Tomorrow is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup.

Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night. More CVWMA information can be found at this link:
https://cvwma.com/cvwma-locations/richmond/

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In recycling news:

The 2026 CVWMA Curbside Recycling Calendar is here! Click to view and download.

City of Richmond residents can recycle their Christmas trees and more at the city’s Bring One for the Chipper event Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at 1710 Robin Hood Road. Real Christmas trees, personal documents and electronics can be dropped off for recycling. City of Richmond ID required. Fees apply to recycle some electronics. All trees must be free of ornaments, lights, tinsel and stands. Recycled trees are ground into a mulch-type product that can be applied to the landscape.

This past Saturday there was a fire at recycling facility on Lewis Road in Chesterfield County. Thankfully, there were no injuries.

Despite industry promises, more skepticism of advanced recycling or “chemical recycling” has emerged. An Environment Texas report states:

2025 was a year that proved once again that chemical recycling, also known as advanced recycling, is an economic and environmental dead end. Despite industry claims of a circular plastic economy, the past twelve months have exposed a reality of hazardous waste, toxic emissions, and financial instability.

Using energy-intensive processes such as pyrolysis and gasification, these facilities claim to break down plastics to make new products. In reality, they primarily produce low-grade fuel while generating massive amounts of toxic byproducts. As of June 2025, 38 proposed chemical recycling projects exist in the U.S., with an additional 3 facilities under construction. This past year has proven why these facilities should not see the light of day.

Tomorrow is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup.
However, not sure if the City trash pickup may be delayed due to the recent snow.

Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night. More CVWMA information can be found at this link:
https://cvwma.com/cvwma-locations/richmond/

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In recycling news:

Check out CVWMA’s new Green Holiday Guide by clicking here.

A pact between the Southeastern Public Service Authority of Virginia and an AI-powered recycling company is expected to enable the technology to increase recycling and divert a significant amount of landfill waste.

In unsurprising news, a new report from Greenpeace USA reveals plastic recycling has largely failed after decades of being touted by corporations as a solution to the pollution crisis. The report uncovered that only a fifth of the 8.8 million tons of the most commonly produced types of plastics — found in items like bottles, jugs, food containers, and caps — are actually recyclable. Moreover, plastic recycling rates in the United States have been cut in half since 2014, from 9.5% to roughly 5–6% today. The report concludes that plastic recycling is no more of a viable solution now than it was in the 1950s.

Tomorrow is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup.
However, the City trash pickup may be delayed a day (maybe Thursday?) due to the Veterans Day holiday.

Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night. More CVWMA information can be found at this link:
https://cvwma.com/cvwma-locations/richmond/

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In recycling news…America Recycles Day 2025 is November 15th- from CVWMA:

America Recycles Day November 15 is a day to celebrate recycling’s impact on the environment, our communities and the economy. We have a lot to celebrate here in Central Virginia! Since 1990, the region’s residents have recycled more than 3 million tons with CVWMA!

♻️ Request a free poster to help your household recycle right: https://cvwma.com/cvwma-education/america-recycles-day/

Also, scientists at Beijing University of Chemical Technology announced that they have developed a framework that uses machine learning to identify enzymes capable of breaking down thermoset polyurethanes (PU). This may offer a pathway toward developing new techniques for recycling packaging materials.

Tomorrow is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup.
Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night. More CVWMA information can be found at this link:
https://cvwma.com/cvwma-locations/richmond/

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In recycling news… WasteDive reports that China’s new pulp import restrictions create ‘black swan event’ for OCC, and the announced restrictions on dry-milled recycled pulp imports could set the table for a full ban on the material.

Tomorrow is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup.
Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night. More CVWMA information can be found at this link:
https://cvwma.com/cvwma-locations/richmond/

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

Don’t forget the recycling fair this weekend…

In recycling news, researchers have developed a method to break down PET, Polyethylene terephthalate, one of the world’s most widely used plastics, using mechanical forces instead of heat or harsh chemicals. Published in the journal Chem, their findings demonstrate how a “mechanochemical” method — chemical reactions driven by mechanical forces such as collisions — can rapidly convert PET back into its basic building blocks, opening a path toward faster, cleaner recycling. Sounds hopeful, but time will tell…

Tomorrow is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup.
Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night. More CVWMA information can be found at this link:
https://cvwma.com/cvwma-locations/richmond/

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In recycling news,

Tomorrow is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup.
Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night. More CVWMA information can be found at this link:
https://cvwma.com/cvwma-locations/richmond/

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In recycling news, a regional trash hauler is seeking 25-year pickup contracts from cities and counties in the southeastern area. It is also finalizing negotiations with a disposal company that uses AI and robotics to sort trash. Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) is asking South Hampton Roads cities and counties to renew their trash contracts for 25 years instead of an upcoming 10-year extension.

This Wednesday is a “Red Wednesday”, which usually means trash and recycling pickup, but because of the recent Labor Day holiday, pickups will hopefully move to Thursday.
Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night. More CVWMA information can be found at this link:
https://cvwma.com/cvwma-locations/richmond/

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In recycling news, communities worldwide are promoting environmental sustainability with the recognition of Zero Waste Awareness Week during the first full week of September. The initiative, which began in the United Kingdom in 2008, encourages reducing, reusing, and recycling to minimize waste.

Everyone is encouraged to:
Refuse products that create excessive or non-recyclable waste.
Reduce dependence on single-use items.
Reuse, recycle, or repurpose materials whenever possible.

Tomorrow is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup.
Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night. More CVWMA information can be found at this link:
https://cvwma.com/cvwma-locations/richmond/

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In other news…
Save the date for the City of Richmond’s E-Cycle Day!

WHO: The Department of Public Works, The Clean City Commission, and The Department of Public Utilities

WHAT: Richmond E-Cycle Day – More than Electronics!
For Richmond Residents, no business or commercial items accepted

WHEN: Saturday, September 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: 1710 Robin Hood Road (23220) northeast corner of Robin Hood Road and Arthur Ashe Boulevard

BACKGROUND: The City of Richmond’s E-Cycle Day event offers City residents an efficient option to recycle paper, household hazardous waste items and electronics to help keep hazardous waste materials out of city waterways, streams and rivers.

This event is available to city residents – proof of residency is required.

Please note, this is a drive-thru event. Volunteers will remove items from the cars.

Paper Document Shredding

Up to five (5) boxes of documents
Be sure to remove all binders, staples, and clips

Electronics (various fees apply)

Computer systems (hard drive or CPU) and accessories (cables, wires, keyboards, mice, speakers, etc.) VCRs, camcorders, stereos, and all phones
Televisions, computer monitors and printers
Other used electronic equipment (almost anything with a plug – see the online list for clarification, use the link below)
Get the list of fees and the full list of electronics to recycle
Go to www.rva.gov/public-works/clean-city-commission

Household Hazardous Waste Items (HHW)

Oil-based Paint
Bug spray, pesticides, rodent poison, and herbicides (Roundup, Weed B Gon etc.)
Latex and water-based paints will not be collected. These items can be left in open paint cans until they have dried out and then put in with regular curbside trash pick-up.

For more information on recycling or the event, please visit www.rva.gov/public-works/clean-city-commission or email AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

Tomorrow is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup.
Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night. More CVWMA information can be found at this link:
https://cvwma.com/cvwma-locations/richmond/

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In recycling news, cities and facility operators are increasingly turning to AI for recycling education. For example, “Los Angeles is seeing success with an organics chatbot and Oscar Sort is scaling its camera technology.”