City of Virginia Beach Waste Management Division

09/09/2021

The City is looking for volunteers for the International Coastal Cleanup at Lake Windsor/Mount Trashmore Park. The cleanup will be from 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM on Saturday, September 18.

If interested, email [email protected] to register.

Some additional cleanup opportunities for International Coastal Cleanup Day:

Owls Creek with Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
https://vbforms.seamlessdocs.com/f/5rkbo5nu2ybw

Lake Holly with Lynnhaven River Now! This is a kayak focused cleanup with limited land opportunities. https://lrnow.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/january-waterway-cleanup-at-moca

The City is looking for volunteers for the International Coastal Cleanup at Lake Windsor/Mount Trashmore Park. The cleanup will be from 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM on Saturday, September 18.

If interested, email [email protected] to register.

Some additional cleanup opportunities for International Coastal Cleanup Day:

Owls Creek with Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
https://vbforms.seamlessdocs.com/f/5rkbo5nu2ybw

Lake Holly with Lynnhaven River Now! This is a kayak focused cleanup with limited land opportunities. https://lrnow.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/january-waterway-cleanup-at-moca

09/07/2021

Reminder: At the City of Virginia Beach Landfill and Resource Recovery Center any trailer that is over 10 feet or has a dump bed will be turned away and not allowed access. #CityofVirginiaBeach

Reminder: At the City of Virginia Beach Landfill and Resource Recovery Center any trailer that is over 10 feet or has a dump bed will be turned away and not allowed access. #CityofVirginiaBeach

09/01/2021

The Waste Management office and West Neck Recycling Center will be closed on Monday, September 6 in observance of Labor Day.

Waste Collection, Recycling Collection and the Landfill and Resource Recovery Center will follow their normal schedules next week.

In observance of the Labor Day, most city offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, September 6. Visit https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/communications-office/citypage/Pages/2021-Labor-Day-Operating-Schedule.aspx for a detailed schedule.

08/31/2021

Good News: VB boy and truck-driving fairy godmother spread kindness

Need a positivity boost today? Check out this morning's #GoodNewsforGoodMorning with WAVY TV 10 about TFC's very own truck-driving fairy godmother, 👑 Inger Goss.

In today's Good News for Good Morning, we take you to Virginia Beach to meet a special young boy and his truck-driving fairy godmother who are spreading a message of kindness.

08/27/2021

Recycling collection will continue into Saturday and it will take most of the day to finish out the week. Please leave your blue recycling carts at the curb if they have not been collected yet.

Why is your recycling collection late?

The delays in recycling service are caused by a severe driver shortage. The demand for the delivery of commercial goods has increased the demand for qualified CDL drivers. Many have left their jobs within municipal governments and private contractors to go drive for large corporations. The CDL shortage is a nationwide problem but more noticeable on the regional scale when recycling is not collected on the normal day. Our contractor, TFC Recycling, is actively recruiting, hiring, and training new drivers while working to retain their seasoned drivers. The numbers simply aren’t there yet. For TFC to complete their routes they need no less than 15-18 drivers to cover the 20+ routes a day in Virginia Beach. Most days they only have 10-12 drivers. Unfortunately, delays will continue until they are fully staffed and when those drivers become more familiar with their routes. TFC supervisors are out collecting to help with those numbers. COVID has only exacerbated this issue.

City leadership has met with TFC’s owners to express disappointment in their service and to make sure they are taking proactive steps to solve the problem. For over 25 years they have provided wonderful service to our residents so we are showing much grace as they work through these challenging times. They are working hard through their weekends to make sure residents get serviced until they can get back to the TFC standard. We understand the frustration and appreciate your patience as we work to make sure you are serviced. If you are missed please contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone at (757) 385-4650 so that we can put a work order in for TFC to return.

Recycling collection will continue into Saturday and it will take most of the day to finish out the week. Please leave your blue recycling carts at the curb if they have not been collected yet.

Why is your recycling collection late?

The delays in recycling service are caused by a severe driver shortage. The demand for the delivery of commercial goods has increased the demand for qualified CDL drivers. Many have left their jobs within municipal governments and private contractors to go drive for large corporations. The CDL shortage is a nationwide problem but more noticeable on the regional scale when recycling is not collected on the normal day. Our contractor, TFC Recycling, is actively recruiting, hiring, and training new drivers while working to retain their seasoned drivers. The numbers simply aren’t there yet. For TFC to complete their routes they need no less than 15-18 drivers to cover the 20+ routes a day in Virginia Beach. Most days they only have 10-12 drivers. Unfortunately, delays will continue until they are fully staffed and when those drivers become more familiar with their routes. TFC supervisors are out collecting to help with those numbers. COVID has only exacerbated this issue.

City leadership has met with TFC’s owners to express disappointment in their service and to make sure they are taking proactive steps to solve the problem. For over 25 years they have provided wonderful service to our residents so we are showing much grace as they work through these challenging times. They are working hard through their weekends to make sure residents get serviced until they can get back to the TFC standard. We understand the frustration and appreciate your patience as we work to make sure you are serviced. If you are missed please contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone at (757) 385-4650 so that we can put a work order in for TFC to return.

