Frequently Asked Questions- How to Recycle

How to Recycle

Scroll down for the answers to these questions.

• What containers can I use to recycle?
• My house doesn't have a bin- how do I get one?
• Do I have to rinse out my food and beverage containers?
• Can I have another bin? What do I do with the recycables that won't fit inside my bin?
• My bin is broken/damaged- can I have another one?
• I seem to be the only one on my street that recycles.  How can I encourage my neighbors to recycle?
• My school/small business wants to recycle- can you help?
• Why can't apartments or townhouses receive curbside collection?

What containers can I use to recycle?

In addition to the bins and carts you can request from your municipality or CVWMA, you can use paper grocery bags, sturdy plastic totes, small trash cans- anything that's convenient for you to use. We ask that  containers LARGER THAN 40 gallons have a steel bar for easy tipping. They don't even have to be green!   Please remove any lids to these alternate containers before placing them at the curb. 

My house doesn't have a bin- how do I get one?

Call the Recycling Hotline at 340-0900 or go online to order one, or complete the online form to request a bin. Curbside recyclers eligible for service living in Ashland, Col. Heights, Henrico and City of Richmond can request a bin/or order one for no cost. Starting September 1, 2011 curbside recyclers eligible for service living in Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover must purchase bin(s) online. Bin deliveries can take up to 3 weeks after the request is made/

Do I have to rinse out my food and beverage containers?

Please do!  This prevents your recyclables from smelling or attracting rodents and insects.  Rinsing also maintains the value of the recyclable material.

Can I have another bin? 
What do I do with the recyclables that won't fit inside my bin?

Curbside recyclers living in Ashland, Col. Heights, Henrico and the City of Richmond can call the Recycling Hotline at 340-0900 or complete online request for additional bins. All other curbside program participants must purchase additional bins online.

The CVWMA encourages residents to use brown paper grocery bags or rigid containers such as plastic tote or small trashcan ; you can also use an alternate container of your choice over 40 gallons as long as it has a steel bar for easy tipping, to hold extra recyclables.  Please do not put the top or lid on the container.  We provide stickers to clearly mark your container for recycling to family members and drivers.  Complete the online form to request your free stickers.

My bin is broken/damaged- can I have another one?
If your bin is damaged and we send a replacement, please throw the old bin away.  While our bins contain recycled plastic, we are unable to collect and recycle them.

I seem to be the only one on my street that recycles.  How can I encourage my neighbors to recycle?

All homes eligible for curbside recycling service receive our annual mailing of the Curbside Recycling Collection Schedule in January.  This generally prompts many non-recyclers who want to begin recycling to call us. 

If your community publishes a newsletter or holds community meetings, contact CVWMA staff to inquire how we may be of assistance.  We can supply an article for your newsletter or give a presentation on the benefits of recycling. 

My school/small business wants to recycle- can you help?

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 varies by company. You may wish to contact several companies to determine the best service for your needs. Click on links provided here for additional school/university and business recycling resources.

Why can't apartments/townhouses receive curbside collection?

Curbside service is generally provided to single family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and quadraplexes. Townhome complexes are considered private property, so permission must be granted by the assoication before TFC Recycling drivers can enter parking lots. The size and layout of the parking lots can also make collection difficult for the drivers and acess by recycling trucks. Parked cars in front of homes decreases ability of the drivers to see bins/containers for collection.

For questions not addressed above, please call the Recycling Hotline at 340-0900 or email us.