Henrico County & Richmond's Dumping Regulations

As responsible citizens, we must protect the environment and public health by disposing of waste safely and properly. Improper dumping has the potential to contaminate soil, water, and air, harm wildlife, and contribute to global warming. It creates ideal breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests and causes respiratory and other health problems for nearby communities.

Henrico county dumping regulations provide valuable information on appropriate methods for disposing of various types of waste, ensuring the safe handling of hazardous materials, and identifying and reporting any unauthorized waste dumping.

Henrico county's dumping regulations

Collecting time

Solid waste is collected once a week, and recycling is collected every other week. Collection times vary depending on the location, but residents can find their collection schedule by visiting the county's website or calling the Department of Public Utilities. It is important to place trash and recycling containers for collection by 7:00 am on the scheduled collection day.

Labeling of waste

All waste containers should be labeled with the address of the property where they are located and the type of waste. This helps ensure the correct container is emptied and reduces the likelihood of confusion or missed collections. If a container is not properly labeled, it may not be emptied during the weekly collection.

Not disposing of in private and public areas

Disposing of solid waste or other trash in private or public areas, including sidewalks, streets, alleys, vacant lots, or other areas not designated for solid waste disposal, is illegal. Violators can be fined up to $2,500. Residents should only place their waste containers in designated collection areas.

Commercial waste

Businesses in Henrico County are required to dispose of their waste per county regulations. This may include arranging for private collection or using the county's commercial waste collection service.

Recycling

The county requires all residents to participate in the county's recycling program. Acceptable materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers, glass bottles and jars, and metal cans.

Container size and weight 

Waste containers are to be no larger than 32 gallons and no heavier than 50 pounds. This ensures the collection crew's safety and prevents damage to collection equipment.

Prohibited materials

The county prohibits the disposal of certain materials, including medical waste, hazardous waste, and explosives. Residents should contact the Department of Public Utilities for guidance on properly disposing of these materials.

Bulk item collection

Henrico County offers a curbside bulk item collection service for large items that cannot fit in regular trash or recycling containers, such as furniture or appliances.

What items can I legally dump?

• 
  Yard waste, including leaves, grass clippings, tree limbs, and brush, should be disposed of in designated areas. This prevents environmental issues like air and water pollution and safety hazards like fires and blocked pathways. Composting facilities, green waste recycling centers, and landfills are examples of designated areas.
• Household garbage, including non-recyclable items and food waste, must be disposed of in designated areas such as garbage bins or landfills. Separating recyclable materials from non-recyclable waste and properly bagging and sealing waste to prevent odors and spillage is essential.
• Construction and demolition debris, including concrete, bricks, and asphalt, can be disposed of in the designated areas.
• Large appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves, and washing machines can be disposed of in designated areas away from landfills.
• Tires can be disposed of in the designated areas, but there may be a limit on the number of tires that can be disposed of at one time.
• Electronics such as computers, televisions, and cell phones can be disposed of in designated areas such as e-waste recycling centers. Alternatively, old electronics still in working condition can be donated or resold.
• Scrap metal. Scrap metal waste refers to unused discarded material, such as old cars, appliances, machinery, building materials, and other metal objects. This waste is generated from various sources, including households, businesses, and industries.
• Batteries. Batteries such as car batteries, rechargeable batteries, and household batteries can be disposed of in household hazardous waste collection sites, retailer or manufacturer take-back programs, and recycling centers.
• Fluorescent bulbs and other lamps containing mercury should not be thrown in the regular trash. They can be disposed of in designated areas such as recycling centers, municipal collection programs, retail stores, or mail-back programs.
• Household hazardous waste, such as cleaning products, pesticides, and paint, can be disposed of in the designated areas during the county’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection events.

Is there a dumping fee?

Yes. The exact Henrico county dumping fees are affected by different types of waste. Below are some of them.

• 
  Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): $67.50 per ton
• Construction and Demolition (C&D) Debris: $39.00 per ton
• Brush: $36.00 per ton
• Appliances: $19.00 per item
• Tires: $3.00 per tire (up to 20 inches in diameter), $7.50 per tire (over 20 inches in diameter)

It is important to note that fees may be subject to change, and certain materials, such as hazardous waste, may require additional fees or have specific disposal guidelines. 

Why you should hire a junk removal business instead

• 
  Convenience. A junk removal business can conveniently pick up and dispose of waste. This saves you time and effort in transporting waste to designated areas.
• Safety. Handling large or bulky items, hazardous materials, or large amounts of waste can be dangerous and require special equipment or training. A junk removal business has the tools and expertise to handle these items safely.
• Environmentally responsible. Junk removal businesses often have partnerships with local recycling facilities or donation centers. This means that items that can be recycled or donated are diverted from landfills, reducing the environmental impact.
• Cost-effective. While there is a fee for using a junk removal service, it can be cost-effective. This is especially true for large or bulky items requiring a truck or special equipment.
• Peace of mind. Knowing that waste is being disposed of properly can give you peace of mind and eliminate any concerns about potential environmental or health hazards.

Look no further if you're looking for a prompt, reliable, and affordable junk removal service! RVA Removal is your go-to junk removal company. Contact us at (804) 728-8770 for a free quote and schedule your same-day or next-day junk removal service.