08/26/2021

🔥OOPS. Another fire hazard has made its way into our facility.

❌Propane tanks, aerosol cans, and batteries should not be placed in the recycling bin because they can cause truck fires which are very dangerous for our drivers and plant workers.

💚Thank you for helping keep our employees safe by recycling right this summer.

08/25/2021

The West Neck Recycling Center will be temporarily closed tomorrow morning, Thursday, August 26, while the compactors are being serviced. We anticipate this to be from approximately 7 AM until 9 AM but it may be closed slightly beyond those times. Thank you.

📷 John-Henry Doucette

The West Neck Recycling Center will be temporarily closed tomorrow morning, Thursday, August 26, while the compactors are being serviced. We anticipate this to be from approximately 7 AM until 9 AM but it may be closed slightly beyond those times. Thank you.

📷 John-Henry Doucette

08/20/2021

Why can't ❌ plastic bags go into the recycling bin?

Beneath this mess is an important piece of sorting equipment called a mechanical screen.

Mechanical screens help sort through recyclables. Nonrecyclable items such as hoses, tarps, and plastic bags get tangled around the shaft of a mechanical screen and must be removed by hand. #recycleright

Why can't❌plastic bags go into the recycling bin?
Beneath this mess is an important piece of sorting equipment called a mechanical screen.

Mechanical screens help sort through recyclables. Nonrecyclable items such as hoses, tarps, and plastic bags get tangled around the shaft of a mechanical screen and must be removed by hand.

♻️Share this with a friend to help them #recycleright

08/19/2021

West Neck Recycling Center may have a delayed opening tomorrow, Friday, August 20. There may be a slight wait at the gate if you get there right at 7 AM.

📷 John-Henry Doucette

West Neck Recycling Center may have a delayed opening tomorrow, Friday, August 20. There may be a slight wait at the gate if you get there right at 7 AM.

📷 John-Henry Doucette

08/18/2021

Please be aware that TFC Recycling is still operating on a delay.

What this typically means is that there are a handful of neighborhoods with recycling uncollected at the end of the day. They collect this first thing the following morning. If your recycling cart isn't serviced on your normally scheduled day please leave it at the curb the next morning.

They are usually done before noon that next morning. If it is after noon on the day after your collection day and you STILL haven't been serviced, we then recommend that you give us a call at (757) 385-4650 or email us at [email protected]. At that point we work with TFC to make sure they are aware of anything that they missed and that they collect it as soon as possible.

Thank you. We appreciate your patience.

TFC has new drivers training but is still working to fill positions so that they can better serve our City. If you or someone you know is interested one can apply here: http://www.tfcrecycling.com/employment.html

Please be aware that TFC Recycling is still operating on a delay.

What this typically means is that there are a handful of neighborhoods with recycling uncollected at the end of the day. They collect this first thing the following morning. If your recycling cart isn't serviced on your normally scheduled day please leave it at the curb the next morning.

They are usually done before noon that next morning. If it is after noon on the day after your collection day and you STILL haven't been serviced, we then recommend that you give us a call at (757) 385-4650 or email us at [email protected]. At that point we work with TFC to make sure they are aware of anything that they missed and that they collect it as soon as possible.

Thank you. We appreciate your patience.

TFC has new drivers training but is still working to fill positions so that they can better serve our City. If you or someone you know is interested one can apply here: http://www.tfcrecycling.com/employment.html

08/16/2021

Carolyn Likens, Motor Equipment Operator (MEO) II, Public Works

Years of Service: 17

"I began my journey at the City of Virginia Beach with Parks & Recreation/Landscape Services, eventually going to Public Works/Highways. I went from being a temp to a Groundskeeper (GK) I, to a GKII, to a MEOI, and now an MEOII. I have learned so much, met so many people, and have been given so much mentorship and opportunity. They want you to thrive, and I am proud to be where I am today. I love what I do. Granted, nothing comes without its challenges, but that’s what made me strive harder, especially being a woman in an all-male work field. I thank the City of Virginia Beach for every opportunity, and I’ll continue to work hard and strive for higher ground every step of the way."

#vbcareers #motorequipment #operator #publicworks #hiring #jobs #virginiabeach

08/05/2021

Atlantis Food Distribution

There is no shortage of volunteer opportunities in Virginia Beach. Volunteers are needed to help distribute food on August 7. More information and sign-up link below.

We will distribute food parcels at the Atlantis Apartment Complex. We do need your assistance to ensure distribution happens efficiently and we are able to help as many people as possible. With your help we hope to reach our mission of helping to bring hope to our communities. Volunteers please wear...

08/04/2021

Due to inclement weather, the West Neck Recycling Center is closed as are the recycling compactors at the Landfill. (The Landfill and Resource Recovery Center is open for all other items.)

Why? We handle a lot of cardboard and paper in these compactors and those items need to be dry in order for them to be recycled. Once wet, the pulping process begins and this makes that cardboard and paper unable to be recycled.

Due to inclement weather, the West Neck Recycling Center is closed as are the recycling compactors at the Landfill. (The Landfill and Resource Recovery Center is open for all other items.)

