Latest Posts

What Happens to Richmond’s Recycling? Debunking Myths on America Recycles Day

November 13, 2023 | Published by Elizabeth Hall

Elizabeth Hall represents the City of Richmond on the CVWMA Board of Directors. This article was part of a series that appeared on RVAHub.  The recycling process is regional, complex and evolving, sometimes making it hard for regular Richmond residents to confidently understand. Today, we’ll tackle some common questions and myths associated with our local recycling program. As a kid growing up in the 80s and 90s, I felt pretty... Read More

Celebrate America Recycles Day with CVMWA and Hardywood

November 9, 2023 | Published by Julie Buchanan

RICHMOND, VA — FACT: An aluminum can recycled today is back on shelves as a new can within 60 days. FACT: Recycling a single can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours. ONE MORE FACT: Aluminum is endlessly recyclable. These are the marvels worth celebrating on America Recycles Day, Nov. 15. It’s a time for educating and empowering each other to recycle more and recycle right. Central... Read More

Thrift-O-Ween: Let Creativity Run Wild with a Thrifted Halloween Costume

October 18, 2023 | Published by Julie Buchanan

The Halloween rack at Rumors Boutique goes on display in September. Spending on Halloween costumes in the U.S. is expected to reach $4.1 billion this year, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation. That’s more than any other year in the survey’s history. Discount stores remain the top source for costumes, followed by specialty Halloween stores and online retailers. While those places may offer convenience, there are downsides.... Read More

Richmond Recycles: What I’ve Learned as a CVWMA Board Member

October 6, 2023 | Published by Elizabeth Hall

Elizabeth Hall represents the City of Richmond on the CVWMA Board of Directors. This article was part of a series that appeared on RVAHub.  Have you ever wondered how your local recycling authority works, how it’s set up or why you can’t recycle certain materials? Well, consider today’s feature a CVWMA 101 course. I’ve always been down with the circular economy. I had to be. Growing up, my dad was... Read More

Cross-Cultural Connection: Recycling in Barranquilla, Colombia

September 20, 2023 | Published by Julie Buchanan

Silvana Puello speaks to school children in Barranquilla, Colombia, as part of the city’s “Recicla por Baq” program. We say it often: No two recycling programs are the same. For example, material accepted in CVWMA’s recycling program might not be accepted in programs in Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads. Recently, I had the opportunity to learn how recycling works a little farther afield — in Barranquilla, Colombia. This came about... Read More

Labor Day 2023 To Delay CVWMA Collections By One Day

August 28, 2023 | Published by Julie Buchanan

RICHMOND, VA — All CVWMA collections next week will be delayed by one day because of the Labor Day holiday. There will be no collections on Monday, Sept. 4. Trash pickup in Ashland, Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Petersburg will move to the following day. Red Week recycling collections also will move to the following day. Collections normally scheduled for Friday will occur on Saturday. To view holidays that will impact... Read More

11 Tips for Waste-Free Lunches

August 11, 2023 | Published by Julie Buchanan

If the kids are heading back to school, or you’re simply a grownup looking to go green, consider the ways you can reduce waste from school and work lunches. Small changes can make a big difference for the environment — and the wallet. 1) Choose a reusable lunch box or bag. Skip paper bags. 2) Ditch plastics that are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. We’re... Read More

Repurposing With A Purpose

August 11, 2023 | Published by Julie Buchanan

Henrico Community Food Bank Executive Director Sudeshna Das-Menezes (left) and Program Manager Lynn Williams. What’s green, has two handles and is perfect for storing boxes, cans and jars? The CVWMA recycling bin, of course! The Henrico Community Food Bank is reusing 20 of the old bins to collect shelf-stable goods for its mobile food pantry. Henrico County provided the containers, which were among those residents returned after the recent distribution... Read More

8 Steps to Turn an Old Recycling Cart into a Composter

July 13, 2023 | Published by Julie Buchanan

This article was contributed by Chesterfield resident Beth Rodgers, a certified Master Gardener and Master Composter. Wondering what to do with your green recycling container if no longer used for CVWMA recycling? Give it a new role in recycling by using it as a composting system! Composting organic waste (which means living or previously living material) makes an important contribution to the environment by reducing the methane gas that is... Read More

Recycling Heroes: Girl Scouts of Fort Gregg-Adams

July 6, 2023 | Published by Julie Buchanan

Members of Girl Scout Troop 5391 are the newest recipients of the CVWMA Recycling Steward patch! In order to earn the patch, youths must complete a project that teaches the values of reducing, reusing and recycling. The scouts chose to repurpose plastic milk jugs into birdfeeders and flower pots. The project taught them the importance of reusing materials that might otherwise become waste. Birdfeeders were hung near the scout hut... Read More
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