FAQ

Getting Started

How can I begin participating in the residential recycling program?
To determine if you are eligible for CVWMA’s curbside recycling program, enter your address in our customer self-service tool. If it shows in our database, you are eligible for service. If you can’t find your address and your home is new construction, contact CVWMA at 804-340-0900 to see if you can be added to the program.
I live in an apartment/townhouse complex. How can I recycle?
CVWMA drop-off recycling sites provide convenient recycling opportunities to homes not included in the curbside collection program.  The same material is collected in this program as in the curbside program. For more information about the drop-off recycling program, click here.

I will be moving soon. Does my new house have curbside recycling?
To see if you are eligible for curbside recycling, enter your address in our customer self-service tool. If it shows in our database, you are eligible for service. If you can’t find your address and your home is new construction, contact CVWMA at 804-340-0900 to see if you can be added to the program. If you are moving from a home that has curbside recycling collection, please leave your CVWMA cart at your old house.  The cart belongs to the home, not to you.

How to Recycle

What containers can I use to recycle?

Eligible homes are provided one 95-gallon recycling cart on wheels. To order a second cart, use the CVWMA self-service tool or call 804-340-0900.

Call CVWMA Customer Service at 804-340-0900 to request a container.

Do I have to rinse out my food and beverage containers?
Yes. Empty and rinse to recycle. This prevents your recyclables from smelling or attracting rodents and insects.  Rinsing also maintains the value of the recyclable material.
My cart is broken/damaged- can I have another one?
Report your broken or damaged cart through our self-service tool or call CVWMA at 804-340-0900 for assistance.
My school/small business wants to recycle. Can you help?
Residential (Curbside) recycling collection through the CVWMA program is only available to residences at this time. To coordinate recycling service to your school/university or business, you will need to contact a private company. Types of materials accepted vary by company. You may wish to contact several companies to determine the best service for your needs.

What to Recycle

What items can I recycle?
CVWMA accepts the following items: aluminum and steel cans, food and beverage cartons (empty, rinse and replace cap), glass bottles and jars (no metal lids or caps, no plastic caps attached to glass jars), office paper, mixed paper, newspaper, magazines, flattened cardboard, and kitchen, laundry, and bath plastics bottles, jugs and tubs (empty, rinse, and replace plastic cap to recycle).
Can I recycle shredded paper with my other accepted residential (curbside) recycling items?
No. CVWMA does not accept shredded paper. The paper shreds clog the machinery at the recycling facility, contaminates the glass processing and ends up as litter. Animal shelters can sometimes use shredded paper. Regular office paper is also compostable.
Can I recycle plastic bags, Styrofoam carryout packaging or food contaminated items?
We do not  accept plastic bags, Styrofoam carryout packaging or packing materials, or food contaminated  items. Plastic bags can be recycled at local grocery and retail stores.
Where can I properly dispose of or recycle things not accepted in the CVWMA residential (curbside) recycling or drop-off recycling programs?
For more information about recycling or reusing items not accepted in the residential (curbside) or drop-off programs, please visit our online Recycling Wizard.

When to Recycle

How do I know what day is my collection day?
Look up your collection day by entering your address in our self-service tool
Does my collection day change if there is a holiday?
On certain holidays observed by local, state, and federal offices, the CVWMA curbside recycling and trash collection programs may be delayed one day for the remainder of the week. See the holiday collection calendar.
How do I sign up for the curbside email reminder?
Look up your address in our self-service tool, then click “Request/Remove Email Notification.”
What do I do if my recycling isn't collected on the scheduled day?
Collection takes place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. If yours hasn’t been collected on your day by 7 p.m., leave your container at the curb. Report the missed collection within two business days through our self-service tool, or by calling 804-340-0900 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on business days.