheduled Red or Yellow week. Keep yard debris separate from household bulk items.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush
- ✓Tree limbs and yard trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Bi-weekly on your assigned Red or Yellow week
Placement
Place bulk waste on the street adjoining your property as near the curb as possible by 7:00 a.m. on your designated collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large brush and yard debris
- ✓ Household bulk waste
Not Accepted
- ✕ Dirt, sand, rocks, or concrete
- ✕ Heavy building and construction materials
- ✕ Hazardous waste or liquid waste
- ✕ Bagged household garbage outside the green cart
Bulk waste collection is funded through the Residential Solid Waste Fee, which is charged directly on the resident's water bill.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Collection of garbage, bulk wastes, and recyclables may be delayed from time to time due to city-recognized holidays. In these instances, collection will usually take place within the next one to two working days.
Yard Waste Exception
Bi-weekly brush and bulk waste follows the exact same holiday delay schedule as regular garbage and recycling.
Residents are encouraged to verify their specific holiday makeup days via the Solid Waste Collection Schedule & Calendar or by calling the 311 Contact Center at 757-933-2311.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to JanuaryThe Street Maintenance Division conducts an annual loose leaf roadside collection. Residents should check the city's designated leaf collection schedule for their neighborhood's specific vacuum dates.
Winter
January to FebruaryScheduled winter pickups for garbage and recycling may be delayed due to snow and ice. Leave your carts at the collection point until emptied; no code violations will be cited for carts left out during weather emergencies.
Summer/Fall
Hurricane SeasonDuring severe weather or natural disasters, garbage and recycling collections may be delayed or temporarily cancelled. Check Cable Channel 48 or the city's website for post-storm debris cleanup protocols.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Bottles and Cans into Cold, Hard Cash in Newport News
While Virginia doesn't have a statewide bottle and can redemption program like some other states, you can still make a little extra cash by recycling specific items. Check out local scrap yards in the Hampton Roads area. Places like Sims Metal Management often pay for metals like aluminum, steel, and copper. It's a great way to get a few bucks back while doing something good for the environment. Remember to call ahead to check their current accepted materials and pricing.
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in the 'Nawf
Before you toss those unwanted but still usable items, think about donating them! Newport News has a few excellent spots. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Warwick Boulevard is a fantastic place to drop off furniture, appliances, and building materials. They also accept housewares and decor. Another great option is the Salvation Army Family Stores, which have multiple locations in the broader Hampton Roads region and take a wide variety of clothing, household goods, and small appliances. Your decluttering can help others in our community!
Keeping Our Streets and Parks Clean in Newport News
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped illegally. If you spot illegal dumping in Newport News, the city's Public Works Department wants to hear about it. You can typically report it by calling their office. They also sometimes organize community clean-up events, so keep an eye on the city's official website or social media for announcements. Getting involved in these events is a direct way to help keep our beautiful city tidy for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
Recovery Operations Center
520 Atkinson Blvd, Newport News, VA 23608
Materials Accepted
Main Street Library Recycling Drop-Off
110 Main St, Newport News, VA 23601
Materials Accepted
Fire Station #6 Recycling Drop-Off
685 Oyster Point Road, Newport News, VA 23602
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
When is my bulk waste picked up in Newport News?
Bulk waste and brush are collected bi-weekly on the exact same day as your recycling cart. Your neighborhood is assigned either a 'Red' or 'Yellow' week for these collections. You do not need to call ahead to schedule standard bulk pick-ups.
What should I do if my garbage container is missed?
If you followed the placement rules (cart out by 7:00 a.m., placed away from obstructions, no prohibited items like dirt or construction debris) and your green cart was missed, report it by calling the 311 Contact Center at 757-933-2311.
Can I put extra trash or recycling bags next to my carts?
No. All trash and recyclables must be fully contained inside their respective carts with the lids closed. Items placed outside or next to the carts will be left behind by collection crews.
How do I properly dispose of shredded paper?
Newport News has a unique rule for shredded paper. While regular plastic bags are heavily banned from the blue recycling carts, you are required to place shredded paper inside a securely tied clear plastic bag before putting it in your recycling bin to prevent messes.