Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Virginia Beach
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.
Black Cart (95-gallon) Bin (Trash)
All trash must be bagged before being placed in the black cart to reduce litter. Place the cart curbside by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day with at least 3 feet of clearance from obstacles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Non-bottle plastics (tubs, clamshells)
- ✓Food waste and wrappers
- ✓Styrofoam and packing peanuts
Blue Cart (95-gallon) Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag these items; they must go loosely and directly into the blue container. Recycling is collected every other week on your scheduled trash day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper and cardboard
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Metal cans
- ✓Food and beverage cartons
Do NOT Include
- ✕Household or yard waste
- ✕Ceramic or ovenware dishes
- ✕Styrofoam and packing peanuts
Yard Waste Bin
Collected weekly. Yard debris can be placed in rented yard debris containers, clear plastic bags, or bundled securely. Keep yard waste separated from household bulky items.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Small limbs and brush
- ✓General yard debris
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By request only
Placement
Once confirmed, place items just behind the curb line no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the day before pickup or 7:00 a.m. the day of. Do not place under low-hanging wires or within 3 feet of obstacles.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (couches, mattresses)
- ✓ Large household appliances
- ✓ Large boxed items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Sinks and toilets
- ✕ Concrete, rocks, paint, and tires
- ✕ Contractor-generated debris
Bulk collection is included in the monthly $30.55 Waste Collection and Disposal fee billed on your City Services Bill, provided you follow acceptable item guidelines.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Major holidays often result in suspended service for that specific day. Rather than delaying the entire week, Virginia Beach typically services the missed holiday routes on the immediate Saturday following the holiday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and bulk collections follow the same holiday suspension and Saturday makeup schedule as standard trash.
Always verify exact dates on the city website, as schedules can fluctuate slightly depending on which day of the week the holiday falls.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer
June to NovemberDuring Atlantic hurricane season, ensure all carts are secured or stored indoors during high wind warnings. Do not place yard debris piles over storm drains, as this can cause severe localized flooding.
Autumn
November to DecemberHeavy fall leaf accumulation should be bagged or placed in a rented yard debris container. Do not overfill your black trash cart with heavy, wet leaves, as it may exceed the mechanical arm's weight limit.
Winter
December to JanuaryExpect modified collection schedules around Christmas and New Year's Day. Usually, if your collection falls on the holiday Thursday, your service will be moved to that Saturday.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cashing In on Your Cans and Bottles in the 757
While Virginia doesn't have a statewide bottle bill for cash redemption like some other states, you can still make a little extra cash from your recyclables at local scrap metal yards. Look for places like B&B Scrap Metal or Coastal Recycling, Inc. in the wider Hampton Roads area. They often buy aluminum cans, copper, steel, and other metals. It's a great way to keep recyclables out of the landfill and put a few dollars back in your pocket while you're at it.
Giving Your Goods a Second Life in Virginia Beach
Before you toss that gently used furniture or clothing, think about donating it! There are some fantastic local spots that could use your items. Goodwill Tidewater Virginia has multiple locations throughout the area, ready to accept clothes, household goods, and electronics. You could also check out the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Chesapeake, which benefits the local community by selling donated home goods and building materials at bargain prices. It’s a win-win: declutter your home and help your neighbors!
Keeping Our Beaches and Streets Litter-Free Together
Nobody likes seeing trash where it doesn't belong, especially in a beautiful place like Virginia Beach. If you notice illegal dumping, the city has a system for that. You can report it directly to the City of Virginia Beach by calling their Waste Management Department or using their online reporting tool. They also organize community clean-up events periodically, which are a wonderful way to get involved and make a tangible difference in your neighborhood. Keeping our community clean is a team effort!
Drop-off Facilities
Landfill or Unknown Facility
Address not provided
Materials Accepted
West Neck Recycling Center
2500 West Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request a bulk trash pickup in Virginia Beach?
You can request a bulk pickup by submitting a 'Bulky Item Collection Request' through the VB311 online portal or by calling Waste Management at 757-385-4650. You must wait for confirmation, which can take up to 72 hours, before setting items at the curb.
What plastics can I put in my blue recycling cart?
Virginia Beach strictly accepts plastic bottles ONLY. You cannot recycle plastic tubs, clamshells, yogurt cups, or plastic grocery bags in your curbside bin, even if they have a recycling symbol on them.
Can I throw away old carpet or a toilet with bulk pickup?
No. The city does not accept remodeling and construction debris for curbside bulk pickup. Items like carpets, cabinets, doors, sinks, toilets, concrete, and tires must be disposed of privately or taken to the landfill.
What happens to my trash pickup on holidays?
For major holidays like Christmas and New Year's Day, normal service is suspended. If your regular collection day falls on the holiday, Virginia Beach typically schedules a makeup collection for that route on the immediate Saturday.