Recycling in Virginia Beach has never been easier and more convenient. Our state-of-the art curbside recycling service is designed to be simple. Just put all your household recyclables in your blue container and push it to the curb on your scheduled collection day. Blue recycling containers are provided to residents who receive City provided waste collection. The more residents participate, the greater the benefits to taxpayers.

Here's How It Works!

Collection is every other week on your regular waste collection day. If you're not sure of your next recycling collection date, call 385-4650 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to find out your next service date and then mark your calendars for every other week thereafter.  You may also email us at wastemgt@vbgov.com. Please include your address in your email. 

Please place your recycling container at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day with at least three feet of clearance between it and other carts or vehicles.

Recycle the Following Items:

Paper

• Clean newspaper
• Broken down cardboard boxes, clean, dry and unwaxed
• Chipboard, such as cereal and cracker boxes
• Unwanted mail including catalogs and magazines
• Telephone books and paper grocery bags

Glass

• Clear, green and brown glass bottles and jars (remove and discard lids)

Plastic

• The only type of plastic which is acceptable for recycling are bottles with a neck and spout (remove and discard lids)

Metals

• Aluminum, steel/tin food and beverage cans

Pour or wipe out cans and bottles. Place recyclables loosely in your container.

Townhome residents with the 18-gallon recycling bin container service may place any additional recyclables in paper bags next to their container.

Please don't place the following items in your blue recycling container:

Household Garbage
Waxed Cardboard (for example, frozen food boxes)
Juice Boxes
Milk Cartons
Food Containers (such as carry out containers and pizza boxes)
Yard Waste (grass, leaves or branches)
Plastic Bags
Plastic Toys
Plastic Pools
Plastic Motor Oil Containers
Ceramic or Ovenware Dishes
Bottle Caps or Lids
Styrofoam
Packing Peanuts

To report service problems, please call 385-4650 on your collection day or by noon the following business day.

Thank you for visiting.

The Recycling Bureau of Virginia Beach appreciates your recycling efforts.
You are also a partner with the City of Virginia Beach and Tidewater Fibre Corp.

Working together, we are making this recycling program successful.

If you would like more information:

Call the Waste Management Division at:
(757) 385-4650 or email at: wastemgt@vbgov.com