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
!Contamination Tips
Never Bag Your Recyclables
Bagged recyclables cannot be processed by the automated sorting machines and will be sent to the landfill [1.2.1]. Always toss your paper, cardboard, glass, and plastic bottles loosely into the blue cart.
Plastic Bottles Only
Virginia Beach strictly limits plastic recycling to bottles only. Yogurt cups, berry containers, and plastic grocery bags are not accepted, regardless of the recycling number stamped on the bottom.
Keep the 3-Foot Rule
Because the city uses mechanical arms to lift the heavy 95-gallon carts, you must leave at least 3 feet of clearance around your bins. Keep them away from mailboxes, parked cars, and bulky item piles.
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.
About Virginia Beach Waste Management
Purchasing and Renting 95-Gallon Carts
Virginia Beach Public Works utilizes automated collection trucks, requiring residents to use official 95-gallon carts. If your home needs a new container, black trash carts and blue recycling carts can be purchased directly from the Waste Management Group for $100 each. For those with heavy landscaping needs, the city also offers specialized yard debris containers for rent, which can be arranged by contacting customer service and paying via credit card or check to the City Treasurer.
Streamlined Bulk Pickups via VB311
Disposing of large furniture and appliances in Virginia Beach is handled efficiently through the VB311 system. Rather than waiting for a designated neighborhood clean-up day, residents can submit a 'Bulky Item Collection Request' online or over the phone. Because the department requires up to 72 hours to schedule the specialized trucks, residents must secure a confirmation before hauling heavy couches or mattresses to the curb.
The Strict 'Plastic Bottles Only' Mandate
A major point of recycling confusion for many households is plastic packaging. Virginia Beach enforces a strict 'plastic bottles only' rule for its blue recycling carts. Despite what the chasing arrows symbol might suggest, items like yogurt tubs, takeout clam shells, and plastic bags will contaminate the stream and must be thrown in your black trash cart.
The Saturday Holiday Shift
Unlike municipalities that use a cascading 'holiday slide' for the entire week, Virginia Beach often relies on a Saturday makeup schedule for major holidays. For example, if Christmas or New Year's Day falls on a Thursday, Thursday routes are completely suspended on the holiday and serviced on the immediate Saturday instead, ensuring the rest of the week's schedule remains uninterrupted.
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.