Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Norfolk
Virginia curbside collection runs weekly from Monday through Friday. Your exact pickup day depends on your local county or city zoning schedule.
State Mandate
Virginia DEQ regulations strictly prohibit lead-acid batteries, motor oil, and whole waste tires in curbside bins.
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential waste and recycling fees are bundled into your monthly Hampton Roads Utility Billing System (HRUBS) public service statement alongside water and stormwater charges.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, Drop Box, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Payment assistance and relief options are available for eligible low-income households through programs such as Share H2O, state utility assistance programs (LIHWAP), and interest-free payment plans.
Green Cart Bin (Trash)
All trash must fit inside the 90-gallon green container so the lid closes completely. Place the cart at the curb no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the day before collection and no later than 7:00 a.m. on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics (butter tubs, yogurt cups)
- ✓Food wrappers and styrofoam
- ✓Broken window glass (boxed or taped)
Blue Cart Bin (Recycling)
Items must be placed loosely in the blue cart (never in plastic bags) and be empty, clean, and dry. Recycling is collected every other week on the same day as your trash.
Accepted Items
- ✓Translucent glass food and beverage bottles/jars
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (with narrow necks or handles)
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Mixed paper, magazines, and flattened cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam and clam shells
- ✕Used pizza boxes and food-soiled paper
- ✕Pet food bags and shredded paper
- ✕Canning jars, Pyrex, and window glass
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in clear plastic bags (max 45 lbs) or tied securely in bundles (max 3 cubic feet). Limit of 20 bags or 20 bundles per collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Brush and tree limbs (under 6 inches in diameter and 4 feet long)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Max 12 scheduled collections per calendar year
Placement
Place items as close to the curb as possible by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day, ensuring they are at least three feet away from mailboxes, trees, poles, or parked cars.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and mattresses
- ✓ Household appliances
- ✓ Up to 4 automobile tires
- ✓ Large yard debris exceeding the 20-bag limit
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Dirt, concrete, or bricks
- ✕ Hazardous waste or paint
- ✕ Loose trash in black bags
Bulk pickup is included in your monthly public service bill, provided you stay within the 12-per-year and 3-cubic-yard limits. Excess waste will require a private hauler.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a city-recognized holiday falls on a weekday, trash and recycling collections may be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week, depending on the annual calendar. Check the MyNorfolk portal or the official Holiday Collection schedule for specific weekly adjustments.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and bulk collections follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as your regular garbage.
Remember that your blue recycling cart is collected on your normal scheduled trash day, but only every other week.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October to DecemberDuring fall yard cleanup, remember that you are strictly limited to 20 clear plastic bags of leaves per week. If you exceed this limit, you must schedule a bulk waste pickup through the MyNorfolk app.
Winter
December to JanuaryAdverse weather conditions like ice and snow rarely delay Norfolk's collection, but if roads become dangerous, services may be temporarily suspended. Do not call to report a missed pickup; crews will automatically resume the schedule once roads are safe.
Summer
Hurricane SeasonIn the event of a severe coastal storm, the city will announce modified collection schedules via the MyNorfolk portal and the 757-664-6510 hotline. Ensure all carts are secured during high winds to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Those Cans and Bottles into Cash in Norfolk!
Did you know you can actually get a little cash back for your recyclables in Virginia? While Norfolk doesn't have dedicated buyback centers right in the city, the state has a bottle and can redemption program. Just look for the "VA" symbol on eligible beverage containers – soda, water, and beer bottles and cans. You'll typically pay a small deposit when you buy them, and then you can bring them back to participating retailers (often grocery stores) to get that deposit back. It's a great way to make a few extra bucks while helping the environment!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Norfolk
Got items in good shape that you just don't need anymore? Instead of tossing them, think about donating! Norfolk has several places where your unwanted goods can find a new home. Check out the Goodwill on North Military Highway or the Salvation Army on Tidewater Drive – they're always looking for clothing, furniture, and household items. If you've got larger furniture or appliances, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Princess Anne Road is a fantastic option and supports building homes in our community.
Keeping Our Streets Clean: What to Do About Dumped Trash
Nobody likes seeing trash piled up where it shouldn't be. If you spot illegal dumping in Norfolk, it's important to report it so the city can take action. You can usually report this kind of issue by calling Norfolk's Public Works department. They often have specific instructions on how to report and what information to provide, like the location and description of the dumped material. Keeping Norfolk beautiful is a team effort, and your eyes and ears help a lot!
Drop-off Facilities
Waste Management Drop-Off Recycling Center
1176 Pineridge Road, Norfolk, VA 23502
Materials Accepted
Towing and Recovery Drop-Off Recycling Center
1188-A Lance Road, Norfolk, VA 23502
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put glass bottles in my blue recycling bin in Norfolk?
Yes. Unlike many neighboring cities, Norfolk still accepts glass bottles and jars in its curbside recycling program. They must be translucent, empty, and originally used for food or drinks. Window glass, Pyrex, and light bulbs are not accepted.
What kind of bags do I need for yard waste?
All grass clippings, leaves, and small yard debris must be placed in clear plastic bags weighing no more than 45 pounds. The city will not collect yard waste in black garbage bags. You are allowed up to 20 clear bags or bundles per collection.
What should I do with shredded paper?
Shredded paper is prohibited from the blue curbside recycling bins because it jams the machinery at the sorting facility. You should place shredded paper in your green trash cart, or take it to a specialized community shredding event.