Virginia Beach Recycling Guide & 2026 Calendar
Single-stream recycling pickup is listed for Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Item-specific answers appear below.
Virginia Beach recycling calendar 2026
Regular collection days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Check the current holiday delay notice for changes to regular pickup.
A verified 2026 recycling calendar has not been provided. Get the official calendar and confirm your route.
Accepted & prohibited recycling
Accepted items
- Office paper, newspapers, magazines, phonebooks, junk mail, and paper bags (flattened)
- Corrugated cardboard and chipboard cereal/cracker boxes (unwaxed, clean, dry, and flattened)
- Plastic bottles and jugs with a neck or spout (empty and clean, #1 through #7)
- Milk, juice, soup, and broth cartons (empty, no plastic straws)
- Glass bottles and jars (food and beverage containers, rinsed clean)
Prohibited items
- Plastic bags and plastic film wrap (never bag recyclables; keep all items loose in the cart)
- Rechargeable batteries (Lithium-Ion, Ni-Cd) and rechargeable electronics
- Propane tanks and fuel canisters
- Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam cups, plates, or packing peanuts)
- Household garbage, yard debris, automotive components, and hazardous liquids
Can you recycle these items in Virginia Beach?
Can you recycle cardboard in Virginia Beach?
AcceptedBreak down and flatten all cardboard and chipboard boxes so they lie flat inside the blue cart.
Can you recycle pizza boxes in Virginia Beach?
Accepted with conditionsClean, oil-free cardboard tops may be recycled; greasy bottoms must be discarded with household trash.
Can you recycle plastic #1 in Virginia Beach?
AcceptedRinse and empty PET plastic beverage bottles; caps can remain attached.
Can you recycle plastic #2 in Virginia Beach?
AcceptedEmpty HDPE milk jugs and detergent containers; place loose in the cart.
Can you recycle plastic #3 in Virginia Beach?
AcceptedPlastic bottles and jugs with a neck labeled #3 are accepted.
Can you recycle plastic #4 in Virginia Beach?
AcceptedRigid plastic containers are accepted; plastic grocery bags and film wrap are strictly prohibited.
Can you recycle plastic #5 in Virginia Beach?
AcceptedRigid plastic bottles and jugs labeled #5 are accepted.
Can you recycle plastic #6 in Virginia Beach?
Not acceptedStyrofoam packaging and foam food containers are not accepted in blue carts.
Can you recycle plastic #7 in Virginia Beach?
AcceptedPlastic bottles and jugs with a neck labeled #7 are accepted loose.
Can you recycle glass in Virginia Beach?
AcceptedFood and beverage glass jars and bottles of all colors are accepted curbside.
Can you recycle aluminum in Virginia Beach?
AcceptedClean aluminum food and beverage cans are accepted curbside.
Can you recycle shredded paper in Virginia Beach?
Not acceptedShredded paper cannot be processed at the recycling facility; place in regular trash.
DPW & sanitation contact
City of Virginia Beach Department of Public Works (Waste Management Division) · municipal dpw
Phone: 757-385-4650
3024 Holland RoadVirginia Beach, VA 23453
These collection rules cover Zone City of Virginia Beach Curbside Service Area.
Trash & recycling questions
What days is trash collected in Virginia Beach, VA?
Listed trash collection days are Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out Black trash carts should be placed curbside between 5 p.m. the day prior to your scheduled collection day and 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Return carts from the curb by the end of your collection day.. These rules apply to Zone City of Virginia Beach Curbside Service Area.
Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in Virginia Beach?
As of 2026-09-23: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. A listed holiday shifts that day and the remaining collection days in its service week by one day. Observed holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day. These rules apply to Zone City of Virginia Beach Curbside Service Area.
How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Virginia Beach?
Bulky and large items too big for the black trash cart may be collected curbside by appointment. Requests must be scheduled at least three business days prior to your collection day online via VB311 or by calling 757-385-4650. The listed limit is 6 items per pickup. Advance notice is required. Contact sanitation at 757-385-4650 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone City of Virginia Beach Curbside Service Area.
What items are accepted for recycling in Virginia Beach?
The listed accepted materials are Office paper, newspapers, magazines, phonebooks, junk mail, and paper bags (flattened), Corrugated cardboard and chipboard cereal/cracker boxes (unwaxed, clean, dry, and flattened), Plastic bottles and jugs with a neck or spout (empty and clean, #1 through #7), Milk, juice, soup, and broth cartons (empty, no plastic straws), Glass bottles and jars (food and beverage containers, rinsed clean). Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic bags and plastic film wrap (never bag recyclables; keep all items loose in the cart), Rechargeable batteries (Lithium-Ion, Ni-Cd) and rechargeable electronics, Propane tanks and fuel canisters, Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam cups, plates, or packing peanuts), Household garbage, yard debris, automotive components, and hazardous liquids. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone City of Virginia Beach Curbside Service Area.