Why? We handle a lot of cardboard and paper in these compactors and those items need to be dry in order for them to be recycled. Once wet, the pulping process begins and this makes that cardboard and paper unable to be recycled.

07/30/2021

We've all gotten really good at this whole distancing thing over the course of this last year. Your trash and recycling carts need social distancing, too! Your carts should be three feet away from one another. If there is anything else nearby, such as a vehicle, carts should also be at least three feet away from those.

We've all gotten really good at this whole distancing thing over the course of this last year. Your trash and recycling carts need social distancing, too! Your carts should be three feet away from one another. If there is anything else nearby, such as a vehicle, carts should also be at least three feet away from those.

07/29/2021

Here's a great tip from TFC Recycling

Reducing waste is the first and most important step in waste management and one of the best ways to approach it is avoiding overpackaged items and excess plastic when shopping.

🤔Have you heard of precycling?

Precycling is a way to reduce waste by choosing unpackaged, reusable, or recyclable products while you shop. For example, choosing unwrapped vegetables over individually wrapped vegetables, or requesting paper bags at checkout.

♻️We love recycling, but remember reducing and reusing should come first!

Which items do you precycle?

07/28/2021

Update: The Landfill is back open as of 3:15 PM

The Landfill and Resource Recovery Center is closed due to severe weather. It will re-open when it is determined that we can return to safe conditions.

Update: The Landfill is back open as of 3:15 PM

The Landfill and Resource Recovery Center is closed due to severe weather. It will re-open when it is determined that we can return to safe conditions.

07/28/2021

Cool! 🐟🐠🚣‍♀️For decades, the Lynnhaven River was in such poor shape that it wasn't safe to eat the oysters and other fish caught there; however, through the efforts of the City, the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and groups like Lynnhaven River NOW, the river has rebounded.

Having an oyster roast? You can drop off oyster shells at the City Landfill and Resource Recovery Center at 1989 Jake Sears Rd. The shells sit and cure for months and are placed back into the water to build sanctuary reefs in Virginia Beach’s waterways. Sanctuary oyster reefs create habitat for hundreds of marine species, filter and clean surrounding water and provide a new home for baby SPAT (oyster larva) to settle and grow new shell. Restoring the native oyster population, one bushel at a time!

There are other drop-off locations at The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and Brock Environmental Center.

07/26/2021

Please do not place carts close to cars. Carts should be three feet away from any other object, including other carts, so that they can be serviced safely. Thank you!

Please do not place carts close to cars. Carts should be three feet away from any other object, including other carts, so that they can be serviced safely. Thank you!

07/20/2021

Putting your recycling in plastic bags chokes the sorting equipment rendering materials un-recyclable. Put recycling into your cart clean, loose and dry. Never any plastic bags.

Putting your recycling in plastic bags chokes the sorting equipment rendering materials un-recyclable. Put recycling into your cart clean, loose and dry. Never any plastic bags.

07/13/2021

The Washed Ashore Traveling Exhibit features collections of intricate, beautifully designed, giant sea life sculptures made entirely of marine debris collected from beaches. Impressive as it is tragic, this event is being hosted by the Norfolk Botanical Gardens now through October 31.

What items do you see in these art pieces?
As a side note: Not a single plastic item that you see here is accepted in your curbside recycling cart but every item you see could have been donated, reused or repurposed.

07/12/2021

From Trash to Treasure: 20 Recycled Crafts for Kids

When looking to inspire your kids’ creativity, search no further than your recycling bin!
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/top-trash-to-treasures-crafts-1254258

Recycle creatively with these trash to treasure projects and craft ideas. Try a few with your little ones before hauling your recycling bin to the curb.

07/08/2021

Please keep the water flow line clear at the curb. With the impending storm we do not want anything blocking storm drains or the water flow obstructed. Trash cans, yard debris bags and other objects out for collection should be away from the curb or above the curb line.

Please secure bulky items that could become windblown and make sure that lids on trash and recycling carts are securely shut. If you have Friday collection we recommend that you do not put your carts/items out until Friday morning (before 7 AM)

TFC will be doing their best to complete today's routes but if your recycling is due to be picked up today and hasn't been serviced by 7 PM tonight we recommend you pull your cart in. We expect the worst of the winds to be this evening. If needed have the cart back out at 7 AM on Friday as TFC will service incomplete areas first thing the next morning if needed.

Should we experience any delays in service we will let you know. Thank you.

Please keep the water flow line clear at the curb. With the impending storm we do not want anything blocking storm drains or the water flow obstructed. Trash cans, yard debris bags and other objects out for collection should be away from the curb or above the curb line.

Please secure bulky items that could become windblown and make sure that lids on trash and recycling carts are securely shut. If you have Friday collection we recommend that you do not put your carts/items out until Friday morning (before 7 AM)

TFC will be doing their best to complete today's routes but if your recycling is due to be picked up today and hasn't been serviced by 7 PM tonight we recommend you pull your cart in. We expect the worst of the winds to be this evening. If needed have the cart back out at 7 AM on Friday as TFC will service incomplete areas first thing the next morning if needed.

Should we experience any delays in service we will let you know. Thank you.