Reducing Waste
Reduce, Divert, Reuse
In our region, 71% of waste is sent to a landfill. Landfilled waste not only emits greenhouse gases, it can also pose a risk to public and environmental health. To minimize this risk, Charlottesville aims to sustainably manage our waste by following three steps:
- Reducing our consumption
- Diverting recyclable and compostable materials away from the landfill
- Reusing materials as much as possible
Recycling and Composting
Composting
Our goal is to divert 50% of Charlottesville’s organic materials from the landfill by 2030. To that end, the City offers multiple services for composting as well as support and tips to get you started. We aim to make composting - whether you live in an apartment or have yard space - easy.
- Composting at the City Market - available at the Composting Booth at the City Market through October
- Residential 24/7 Compost Drop-Off - for City residents only, make sure to sign up!
- McIntire Recycling Center - Operated by the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority
Visit the link for the full infographic
Recycling and Composting
Curbside Recycling
Charlottesville and Albermarle County's 2021 recycling rate was 47%, slightly above the state average at 43% and much higher than the 2018 U.S. national average at 32%. Help our city continue to improve its recycling rate by learning which materials you should and should not be putting in your bin.
What You Can Do
Reducing Waste is Easy
